Houston is in a tough moment. Widely perceived by people in other places as an unhealthy and uninteresting place to live, the Houston region is also probably the last in the United States to marshal the energy and intellect to do the innovative things to create a place that can compete in the world of talent and knowledge.



But there are forces bubbling throughout the region that have a vision for a Livable Houston to challenge other leading cities in America and even the world. The purpose of 1000 Friends of Houston is to provide a means to express that vision and to contribute financially to the initiative to make Houston a better place to live.



One of the most powerful efforts to do that is the Blueprint Houston project to move the City of Houston to a general planning process based on citizen vision, values, and goals. That project was begun by 1000 Friends of Houston with a call for a such a process on September 1, 2001. (for more on that and to see the original ad and arguments, see "Houston needs a plan" above)



For the past two years, the regional Livable Houston Initiative has intensively and broadly explored the patterns of change in America and elsewhere. It's become quite clear that there is a fast-emerging pattern of basic principles for smart growth metropolitan strategies. To bring about the changes that can clear away the bad air and bad image of our region and support the creative and capable people who see new pathways to Houston's future, the Initiative needs greatly increased financing .



1000 Friends contributing $100 each - or more - will escalate the ability of the Livable Houston Initiative to do the research and paint the picture that is necessary to go to the next place.