Illinois

The first new residents of the Clublands subdivision were promised a neighborhood. Instead they live among half-finished homes, unpaved roads, and darkened street lights as the community's developer wrestles with bankruptcy.

The governor of Illinois and legislators outside of Chicago are fighting over transportation funding, which is delaying the bailout for Chicago transit.

Even with increased awareness of global warning and more focus on urban living, the process of outward development continues in cities across America -- driven by homebuyers' continuing desire to own a piece of the American Dream.

The city of Chicago has announced plans to green its 2,000 miles of alleyways by installing permeable ground coverings that will allow rainwater to seep back into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies.

Chicago struggles to overcome its battle with "food deserts" -- areas in the city with little or now access to groceries.

At a time when funding is a major concern, a congressional hearing later this month will look at the transportation needs of Chicago as it tries to win hosting duties for the 2016 Olympics.

The new program allows motorist to add time to their parking meter by dialing a toll free number.

Congestion problems are becoming more acute in Chicago, and local planners and policymakers are urging the city to get creative in the way they address the issues.

The report couldn't have come at a worse time, as Chicago prepares for fare hikes and transit cuts to make up for budget shortfalls.

A high-profile advertising campaign/contest is looking to bank on the coolness of historic preservation by inviting Chicago residents to vote for their favorite crumbling landmarks. The winner of the contest will receive $1 million in rehab funds.

Leaders of suburban cities and villages in northeastern Illinois are coming together to promote transit oriented development around commuter rail lines leading into Chicago.

Facing the prospect of not receiving crucial state funding, the Chicago Transit Authority has released a "doomsday" plan to guide the system's reaction to the budget shortfall. Some services would have to be cut, but not as many as expected earlier.

Though officials proposed several promising schemes, a lack of quickly executable plans knocked the region from contention for federal funds.

Chicago has plans to replace more than 50 high-rise public housing buildings, a renovation project that is expected to cost more than $1 billion. The plan has elicited criticism from housing advocates who argue that many residents will be displaced.

With expansion of nearby O'Hare Airport planned and moving forward, the suburban Chicago community of Bensenville is being slowly drained of residents and buildings to make way for the project. But some residents aren't going without a fight.

The city of Chicago has leased four parking garages to generate more than $122 million for improvements to the city's parks.

As transit agencies in Chicago and other metro areas deal with major budget deficits, a recent report evaluates other possible revenue sources to fund public transportation.

By creating market incentives for wetlands restoration, the Wetlands Initiative project aims to clean water, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce greenhouse gases.

Several communities have used ordinances to favor masonry over vinyl siding, but the practice is being challenged by a lawsuit arguing that the added cost prices out low-income minorities.

Despite big plans to make the city a national example for environmental friendliness, some say Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's measures have failed to produce the intended results.