Is this about the Z word? No, this isn’t about zoning - it’s about devising a vision and a plan. Mostly, such a plan is about the public realm – the streets and sidewalks, parks and squares, public buildings, public transit, public housing, municipal services, water drainage, and more. Modern planning principles actually struggle against traditional zoning codes that separate uses and make our daily lives less convenient, less equitable, and more expensive. Everyone is aware of the need to protect individual rights, while improving the safety and well being of the whole community. Of course, no one can foresee what our com-mon desires may be, and a variety of tools will be needed to achieve those desires. A comprehensive plan could establish preferred patterns of development and support for that could come from corresponding public investment decisions, but zoning is not necessarily a given at the outset. In any event, the whole community will decide.

Why does Houston need a plan? What is a comprehensive plan? What are the benefits? Who decides what’s in it? How do you create a comprehensive plan? Is this about the Z word? Connecting our visions What can I do? Some issues to study Suggested milestones for the plan