WASHINGTON, DC-National Association of Realtors' chief economist, Dr. David Lereah, expects housing sales to increase 2.5% this year, for new home sales to hold steady and housing starts to increase 0.9%.

AUSTIN-A San Diego-based wireless operation has opened temporary offices in the state capital as it continues to search for permanent space. The company plans to use part of a $50-million second funding to fuel the new location.

WAUKEGAN-Martin Tuohy's University Station plan would be a "smart growth," self-contained community replacing a moribund shopping center here with new retail, office, educational, entertainment and condominium uses.

CHARLOTTE-Before Charlotte adds more parking lots and skyscrapers to its inventory, local developers and brothers Bonn and Michael Gilbert would like to build a paid-admission attraction on 25 acres owned by the school board and the city. Critics oppose a for-profit project on public land.