United States

Nations like Denmark are leading the world in producing renewable energy. But the transition to renewables doesn’t just amount to the number of solar panels or wind turbines that can be built, it takes a smart grid to maximize their potential.

June 21, 2012 - THE DIRT

Efforts to alleviate urban food deserts has focused on the proximity of healthy food choices as a correlating factor for obesity. However, a new study concludes that price, rather than proximity, has a stronger correlation to rates of obesity.

June 20, 2012 - The Washington Post

Young, educated city natives are being forced to pit their financial needs against their geographic desires in a battle against gentrification.

June 20, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Integrated food systems planning is a cornerstone of efforts to create healthy and sustainable communities across America. Kimberley Hodgson summarizes recent research conducted by the APA that evaluates which communities are leading the way.

June 20, 2012 - APA Sustaining Places

As yet another deadline for reaching agreement on federal transportation legislation approaches, Ben Goldman takes measure of the ominous signals emanating from negotiators.

June 20, 2012 - Streetsblog D.C.

While some may argue that an award-winning parking project is any that doesn't get built, the International Parking Institute has identified projects from across the country that have taken parking lot innovation to the next level.

June 20, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Allison Arieff considers the next phase of the "American Dream," as the notion of trading in the ideal of the home as fortress for the home as part of a larger whole gains widespread traction.

June 19, 2012 - The New York Times

Recent studies on older generations' dwelling and travel patterns show that urban areas may provide more mobility and independence than suburban areas with less access to public transit.

June 19, 2012 - MinnPost

The Project for Public Spaces has compiled a "how-to" list for re-claiming your community's public spaces.

June 19, 2012 - Project For Public Spaces

Fast Company looks at America's lesser know tech hubs, "where some of the most innovative businesses and ideas are springing up in the least likely places."

June 18, 2012 - Fast Company

In his "Dream City" column, Will Doig looks at the attributes making tactical urbanism the hot revitalization trend for municipal authorities across the country.

June 18, 2012 - Salon.com

Battered for years by the Great Recession, declining state and federal support, and Congressional gridlock, the nation's mayors are expressing "cautious optimism," reports Lizette Alvarez.

June 18, 2012 - The New York Times

Shopping center landlords are having trouble renting their big-box spaces after the fall of Borders Group Inc., reflecting a larger shift in the way Americans shop, reports Kris Hudson.

June 17, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

Many U.S. airports are in need of significant overhauls, as terminals from the 60s and 70s can't keep up with current demand and expectations. Jad Mouawad explores the renovations and expansions transforming the nation's largest airports.

June 17, 2012 - The New York Times

This past week, the Cato Institute and Next American City played host to an energetic discussion of the role of housing and development policy in controlling the supply of affordable housing in American cities.

June 17, 2012 - Cato Institute

With home prices at their lowest in a decade and mortgage rates at historic lows, one would thing buying a home now would be significantly cheaper than it was five years ago. Not so, says a new study.

June 16, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

You're probably itching for a change of pace from relentlessly humorous stories we bring you every Friday. So, this week we're changing it up a bit, with the help of our friends at The Atlantic Cities.

June 15, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

Anne Marie Chaker reports on the emergence of the "shared backyard," in which a surprising number of neighbors are combining resources to create bigger gardens and more space to entertain.

June 15, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

A recent study concludes that investment in wildlife refuges leads to economic rewards.

June 15, 2012 - THE DIRT

A new report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released this week claims that sprawl is poised to make a comeback after a pause driven by the recession, and not lasting changes in lifestyle choice, reports Robbie Whelan.

June 15, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal