MSNBC

Density gives cities an edge, according to this study of commutes around the world. Hong Kong, Osaka, and Berlin all rank highly.

Some 12 million households now owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, leading economists to worry that foreclosures will continue to rise.

Cities around the country are beginning to think twice about having off-street parking requirements for every new development. Those who oppose these "parking minimums" say that it creates too much parking and stifles the growth of cities.

A large water desalination plant has been approved in Southern California, where water supplies are historically low and the population is high.

The National Bridge Inventory completed in the wake of the I-35W collapse in Minneapolis has revealed numerous gaps in data and delayed inspections at the State level.

In the oil rich Middle East, a new twin tower development is utilizing wind turbines installed between the buildings to generate up to 15 percent of the structure's energy needs.

A team of researchers has shown that in urban landscapes -- such as in the cracks of sidewalks -- plant species must evolve their reproduction habits to stay alive.

Getting to the airport is oftentimes a headache. But in these 10 American cities, easy transit access makes the trip before your trip a breeze.

State and local officials are angered over being left out of disaster planning measures, after the Bush Administration adopted a unilateral approach that concentrates planning authority in the White House.

New York and San Francisco are the American cities to make the list, compiled by the editors of Travel + Leisure magazine. Florence, Italy tops this year's list.

Houses built from used shipping containers are an increasing popular affordable housing option.

Investors are lining up to bid on American's transportation infrastructure, with many public sector managers happy to solve their budget woes.

Congressional investigators calculate the insurance risk of crop damage and flooding due to climate change.

High-tech garages and online applications promise to help ease motorists' parking frustrations.

While they flourish in Asia, huge shopping malls are losing their popularity in the U.S. to big box retailers. One way developers are reacting is by recreating the formerly all-commercial shopping experience to include a mix of uses.

The winning of a housing design competition sponsored by actor Brad Pitt end environmental non-profit Global Green USA demonstrates how eco-friendly architecture can remake New Orleans.

Despite years of efforts on the part of planners and governments to promote "smart growth", census data shows that the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. are "suburban, rural or a mixture of both."

The proposal would cut the entire $33 million currently dedicated to community health centers that many say provide critical resources to American Indians nationwide.

Salt Lake City offers free parking for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Observers say an emerging style of residential development is the use eco-friendly features in new housing projects.