The Latest

  • An illustration of a high-speed train in California's Central Valley.
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    Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
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    Tracker

    US high-speed rail projects: The latest news

    Under pressure from the federal and state governments, the authority aims to leverage existing rail lines to reduce costs.

    Updated Aug. 27, 2025
  • President Trump speaks into a microphone in front of people wearing military and police uniforms, a man in a suit and a woman dressed in black.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Pritzker warns cities to prepare for Trump’s National Guard order

    The Illinois governor responded to President Donald Trump’s directive mandating troops be available for “rapid nationwide deployment” with a warning that cities everywhere could be next. 

    Updated Aug. 26, 2025
  • A red brick building alongside a railroad track and a station platform on the opposite side and a water tank label "Gulfport" in the background.
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    Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
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    How Hurricane Katrina killed Amtrak’s transcontinental train

    Amtrak restored train service from LA to New Orleans, but passenger trains east to Mobile, Alabama, only restarted last week.

  • One-story cinder block building with sign in front that says "Burnell's Lower 9 Strong" and has pictures of a box that says "NOLA O's," a brown bag and a can of beans.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    New Orleans’ economic recovery since Katrina is divided along racial lines

    New Orleans has gained a more diversified economy and stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. But Black households have not benefited as much as White ones.

  • A in a suit standing at podium lettered "SEPTA" with a woman on his left and another man to his right.
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    Courtesy of SEPTA News
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    Philadelphia-area 20% transit cuts go into effect

    With the Pennsylvania state Legislature unable to agree on funding for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the agency began cutting service and increasing fares today.

  • Aerial shot of a city with intermixed buildings, houses, roads and trees.
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    halbergman via Getty Images
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    As federal funding dries up, 72% of Michigan city leaders fear fiscal problems: survey

    Uncertainty and limited capacity are factors in local governments' lack of preparation, researchers said.

  • Woman with mark in shape of a cross on forehead speaks into microphone
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    Judge blocks Trump from halting funding to 34 ‘sanctuary’ cities

    Trump’s orders threatening to strip funds from cities limiting immigration cooperation are unconstitutional, a federal judge said, extending protections to Boston, Chicago, Denver and more.

    Updated Aug. 25, 2025
  • Man in blue suit standing at a podium with sign reading "America is building again" with a large audience watching.
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    FTA seeks to eliminate environmental criteria from capital investment grant guidelines

    The Federal Transit Administration requests public comment on updated guidelines that would remove the “social cost of carbon” calculation and make broader changes to the multibillion-dollar program.

  • Two people in a rowboat in floodwaters with submerged houses behind them.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Hurricane Katrina’s legacy is a warning for today’s city leaders

    Twenty years after New Orleans flooded, federal funding cuts mean local governments must strengthen hazard planning, engage communities and prioritize vulnerable residents to prevent another avoidable disaster, climate advocates say.

  • Aerial shot of urban downtown
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    RoschetzkyIstockPhoto via Getty Images
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    In Colorado, most residential zoning codes block affordable housing

    Restrictive zoning laws prohibit multifamily dwellings throughout much of the state, a recent study found. 

  • Double exposure of coin stack and notebook laptop computer with financial graph on white paper business planning vision and finance analysis concept
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    pookpiik via Getty Images
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    The Municipal Cost Index

    See the August update to this monthly index, developed by American City & County to capture the rising cost of doing business as a local government.

    Updated Aug. 22, 2025
  • Image shows a stylized version of the inside of a computer.
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    Just_Super via Getty Images
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    Salesforce debuts AI agents for city services

    The tool joins a growing field of AI products intended to increase local government efficiency and responsiveness.

  • A wooden sign that says "Canopy Court" in front of new homes.
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    Permission granted by Thrive Collaborative
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    Ann Arbor’s all-electric community offers a new model for net-zero living

    Veridian at County Farm stands out for its rooftop solar, heat pumps and potential community battery network. Will the local utility’s hesitation and loss of federal tax credits prevent other developers from following its lead?

  • Man in heavy jacket with helmet rides an electric bike toward the camera on a green bike path.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    California’s clean mobility push is leaving low-income residents behind

    E-bikes and e-scooters are among the cleanest and least expensive transportation modes. California can make equitable green mobility a reality.

  • People with backpacks and luggage walk along a red tile floor toward buses seen though glass doors and windows.
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    Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
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    Deep Dive

    Are intercity buses having a Cinderella moment?

    Ridership is on an upswing, and several cities are opening new or refurbished intermodal terminals. Here’s what you’ll find in eight major cities.

  • cybersecurity, matrix, abstract
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    iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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    City and county leaders urge Congress to reinstate ‘critical’ cybersecurity funding

    The federal government canceled funding for a cybersecurity resource credited for detecting more than 43,000 potential state and local government cyberattacks last year.

  • A child sitting next to a backpack in front of a brick wall drinks from a plastic water bottle.
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    Silvia Moraleja via Getty Images
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    Should schools be the centerpiece of heat resilience action?

    As federal support to protect people from extreme heat shrinks, advocates say local governments must set a model for climate-smart leadership with enforceable standards and resources to protect children.

  • Two futuristic electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft fly over farmland.
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    Courtesy of Joby Aviation
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    Tracker

    Air taxis and urban air mobility: The latest developments

    An Archer Aviation test pilot flew for 31 minutes at air speeds over 126 mph, marking another step toward federal certification.

    Updated Aug. 19, 2025
  • A Tesla car sits parked at an electric vehicle charging station
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    DOT revives $5B EV charging program, hands states more control

    New federal guidance cuts planning requirements and unfreezes funds, but critics note the changes eliminate consumer and environmental protections.

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks into microphone with President Donald Trump behind her
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    Photo illustration by Andrew Harnik/Smart Cities Dive; photograph by Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    Cities brace for legal battles as Bondi’s ‘sanctuary’ deadline looms

    Local leaders say they’re prepared to defend protections limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement even as the Trump administration threatens to revoke funding and bring criminal charges.

  • Water runs from a kitchen faucet into a clear cup
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    Joe Raedle / Staff via Getty Images
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    This small Oregon city voted to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water. It’s part of a larger trend.

    Sweet Home, Oregon, joins a growing number of states and cities in voting to end the practice that major dental organizations have recommended for 75 years.

  • A short-sleeved bicyclist on a bike part surrounded by trees.
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    MDoculus via Getty Images
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    NYC unveils master plan to expand pedestrian, bicycle paths

    The plan envisions over 100 projects the city says can connect underserved communities, spur economic development and provide environmental benefits.

  • A State Farm Catastrophe Response Team truck
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    Courtesy of State Farm
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    State Farm homeowners insurance rates to surge 27% in Illinois

    The move is part of a nationwide trend of premium hikes that’s making housing even less affordable. 

  • Man with a pen in hand at a desk with President of the United States seal with people standing around him clapping
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    2028 Olympics security plan tests LA-federal partnership

    Trump’s executive order puts the federal government in the driver’s seat for Olympics security. Experts wonder if cooperation — or confrontation — will be the result.

    Updated Aug. 18, 2025
  • A wide angle view of a group of mixed age professionals who are taking advantage of a networking opportunity at a business conference.
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    SolStock via Getty Images
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    A path with purpose: Encouraging students to explore public service roles

    Local government is the front line of public service. Though they play a crucial role connecting communities with essential support, state and local agencies are often chronically under-resourced, especially when it comes to supporting tech talent.