Urban sprawl is a contributing cause of poverty, pollution and higher taxes.

That’s the assessment of city planners and government leaders.

Congressman Paul Tonko and Albany county executive Michael Breslin are joining planners at the University at Albany to make their case.

The Center for Economic Growth’s CEOConnex program is now accepting applications for its 2011 class.

The program, in its seventh year, is designed to help manufacturing and or technology CEOs of growth-oriented ventures develop leadership skills, examine issues surrounding business expansion challenges and forge relationships with established and future business leaders.

ALBANY - The author of the book inspiring the academy award winning film Precious is speaking at the University of Albany tonight.

The author named Sapphire will speak, among other things, on the topical issues addressed in the movie: obesity, sexual abuse and aids, and poverty.

Sapphire speaks to an informal seminar at 4:15 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center on the uptown campus, and then at 8 p.m. at Page Hall on the downtown campus.