Atlanta reported the strongest metropolitan-area home building activity
This summer's impending Olympic Games helped stimulate building activity
Phoenix, Chicago, Washington, and Las Vegas followed Atlanta in the
New housing permits fell slightly or remained relatively stable around
Miami's growth came as no surprise to Robert Barrera, president of
The city's economy and weather make Miami a popular place to live, and
Tourism and international trade are just two areas that help propel
"You have a lot of businesses that keep a lot of people employed," Mr.
But while Miami was growing, most urban markets saw declines last year -
Orange County, Calif., fared worst, with permits down 23%. Fort
The slide should slow this year, said Randy Smith, president of the home
Mortgage rates are expected to remain low, and as a result, single-
Karen Talley contributed to this report.