Governing

Charlotte's light rail system has proven to be a major success in the city, spurring development and igniting the local economy. But as it expands, will the other communities it benefits join in the funding party?

As the cities in the arid Western United States face huge water shortages, officials and scientists are trying to convince the public that recycled wastewater can be clean and safe.

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

Conservatives and libertarians who admonish government spending and transit subsides still support new road and highway construction, and the state power and funding they typically require.

As cities get serious about addressing climate change, a new city position -- the sustainability director -- is taking office all over the country.

The cities of Vallejo, California, and McCall, Idaho, are considering filing for bankruptcy.

City rankings can be double-edged sword.

This article from Governing looks at the resurgence in popularity experienced by walkable urban areas and wonders is walking is truly making a major comeback in the United States.

This article from Governing looks at the state tax system and examines how states are taking steps to restructure their systems to ensure long-term viability.

Flint, Michigan, has undergone a significant depression in recent years, and the proof is in the hundreds of foreclosed and abandoned properties sprinkled throughout the city. But one man is leading the redevelopment of the struggling city.

According to columnist Ken Miller, government agencies can learn a lot from the television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".

Many big cities' plans for free citywide Wi-Fi networks fell apart in 2007. But this column from Governing argues that cities should keep broadband Internet access as a priority to remain competitive.

The engineering jargon name "light rail" is just not lovable. Maybe that's why the more familiar streetcar is gathering support in cities across the country, writes Alex Marshall in this column from Governing.

Last year, one-third of Amtrak trains reached their destinations behind schedule. Making passenger rail competitive with other modes will require massive capital investment.

U.S. cities are increasingly utilizing below-grade freeway to cover with parkland. Some 20 highway-deck parks are already open, with more in the pipeline.

As post-war development reaches 50 years of age, preservationists and local officials in Arlington, Texas, grapple with the question of what to preserve.

With residential development booming, Vancouver officials are concerned that the downtown is losing its commercial vitality.

Baseball team owners are having less and less success marketing their teams in new cities, or generating public funding for stadium construction. What gives?

Lagging in other sectors, public financing of state roads and other infrastructure services has increased.

Many Houston residents are none too excited about recent neighborhood development trends, and feel that the consequences could be dire for historically black neighborhoods.