United States

As part of a series of editorials outlining the priorities President Obama should tackle in his second term, The New York Times looks at how the federal government could help support the increasing number of American's in need of housing assistance.

December 6, 2012 - The New York Times

We've heard a lot about how local communities are becoming more creative in financing their key initiatives, as a gridlocked and debt-burdened federal government withdraws its assistance. One federal program, however, is providing valuable support.

December 5, 2012 - NRDC Switchboard

According to Haya El Nasser, cities across America have succeeded in attracting young professionals for over a decade. “They came, they played, they stayed,” she writes. But, she asks, will these Millennials stick around as they age and have kids?

December 5, 2012 - USA Today

An agreement between Forest City Ratner and NYC's labor unions has cleared the way for the construction of Atlantic Yards's next phase. The 32-story prefabricated apartment building will be the tallest of its kind in the world, reports Matt Chaban.

December 5, 2012 - The New York Observer

The U.S. Department of the Interior has cleared the way for what could become the first offshore wind projects in the country. Next year, lease sales will be offered on 278,00 acres of land off the coasts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Virginia.

December 4, 2012 - The Guardian

No other place even comes close for values of 4 bedroom, 2 bath single family homes. Five of the six priciest cities in the U.S. are located in Silicon Valley, with median home values ranging from $1.44 million to $1.7 million for #1 ranked Los Altos

December 3, 2012 - Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal

The Times delves deep into the financial incentives that cities, counties, and states dole out to corporations to lure jobs and economic development to their corner of the country. Just what does the $80 billion spent each year actually buy?

December 3, 2012 - The New York Times

The U.S. birth rate is now at the lowest recorded level ever - or at least since record-keeping began in 1920. Births were increasing but plunged after the 2007 recession. The biggest decrease is among immigrant groups, particularly Mexican women.

December 3, 2012 - Pew Research Center

The new American household is much like the old multigenerational household that existed before World War II, recent population trends show. And builders are responding by offering "bonus" and "flex" rooms, while circumventing outdated zoning.

November 30, 2012 - The New York Times

While the federal government has dithered on comprehensive programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions, states and cities have led such efforts. Climate change skeptics are now leading efforts to reverse state renewable energy mandates across the US.

November 30, 2012 - The Washington Post

Driverless cars, 'super elite" fliers, and more rail for everyone; these are among the predictions from experts for how travel in the United States will change over the next decade.

November 30, 2012 - CNN Travel

Using new analysis of recent US Census data, Richard Florida demonstrates that “[c]ities and regions where density is more concentrated near their urban cores — appear to gain the biggest economic advantage.” That, and a tad more happiness.

November 30, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

The Pentagon is building a "CyberCity" that simulates real communications and operations, reports Robert O'Harrow Jr. Government hackers will train to attack and defend the nation's critical infrastructure in cyberspace.

November 29, 2012 - The New York Times

Kaid Benfield shares the seven winners of this year's National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement, who were recognized by the EPA for protecting "the health and the environment of our communities while also strengthening local economies."

November 29, 2012 - NRDC Switchboard

Yesterday, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) was named the new head of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, replacing former chair John Mica. With MAP-21 expiring in less than two years, what can rail and bike/ped advocates expect?

November 29, 2012 - DC.Streetsblog

World climate talks convened in oil and gas-rich Qatar on Monday, and many eyes have turned to the U.S. Will it be receptive to a climate treaty in light of the devastation reaped on the Northeast by Superstorm Sandy? Can the world agree to a treaty?

November 28, 2012 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

It's not the proliferation of chain stores and restaurants making some of America's most geographically distant cities look more and more alike. Ironically enough, local vegetation is to blame, as the country heads towards ecological homogenization.

November 28, 2012 - The New York Times

The Public Interest Design Institute encourages architects to embrace participatory approaches in design that address complex social needs; demonstrating that it's possible to "make a career as an architect serving those who need the most help."

November 28, 2012 - American Institute of Architects

In the "Room for Debate" section of The New York Times, five experts debate whether the federal government should continue to subsidize the cost of coastal reconstruction in the aftermath of storms.

November 28, 2012 - The New York Times

Transit-oriented developments multiplied and held their values comparatively well in the housing crisis. In this article, Josh Stephens explores whether the trend will continue post-recession, or if sprawl is poised for a comeback.

November 28, 2012 - InTransition Magazine