Urban Growth The Houston region is expected to double in size by 2025! As we continue to grow, we MUST make sure we set aside green areas and maintain our parks to serve an ever growing population. Putting it off now means it will cost more later. Economic Development Higher pay is not enough to attract and maintain the best and the brightest of the market’s workforce to the Houston region. We must be able to offer a strong and healthy community, one that allows families to prosper personally as well as financially, one that offers tremendous quality of life. Parks for Everyone Regardless of where you live in the city of Houston, you have the right to enjoy the amazing natural resources that make up your community! Flood Control We know we have to create more detention areas for storm water containment. When possible, why not invest in making these areas serve the dual purpose of flood control AND recreation? Using land for two purposes is the most efficient use of Houston's tax payer dollars and will enhance access to recreation in all parts of the city. Air Quality Trees help reduce air pollution, noise pollution, and ‘cool’ the city. More shaded areas mean less heat, which lowers everyone’s cooling costs and slows ozone formation. Trees act as filters for pollutants, cleaning our air and making it safer for everyone to breathe. Health Parks and trails provide opportunities for people to ride their bikes, hike, walk their dogs, interact with their families and neighbors. They provide opportunities to exercise, which leads to improved fitness and health.  Hike and bike trails along bayous, land the public already largely owns for flood control reasons, is one of the most cost effective investment we can make in our community's health.