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I appreciate these surprise announcements about @TheIonHouston and the innovation district. It shows how deep the commitment to community input and engagement is for both the city and Rice Management Company. https://twitter.com/HoustonChron/status/1308400938277834757
This venture was announced in June, but there was no initial mention of Rice Management Company or the Fiesta location. https://houston.innovationmap.com/greater-houston-partnership-sylvester-turner-bring-greentown-labs-to-houston-2646174139.html
I'm a big fan of Juliana and I think she'll be true to her word in focusing on diversity, however that doesn't appear to be Greentown's strength. It's new for Houston. Which is exactly why there should be community involvement. https://houston.innovationmap.com/juliana-garaizar-of-greentown-labs-2646298711.html
We know how white the climate space is. We know how white the tech space is. We also know that building "a sustainable future for all" doesn't happen by accident.
Without a major shift in practices, it won't happen. The same communities will be harmed. https://houston.innovationmap.com/greentown-labs-houston-to-open-in-midtown-2647733928.html
Without a major shift in practices, it won't happen. The same communities will be harmed. https://houston.innovationmap.com/greentown-labs-houston-to-open-in-midtown-2647733928.html
Clean tech *should* be a major industry in Houston. Whoever is brought on to catalyze that work should either have
1) a track record that demonstrates the possibility of serving Houston's diverse communities, or
2) clear systems of accountability to those communities
1) a track record that demonstrates the possibility of serving Houston's diverse communities, or
2) clear systems of accountability to those communities
Anyway, I'm excited for the potential of this partnership. Despite the clear dangers of unchecked and unaccountable "disruptive innovation" I believe that this can be different if the City and Rice Management Company want it to be. And if we demand that it is different.
I look forward to learning more about Greentown Labs and their plans for the Fiesta space at their Thursday 4pm event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energybar-a-virtual-tour-of-greentown-houston-tickets-118041839319
Note that the suggested dress for Thursday's virtual event is business casual. 
All this is a reason why requests for proposals exist and why they're part of what the @hcedd_ tech entrepreneurship group has requested in a Community Benefits Agreement.
They're public. They're more transparent. And in Houston? Apparently nonexistent when it comes to tech.
They're public. They're more transparent. And in Houston? Apparently nonexistent when it comes to tech.
