<p>Critics of sprawl argue that sprawling, low-density development weakens social capital and the level of social interaction. A new working paper finds that these criticisms are unfounded, and in fact, the reverse is true.</p>
Dec 13, 2006 UCI School of Social Sciences
<p>Sixty years ago, chains like A&P and Woolworth transformed American citizens into consumers. Shedding this consumer identity is key to turning back the big-box tide, says Stacy Mitchell, the author of a recent book on mega-retailers.</p>
Dec 13, 2006 AlterNet
<p>A person must earn at least $28,475 a year to afford the fair market rent on a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. in 2006.</p>
Dec 13, 2006 CNNMoney
<p>While most cities are extremely reluctant to permit housing without parking, a few are taking steps to reduce or eliminate the typical requirements and allow developers to provide less parking and unbundle spaces from units.</p>
Dec 12, 2006 The New York Times
<p>Urban design, housing for homeless people, and planning for decreased population are highlighted in the New York Times Magazine's annual survey of innovative ideas.</p>
Dec 12, 2006 The New York Times
<p>A new study released by a University of Toronto researcher suggests that sprawl is not necessarily the cause of the obesity widely reported to exist in sprawling areas, but rather obese people may simply be attracted to sprawl.</p>
Dec 12, 2006 The Chicago Tribune
<p>Land has been purchased for what will be Oakland's fourth cohousing project, a collection of about 33 housing units with an underlying purpose of cooperation and community. Similar community housing projects are cropping up across the country.</p>
Dec 12, 2006 The San Francisco Chronicle
<p>Buyers from other parts of the country are threatening to snap up the supply of homes before they can get to storm victims.</p>
Dec 11, 2006 The Clarion-Ledger
<p>The "housing bubble" isn't the only threat facing the U.S. economy: the problem is compounded by the securitization of risky mortgages on international money markets -- which are going to be in trouble as defaults increase.</p>
Dec 11, 2006 Money Week
<p>A growing number of exclusive gated communities in remote areas, dubbed "The New Ruralism", is raising eyebrows among planners, environmentalists, and local residents.</p>
Dec 11, 2006 Utne Reader
