Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: The End of “Planning By Pitchfork” in Houston

podcast icon logo

On September 30, Houston passed a new comprehensive plan, more than 14 years in the making, and ceased to be the largest city in the United States without one. Jay Crossley of Houston Tomorrow and Streetsblog Texas joins us this week to discuss Plan Houston and how it allows the city to stop "planning by pitchfork."

Houston is famously a city without much zoning. Hear Jay's thoughts about how this works to the city's advantage, whether locals oppose changes to neighborhoods as vociferously as people in other cities, and how different departments will now coordinate under Plan Houston.

We also discuss how the goals of Plan Houston were shaped, what got left out intentionally, what was jammed in at the last minute, and how it may change in the future.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: The Lost Subways of North America

Author Jake Berman discusses transit histories through the lens of racial dynamics, monopolies, ballot measures and overlooked cities.

January 15, 2026

A ‘Demographic Time Bomb’ Is About To Go Off — And the Transportation Sector Isn’t Ready

A top firm is warning that the "silver tsunami" will have big implications for the climate, unless U.S. communities act fast.

January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Shoot for the Moon

What if the U.S. spent anything near what it spends on highways on transit instead?

January 15, 2026

Is it Time to Try Congestion Pricing in San Francisco?

Congestion pricing has been an unqualified success in New York (and lots of other places). Why wouldn't it work elsewhere?

January 14, 2026

Analysis: What It Would Take To Put America First in Transit Again

No, it won't be easy. Yes, it can be done.

January 14, 2026
See all posts