Quality of Place Issues

The Greater Houston Partnership is actively involved with public policy issues that enhance the region's quality of life and quality of place. We are dedicated to creating a city that is clean, green and economically prosperous, a place that is environmentally and aesthetically appealing and that offers healthy recreational opportunities. Through the development of scenic enhancements, a direct, positive impact on this area's image as a quality place to live and do business will make Houston an even better place to live, work, learn and play.

Legislative Initiatives:

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

The Partnership supports the recommendations of the State Parks Advisory Committee: appropriations of all revenues generated by the Sporting Goods tax to the Parks system.

Click to learn more.

County Billboard Authority

Currently, counties have no authority to pass laws to prohibit construction of new billboards, nor does any other unit of government in areas outside municipal control. The Partnership supports new policy to give counties the option to designate roads - in the county's unincorporated areas - to protect from new billboard permitting so long as they provide notice of those designations to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Highway Landscaping

Reforesting Houston's freeways will enhance economic development, increase property values and tourism and improve visitor and resident attitudes toward the region. The Partnership asks that the state require a minimum of one percent of highway construction budgets to be devoted to landscaping by TxDOT as an ongoing authorization.

Federal Scenic Highways Program

Texas is the only state that is not part of the National Scenic Byways Program , and as such, is the only state that cannot access $26 million in federal dollars set aside for qualified projects. The Partnership supports creation of a state byways program that conforms to the federal requirements in order to access those funds.

Click here to learn more.

San Jacinto Historic District

The Partnership supports funds for the newly created San Jacinto Historic District and a public/private partnership in south east Harris County and the Houston Port region called Project Stars. This project brings enhancements to two significant historical assets of Texas: the San Jacinto Monument, and the Battlefield Republic of Texas was born here in 1836 and the Battleship Texas (BB35, USS TEXAS). In addition, this project will bring historical and roadway improvements along the Hwy 225 corridor.

Upcoming Events

Join the Quality of Life Advisory Committee at the upcoming 3rd Annual Visionary Awards Luncheon on September 25, 2008. Place to be determined. Details will be forthcoming.

Click here to learn more.

Throughout the year we host many Quality of Life events; including the Quality of Life Visionary Awards.

For information about how you can get involved, contact the Greater Houston Partnership at 713-844-3600.

Committees involved

In order to continue our efforts on environment and quality of place policy advocacy, we need your involvement. To learn what you or your company can do to assist us, call the Greater Houston Partnership at 713-844-3600.