Quebec is notorious for its lavish subsides designed to lure business. But with transparent accounting and a cost-benefit ratio of 3.74 to 1, the province's economic development agency makes sure taxpayers know what they are getting for their money.

Planners in Arlington, Virginia want to allow rental units in single family neighborhoods, but residents are strongly opposed to the proposal, many of them worried that the units will attract low-income immigrants.

Architects in Baltimore are arguing that the city should build its new arena near its other sports facilities, freeing up the old location for redevelopment that can help revitalize its downtown.

After an avalanche drastically cut the supply of electricity, residents the Alaskan capital of Juneau cut their power consumption by almost 40 percent in a few weeks. Now the city is gaining attention as a leader in energy conservation.

North Carolina bills itself as the "good growth state." But as North Carolina's population heads toward 10 million, the state's low-density pattern of development is straining the infrastructure.

Rising gas prices are pushing more and more Oregon drivers out of their cars. High public transit ridership figures and a reduction in vehicle-miles traveled suggest former drivers are now using transit instead of driving.

This article from Grist looks at the city of Phoenix as it teams with Arizona State University to shift the city's direction from endless sprawl to a smarter, more environmentally-conscious growth pattern.

This article from Governing looks at the role of higher education and medical facilities in keeping urban areas alive.

The city of Omaha, Nebraska, has announced plans to build a network of bike lanes throughout the city, boosted by private contributions of more than $600,000.

With high foreclosure rates and growing numbers of residents delinquent with their dues, many homeowners associations are having a hard time paying for repairs and amenities.

The automaker has announced plans for a fully-electric vehicle by 2010, and says it wants to lead the industry towards zero-emission vehicles.

A New Jersey town along the one of the state's light rail line has rejected a plan for adding new mixed-use residential to its downtown, for fear of new development threatening its main street's historic character.

Celebrated for its livability and character, the city is increasingly unaffordable to the very people who gave Seattle its funky vibe.

Plenty of quality parks -- along with good weather to enjoy them -- gives these cities the edge when it comes to outdoor enjoyment. San Francisco, which spends the most per capita on parks, ranks first.

After personally taking up cycling and seeing the city's poor reputation among cyclists firsthand, Mayor Thomas Menino is leading a campaign to make Boston a more bicycle-friendly city.

The northern California city of Vallejo has declared bankruptcy, becoming one of few cities and the largest in the state to do so. Other struggling cities are watching closely to see if the strategy helps to save the city.

Pubilc art should be guided by public input, according to this commentary.

Homebuilders have been removed from the language of a transportation funding bill that would have required developers to pay for new roads.