“Charlotte is just now being born as a metropolitan community. Sure, it's always been a city. But something bigger is happening now.

Banking's in turmoil. Textiles are gone. What must we do to survive and thrive? The Citistates Report team offers this advice: Go green. Develop vital city centers. Welcome the world.

What's the successful formula for downtown Charlotte and the region's centers, both historic and new?

Nearby town and city centers have much to contribute to the region.

Syndicated columnist Neal Peirce and colleagues Alex Marshall and Curtis Johnson give “outsider” views on the future prospects of U.S. urban regions.