Councilmember Peter Brown Lays Out His Ideas for Promoting Growth and Preserving Neighborhood Character at a Forum Hosted by the Urban Land Institute

Friday, February 20, 2009

On Thursday, February 19 Council Member Peter Brown participated in a panel discussion on development and land use in the City of Houston hosted by the Urban Land Institute.The other participants were also candidates in this year’s mayoral race: City Controller Annise Parker, former City Attorney Gene Locke, and Harris County Department of Education Trustee Roy Morales. This was the first time all four participated in a public forum together.

One exchange which highlighted the differences between the candidates centered on neighborhood development. Council Member Brown pointed out that fiscal responsibility is not just about spending less, it’s about using taxpayer dollars wisely. This means investing in projects that people will want to live in for years to come. It’s about building sustainable communities.

“I want to thank the Urban Land Institute for bringing the mayoral candidates together to discuss these issues that I have worked on my entire life,” said Council Member Peter Brown. “I hope the other candidates will now take a look at issues like standards for neighborhood development and clear codes for green buildings and make them a central part of their campaigns as we have.”

The forum was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Downtown at 1300 Lamar Street from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Rod Rice, who hosts Morning Edition every weekday morning on 88.7 FM, Houston Public Radio, moderated the forum.

See coverage of the event in the press at:

http://blogs.chron.com/houstonpolitics/2009/02/does_landuse_still_matter.html