East and south coast US states are improving their ports and intermodal infrastructure, as the widening of the Panama Canal nears completion.

Two recent public-private partnerships have significantly improved railway infrastructure in the US, opening up routes between east coast ports and major cities in the east and mid-west. 

As spending cuts are made by local governments throughout the Western world, art funding is often one of the first casualties. However, some areas are looking to the arts as a way of attracting investment and regenerating inner cities, such as Carmel in Indiana, which has recently opened a controversial $126m palladium at its Center for the Performing Arts

The US city of Kalamazoo's concept of community capitalism focuses on nurturing human talent and opportunities while growing the local economy. The policy seems to have produced mixed results so far, but it is attracting interest from other locations