This collection of 12 case studies puts to rest the idea that livability is an exclusively “urban” idea — small cities, towns and rural regions across the country are transforming themselves into more livable communities. Davidson faced a surge in population head-on by revitalizing its town center and improving transportation options, earning the 2004 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement from the U.S. EPA.

Our transportation investments and the built environment — what we build and where — have an enormous impact on our health and the cost of our health care. With the debate over health care reform dominating the news daily, Transportation for America and coalition members from across the country took that powerful — yet often ignored or neglected — message to Capitol Hill leaders with a “health fly-in” last Friday.

An overwhelming majority of Americans believe restoring existing roads and bridges and expanding transportation options should take precedence over building new roads, according to a survey sponsored by the National Association of Realtors® and Transportation for America.

1000 Friends of Connecticut, a non-profit organization advocating for smart growth and livable communities, has been making waves in the state with a series of forums on development and growth issues. (Hartford Courant — Regine Labossiere)

With a new bill signed on Tuesday by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California’s planning agencies gain new ammo in the fight against sprawl, carbon emissions, and climate change. (Associated Press — Steve Lawrence)

The Baltimore Sun presses Maryland’s state government to use more carrots and sticks to encourage smart growth and help protect the Chesapeake Bay.

A commitment to clean transportation and smart growth puts Portland at the top of SustainLane’s sustainability rankings for the biggest 50 U.S cities. (Christian Science Monitor – Eoin O’Carroll)

Transportation for America staff members talk to officials in Missoula, Montana, about building a program that empowers local communities and gives people cleaner and cheaper transportation options. (KPAX-TV)

Some big cities are finding out that requiring home and business owners to have parking available — and helping to create loads of artificially cheap spaces – may not be the smartest policy. (Associated Press – Sarah Karush)

Looking at factors that range from transportation and housing to innovation and investment, Ethisphere Magazine lists 10 large cities and 10 mid-size cities that are working to become “global sustainability centers” by 2020.