Why is H-Town smiling?

Dallas ranks first, Houston second in the happiness factor, San Francisco lands dead last

News_I heart Hou_heart clouds Houston skyline_Feb 10

Houstonians' solid relationships with their friends and family contributed to the city's high ranking in happiness.

Photo illustration by Sarah Rufca

Houston, we don't have a problem. So says revered pollster Harris Interactive, which reports the results from a recent study of the country's 10 major markets in which 36 percent of Houstonians described themselves as "very happy."

That's ahead of the national average of 33 percent, but still only good enough for second place. Dallasites topped the list with 38 percent claiming to be very happy — that is at least until the Cowboys start their lurch towards a 6-10 season and plunge the city into a deep funk.

Houstonians seem to be a rather religious lot as 79 percent agree that "My spiritual beliefs are a positive guiding force to me," which is way ahead of the national average of 67 percent.

When it comes to national issues, 67 percent of H-town citizenry believes that their voices are not heard in national decisions. On average nationally, 70 percent of the populace feels it isn't heard.

One surprising statistic — despite Houston's strong economy, 62 percent worry about their financial situations and 39 percent find their work frustrating. Is that in conflict with the 79 percent of respondents who reported they're optimistic about the future?

One way we've got Dallas beat: Only 53 percent of Houstonians worry about their health compared to 59 percent in our northern neighbor. Way to go Texas Medical Center for keeping us healthy.

The next time a torrential thunderstorm snarls traffic on the Southwest Freeway or the mayoral candidates snipe at each other, take a deep breath and try to relax. At least we aren't living in San Francisco where only 28 percent of the residents are very happy.

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sustainability minded

World Cup's 14-mile Green Corridor will leave a lasting impact on Houston

Photo by Cindy Torres

Volunteers are making improvments to the Columbia Tap Trail in Third Ward.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee announced new details about the massive Green Corridor project this week, including the many improvements that will outlast the iconic sporting event taking place in Houston later this summer.

The Green Corridor will be a 14-mile long verdant artery connecting multiple major landmarks in Houston through safe, walkable paths that include shade trees and other improvements. First conceived in 2024 by the Sustainability Subcommittee led by Elizabeth Carlson, it will unite East Downtown, Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, and Third Ward through hike and bike trail as well as METRO Rail stops. Though the Green Corridor is beginning its life as a showcase for the city to visitors attending the FIFA World Cup June 14 - July 4, it will remain a permanent installation for Houstonians to travel the city without cars.

Management of the project is being handled by Impact Houston 26, a portion of the Host Committee empowered by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority’s Sports Authority Foundation to promote long-term benefits to the city after the World Cup. Funding partners include private corporations as well as civic organizations such as the City of Sugar Land and Rice University.

“The Green Corridor reflects what Impact Houston 26 is all about, using the FIFA World Cup as a catalyst to deliver lasting environmental benefits for our city,” Carlson said in a statement. “Through Impact Houston’s pillar on sustainability, we’re able to collaborate with local stakeholders to create not just demonstrations of resilience and innovation but education and engagement in the community, a meaningful legacy long after 2026.”

The corridor will provide access to both Houston Stadium (also known as NRG Stadium) and the FIFA Fan Festival, as well as improve existing paths like the Columbia Tap Trail in Third Ward. These improvements include the installation of shade structures, native plantings, expanding the tree canopy, air quality monitoring devices, and water and bike repair stations.

Impact Houston 26 is also working with local institutions like the Houston Zoo, Greentown Labs, and Discovery Green to install various educational materials along the Green Corridor. More information about this will be published later in the Spring.

Below is a breakdown of other improvements planned or completed as part of the Green Corridor.

Downtown Houston Main Street Promenade: Four permanent shade structures, native plants, and expanding the tree canopy by 154% to be implemented by May 2026. Further shade structures and plantings planned for Texas Avenue.
East Downtown Management District: Native tree plantings and landscaping in and around the FIFA Fan Festival site to improve first/last mile connectivity around the Green Corridor.
Columbia Tap Trail: Installation of 325 solar lights.
Stadium Park/Astrodome and TMC/Dryden plus Fannin South Transit Center: Various landscaping and safety enhancements.
Midtown Houston: $1.5 million in landscaping and beautification along the Red Line, including over 80 trees, native plantings, water stations, waste receptacles, crosswalk improvements, and public art installations.

The Green Corridor is only one of the World Cup Host Committee's sustainability initiatives. In January, it announced the "New Year, New Hou" program that certifies hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels with one of three certifications.

Houston will host seven matches from June 14 - July 4, including teams from Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

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