What is interesting as I study the current Census and align it with the "mythology" that Americans are a mobile lot and relocate in order to find work and establish urban areas often centered on certain industries - the Automotive industry - Detroit, Software/Technology - the Bay Area and so on, in reality the new economy is less about migratory patterns and about actual productivity and wealth building. Much of this is of course racial with Detroit being America's most segregated city. Between 2000 and 2009, six of them lost population – led, not surprisingly, by New Orleans. MORE >>

New York City (including the outer boroughs)gained only 127,000 in residents since the last Census. If there is ever a city that demonstrates the current two tier economy its this one. If you cannot afford to sustain your family on what is middle class wages in a major urban city the long term consequences it means for our cities are more Detroit's, bigger unwieldy suburbs and decline in City Schools and services. Below is an article from today's New York Times discussing the further decline of wages and the affect it has on family life. MORE >>

News, new developments and videos help keep readers up-to-date on construction trends. For Consumers 100K House: Although this blog began as a record of one team’s attempt to build a LEED Platinyum home for $100k, it has become a broader project that covers current work, insights, ramblings and more that is both entertaining and educational. Homeowner’s Blog: Follow this blogger as he rebuilds a run-down ranch house located in the southeastern Catskill Mountains of New York State. Let Gary Smith educate you on all aspects of green living and construction. MORE >>

I read this article today and thought "oh here we go the newest trend, green walls are the new black" (using that eponymous fashion term semingly appropriate). Like Green Roofs I like them aesthetically and principally in Cities and Urban areas where anything green is at a premium. And given our state of Education no wonder change is the new socialism. So enjoy this year's new black in the green fashioned world. Next week I am sure something new will come along. Buildings can be attractive, practical and efficient. Wow assigning levels of recognition. MORE >>

We are not the only city that suffers and currently our biggest problems are with again infrastructures that cannot handle the population, the change in climate and the simple fact they are OLD. Will they make a contribution to our City Light and Water Department for the increase in capacities that building will lead to? Are they taking measures to incorporate grey water and renewable energy sources as to not further deplete our cities municipal grids? Likely no and the City does not require such investment. Clean drinking water, quality health care and education. MORE >>