Springs focusing in on retail development, an article from The Colorado Springs Business Journal, reports that the Economic Development Corp. and city leaders believe the city needs more choices in restaurants and shops in Colorado Springs and the first steps are underway to create a program designed to foster retail growth and development.  The city's economic development division has support from the city on its proposal to proceed with the establishment of a retail enhancement program designed to encourage greater local and regional consumer spending and stem sales tax leakage outside the city limits.  The program has been included in the proposed 2008 city budget.  Elena Nunez, economic development manager for the city said the program will do more than simply seek additional retailers to add to the mix.  She also said, "It's about enhancing the success and growth of our existing retailers."   
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=15222

New home sales rebound, an article from MSNBC.com, reports that on Thursday, the Commerce Department reported that sales of new homes rose by 4.8% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 770,000 units.  Those numbers are still 23.3% below a year ago, indicating that housing remains in a steep downturn.  According to the report on home sales, the median home price increased to $238,000 in September.  Up 2.5% from August, which had seen prices fall to the lowest level in nearly a year.  The West led the rebound in new home sales with a 37.7% increase in sales, with the South following with a 0.5% increase.  But sales of new homes fell by 19.5% in the Midwest and 6.6% in the Northeast.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21470831/

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Many want bus service intact
http://www.gazette.com/articles/city_28960___article.html/council_bus.html

Transportation panel favors user fees over tax boosts
http://www.gazette.com/articles/tax_28953___article.html/state_roads.html

USA Basketball looking to move from Springs
http://csbjblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/usa-basketball-looking-to-move-from.html?CFID=34825605&CFTOKEN=47358485

Early snowfall bodes well for winter ski season
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=15221

Buffett: U.S. subprime woes far from over
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21471227/

Mortgage rates fall to lowest level in six weeks
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2007-10-25-mortgage-rates_N.htm

NAR Donates Half-Million to California Fire Relief
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007102501