6 trends that could shape US cities in 2024

Cities will contend with a shifting transportation picture, increased urgency to act on climate change, and innovative policies and technologies to address longstanding concerns.

By Ysabelle Kempe , Dan Zukowski , Rachel H. Pollack • Jan. 17, 2024

Where are renters moving?

These are the top 10 states for inbound migration, according to Atlas Van Lines data.

By Mary Salmonsen • Jan. 9, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them in 2024.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Office-to-residential conversions raise questions at the curb

Plan for changes to parking use and curbside activity when approving office-to-residential or office-to-retail conversion, experts say.

By Amanda Loudin • Jan. 5, 2024

What US cities could look like in 2024: 6 predictions

Safer, greener communities with more housing, greater civic participation, and diversified downtowns are what these experts envision for the coming year.

By the Smart Cities Dive Team • Jan. 2, 2024

Housing, care increasingly unaffordable for growing US elderly population, report warns

With income inequality, mortgage debt and climate change risks to housing all increasing, creative solutions are needed, the Harvard University report says. 

By Austyn Gaffney • Dec. 21, 2023

Senators call for changes to ‘inefficient’ disaster recovery funding program

The status quo leaves disaster-struck communities in the lurch as they wait for Congress to OK recovery funds, experts said at a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 18, 2023

Disney unveils plans for second Storyliving community

The entertainment giant’s master-planned community near Raleigh, North Carolina, will include a mix of more than 4,000 multifamily and single-family homes.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 15, 2023

The 5 hottest neighborhoods for multifamily development

These areas have seen the largest share of new apartment units over the last several years as residents are drawn in by a lively mix of restaurants, retail spots, museums and more.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 14, 2023

More climate-friendly housing, faster, is the goal of NYC proposal to speed environmental reviews

Each eligible housing project could save an average of $100,000 and two years of review time, the city estimates.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 14, 2023

Public housing residents get free college advising in LA program

The “no-barrier” program, open to residents of any age or educational attainment, provides mentors and other guidance.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 12, 2023

HUD announces new building decarbonization efforts at COP28

As the U.S. pledges to make near-zero-emissions buildings the “new normal” by 2030, the housing agency is teaming up with other departments for access to the best available data and research.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 7, 2023

Kansas City, Missouri, proposal would ban discrimination based on housing vouchers

The city could join more than 120 jurisdictions that outlaw providers from denying housing due to a renter’s source of income.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 6, 2023

New housing slows regional rent growth: NYU researchers

Critics of new construction as a way to boost affordable housing worry about gentrification and displacement. A new report counters such arguments.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 6, 2023

Which housing policies do Americans really want in their cities and states?

Despite the outsized negative feedback some policies to boost housing supply receive at public meetings, new Pew survey results reveal bipartisan support.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 4, 2023

Office-to-residential conversion costs can be 30% lower than new construction: Gensler

However, only 25% of the office buildings the firm assessed for adaptive reuse were deemed suitable for conversion, according to the analysis. 

By Nish Amarnath • Nov. 21, 2023

75% of companies plan to cut office space in 2024

Of more than 500 business owners and facilities managers surveyed, 82% are concerned about their ability to retain current office space, according to a report from workspace platform provider Robin.

By Nish Amarnath • Nov. 10, 2023

LA hotels won’t be required to house homeless people as city rethinks ballot measure

The Los Angeles City Council proposed a revised version after striking a deal with the union of hospitality workers sponsoring the measure.

By Noelle Mateer • Nov. 3, 2023

‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ law aims to help battle California’s housing crisis

The recently signed bill allows religious groups and nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their land without strict adherence to zoning standards. 

By Ellia Thompson • Oct. 31, 2023

White House advances office-to-residential conversions with new resources

The guidance, financing and technical assistance aim to address a 30-year high in office vacancies and ease the affordable housing crisis.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 30, 2023

How builders can help lead the way on affordable housing for LGBTQ+ elders

SAGE’s National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative gives builders and developers access to the support they need to build better homes for a community that is disproportionately impacted by housing discrimination and insecurity.  

Oct. 30, 2023

8 cities to install public art projects with Bloomberg Philanthropies grants

The winners include Houston, which aims to “disrupt perceptions of homelessness,” and Phoenix, which will commission artists to create shading and cooling installations.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 20, 2023

DC lost its spot as a top city for office-to-residential conversions. It wants it back.

While the pace of adaptive reuse projects has slowed, the city is offering incentives to bring more housing to the urban core.

By Mary Salmonsen • Oct. 18, 2023

Colleges can take steps to address the affordable housing crisis

From contributing underutilized land to tapping government support, institutions can help alleviate the problem — and get a return on their investment. 

By Eric Maribojoc • Oct. 17, 2023

NYC project looks to support climate law with building inspection tech

The AI-powered technology under development uses robots and drone scans to detect structural flaws that reduce energy efficiency.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 16, 2023

Notable 2024 conferences for smart city leaders

Newly added events focus on building energy codes, micromobility, economic development and transportation electrification.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated April 15, 2024