Peter's Accomplishments on City Council

As a Houston City Council Member, Peter Brown:

• After many years of delay, Council Member Brown took the lead in Turning the Lights Back On at the Iconic Mecom Fountain.
• Authored the precedent-setting Parks and Green Space Ordinance.
• Founded and chairs the Sustainable Growth Council Committee, which has initiated Houston's first "Green Waste" recycling program converting 50,000 tons of waste annually into compost.
• Led the effort to create a Houston General Plan which was initiated in early 2008. This is the first comprehensive plan in Houston since 1929. 
• Took a leadership role in creating the Old Sixth Ward Protected Historic District. This is the first example of a "protected historic district" in Houston. Peter has facilitated the creation of new Historic districts in The Heights, in Avondale, and in Shadowlawn.
• Instituted the first Community Gardens Urban Farming Program using excess city property. This effort replaces blight with community gardens in neighborhoods all over the Houston. 
• Prepared, at his cost, an Affordable Homes Plan Book of efficient, attractive neighborhood housing with front porch facade options.
• Assisted, as a board member and volunteer architect, Habitat for Humanity's Housing Program for Needy Families.
• Helped Houston develop a manual of Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for our Affordable Housing Program. 
• Initiated the Dry Bed Swales "pilot" project to improve drainage in many areas of the city. This is an innovative "low impact" streets project.
• Neighborhood Protection and Planning Regulations. The "Ashby Hi-Rise" controversy has dramatized the lack of effective regulation to protect and stabilize neighborhoods. Peter is working on regulations that protect historic structures and neighborhoods such as the Old Sixth Ward, the Second Ward, Third Ward, Fourth Ward, Independence Heights, Cottage Grove, Greater Sugar Valley, Community Gardens and others.
• Drafted New Flood Control Regulations that will better protect endangered neighborhoods and homeowners. 
• Instituted and led the fight for Green Building Code additions to increase energy efficiency. 
• Developed design and details for the Kirby Drive Beautification effort.
• Peter and his wife Anne, working with the Hispanic Fire Fighters Association, are Restoring Historic Fire Station 27 into a new Community Center in Houston's Historic East End.
• Sponsored the Drug-Court Program for Ex-Offenders through his City Council office.
• Supports an on-going effort to improve the lives of ex-offenders and Reduce Recidivism. Peter is working with the Mayor's office and State Senator John Whitmire on a "pilot" Re-Entry Programs and Ex-Offender Programs.
• Initiated, with Council Member Jarvis Johnson, the Lower Fifth Ward Model Neighborhood Plan, a master plan for a model mixed-income neighborhood.
• The Council Office has an ongoing program to assist Houston's Visual and Performing Arts Community, particularly museums, art galleries, and artists, the Houston Grand Opera, and various cultural groups.
• Council Member Brown has taken a leadership role in improving public safety. Outcomes at HPD MUST IMPROVE, using hi-tech scientifically-proven crime prevention and reduction programs such as COMPSTAT and CLEAR. 

Peter's Experience

A third-generation Houstonian, At-Large City Council Member Peter Brown is a prominent architect and urban planner with a distinguished career in public service and civic leadership. He knows and loves this city, and has a vision for its future. With his unique background and wealth of experience, Peter’s mission is Building a Better Houston.

• Co-founder of Houston Proud, the Main Street Coalition, and Blueprint Houston.
• Graduate degrees in architecture and city planning (M. Arch., M.C.P.). Adjunct professor of Urban Planning at TSU.
• Major project experience as an architect and urban planner in 38 Houston neighborhoods and in over 20 U.S. cities, including master planned communities and "urban villages."
• Successful businessman, real estate investor, and advocate for hi-tech economic growth.
• Long-time civic leader; board member on many charitable and civic organizations.
• Fellow of the American Institute of Architects(FAIA), the profession's highest honor.
• Certified urban planner, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
• United States Army veteran, a dedicated family man, with 5 children and 13 grandchildren, committed to strong family and neighborhood values.

Peter currently serves on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Inprint, Trees for Houston, The Main Street Coalition, Blueprint Houston, The Park People, The Gulf Coast Institute, Galveston Bay Foundation, and The Houston Grand Opera. Peter is an "Ex Officio" member of the Greater Houston Partnership Quality of Life Committee. 

His work for the City includes the planning/development, parking, and landscape ordinances; establishment of Tax-Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs), amendments to Chapter 42 - the Development Ordinance, Signage/Billboard and Historic Preservation Ordinances, the beautification of Buffalo Bayou, fire stations, City parks, affordable housing, and the renovation of the Riverside Health Clinic. He is the sponsor of The Houston General Plan, in progress, the City’s first comprehensive plan since 1929.

As a volunteer for civic groups, he has worked on community planning, renewal of deed restrictions, flood control, blight and nuisances, solid waste management, air quality standards, safe streets, CDC housing projects, beautification and preservation of green space.

As an At-Large Council Member, Peter Brown is an ardent spokesperson for quality of life issues, “smart” development, historic preservation, protection of neighborhoods, more efficient municipal services, urban redevelopment, improved public safety, “smart” transportation/rail transit, more parks and green space, and building a protocol of urban planning and design among our citizens.