Michael Dudley

<p>A visit to Toronto -- Canada's largest city -- reveals what urban life can and should be, writes Olga Bonfiglio.</p>

<p>In this video clip, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown discusses how presidential politics are unduly influenced by rural power, at the expense of the interests of cities.</p>

<p>Numerous foreclosures and vacant properties mean dramatically reduced property and sales tax revenues and hence significant budgeting shortfalls.</p>

<p>Richard Florida's latest research shows that vibrant music "scenes" -- or a city's "audio identity" -- are good indicators of urban vitality.</p>

<p>Among Alternet's top 10 positive trends in 2007 are raised environmental consciousness; U.S. mayors taking the lead in climate change regulations and a "waste-free" plan for the Indian state of Kerala.</p>