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.

A new study from the Brookings Institution says that Ohio needs to strengthen its cities while pulling back from the sprawling development patterns that have characterized much of its recent growth. (Columbus Dispatch — Joe Hallett)

Cato Institute Senior Fellow Randal O’Toole attacks planners and smart growth, vilifies public transportation, and defends auto-centric development and sprawl in his new book. (Marketwire)

California took a big step towards curbing sprawl and carbon emissions through the passage of a new smart growth bill, but the legislation’s impact will be limited unless the state ensures that public transportation is adequately funded. (Beyond Chron — Casey Mills)

Bill in California to combat sprawl and climate change nears final approval. (New York Times — Felicity Barringer)

A columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says that residential development that values density, easy transportation, and mixed-use neighborhoods is gaining ground in North Texas.

With California on the verge of approving landmark legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions and sprawl with more compact development, the Los Angeles Times urges Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to pick up his pen and make it official.

The mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, is pushing to make the city’s main thoroughfare a haven for businesses and pedestrians. (The State — Jeff Wilkinson)