Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

This commentary from the Austin American Statesman argues that the city's aim to become the country's most livable city is undercut by its low number of community gardens.

This commentary argues that, though it may not be called "zoning", Houston has plenty of land use restrictions and guidelines.

As proposals for big-box retail projects mount in New Orleans, many small business owners who are returning to the city worry about the coming competition. A documentary is currently being filmed about the recovering city's business atmosphere.

Officials in Oklahoma is hoping to woo the Seattle Supersonics to relocate in Oklahoma City by offering tax incentives. One politician is hoping to advance plans for a light rail transit system by planting the idea with team officials.

With planning likely to become a major issue in next year's mayoral campaign, a recent survey shows that most residents would support new rules -- including possibly land use zoning -- to manage the region's sprawling development.

Officials in El Paso, Texas have been working with state and federal officials on a plan to bring rapid transit to the city within three years.

Mixed-use projects are all the rage, but often times, the ground floor retail storefronts remain empty long after residents have moved in.

A year-late plan by the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the Louisiana Gulf Coastline is being slammed by critics.

The city wants to remove unused warehouses and port-facilities and open up several miles of its riverfront for public enjoyment.

A Canadian's perspective on the "planner-free" city of Houston, America's fourth most populous city.

With little evidence of progress in the city's 17 designated recovery areas, residents grow ever more frustrated with local officials.

Federal and state environmental guidelines have been waived by the Federal government to fast-track construction of nearly 700 miles of fencing along the U.S. Mexico Border.

One year after the city announced its broad redevelopment plans, many are unhappy with the rate of recovery in New Orleans.

Sixteen percent of all American moving between July 2006 and July 2007 headed to Texas according to Census data released March 27. Four Texas regions were among the top ten destinations, mostly in the South and West.

A 15-member "live music task force" will begin work to try to encourage the growth of a musical economy in Austin, Texas.

This report from NPR looks at the efforts of one educator to help rebuild communities in New Orleans by rebuilding the city's charter school system.

The vast levee system under construction by the Army Corps of Engineers may not be sufficient to protect New Orleans as the climate continues to change.

Actor Brad Pitt's efforts to rebuild housing in New Orleans are not just flashy PR, but rather a reminder that architecture can make a difference, according to this article from Metropolis.

The small Arkansas town of El Dorado has experienced an economic rebirth since an oil company offered to pay college tuition and fees for all graduating high school seniors.

Proposed housing developments in the urban core of Waco, Texas, have given many in the city high hopes for a denser, more vibrant central city.