Deep Dive: Page 9
Industry insights from our journalists
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Could cities sue FCC over its 5G ruling?
Opponents raised concerns that the plan violates federal law and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, although advocates dismissed those charges.
Chris Teale • Sept. 28, 2018 -
FCC's 5G ruling could hurt city tech initiatives, opponents warn
The new rules cap fees cities can charge telecom companies, which could undermine their efforts to fund digital inclusion programs, detractors said.
Chris Teale • Sept. 27, 2018 -
'A' for effort: Improving safety in cities' school zones
Cities like Columbus, OH; Savannah, GA; Portland, OR and New York are implementing policies and technologies to enforce speed laws and keep students safe.
Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 20, 2018 -
Is 2018 the 'Year of the Woman' in mayoral races?
While it is tricky to track candidates for local office, experts agreed the trend-lines indicate more females running for the top job in their cities.
Chris Teale • Sept. 18, 2018 -
California has a 100% clean energy goal, but not the laws to get it there, critics say
Legislators went big on renewable energy and utility wildfire protections, but went home before kickstarting clean energy procurement or expanding the CAISO market.
Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 12, 2018 -
How smart venues make smarter cities
Traditionally just the home of sports and entertainment, stadiums and other spaces are now a hotbed of innovation in the urban environment.
Chris Teale and Sean Gibbons • Sept. 10, 2018 -
The air up there: Air quality sensors inhale slews of data
From wildfire smoke to traffic pollutants, air quality sensors track data to help city leaders make informed interventions, and their use across cities is growing.
Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 6, 2018 -
A year on from hurricane, Houston leaders see Harvey as 'the new baseline'
Houston's Chief Recovery Officer said the storm had "a magnitude that people are just beginning to understand." But with every day that passes, the city is not only rebuilding — it's building forward.
Kristin Musulin • Aug. 30, 2018 -
Despite NYC ride-hailing decision, pitfalls ahead for cities regulating gig economy
Chicago already suggested it may follow suit with the driving apps, while a need for governments to keep up with regulations and state preemption may slow things down.
Chris Teale • Aug. 27, 2018 -
Pollinator habitats: The bees' knees of rural solar development
Pollinator-friendly solar is a blossoming trend that saves maintenance costs and makes utility-scale solar more appealing to agricultural communities.
Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 27, 2018 -
Breaking into blockchain: The emerging technology revolutionizing city operations
Blockchain may soon become as ubiquitous as electricity. Yet cities must first understand how the technology works and how it can enhance a variety of municipal offerings.
Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 22, 2018 -
Cities deal with 'new normal' of year-round wildfires
Fire "season" is no more. Communities are more likely than ever to face catastrophic wildfires like the Carr and Mendocino Complex Fires — and preparation should not be underestimated.
Chris Teale • Aug. 20, 2018 -
NYC becomes first US city to regulate ride-hailing
Drivers must now receive a minimum wage of $17.22 an hour, while new licenses will be frozen for a year as the Taxi and Limousine Commission studies the industry.
Chris Teale • Aug. 9, 2018 -
Water works: Preserving water amenity accessibility in cities
Cities understand how critical water is to the health and well-being of residents. But, in some cases, those amenities' futures are threatened.
Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 9, 2018 -
How to embrace office green spaces for better employee engagement
Office plants and composting programs — good places to start — may gradually evolve into huge cultural changes for employers.
Pamela DeLoatch • Aug. 3, 2018 -
Will new ride-hailing regulations bring NYC back to the 'bad old days'?
City leaders are considering new regulations on Uber and Lyft to help address congestion, but the companies and some experts warn of a return to an era without equity of service.
Chris Teale • July 30, 2018 -
How vulnerable is the grid to cyberattacks, really?
Experts say a recent DHS briefing that warned hackers could cause widespread blackouts may have overstated the threat.
Gavin Bade • July 27, 2018 -
Rise of net zero energy homes could boost utility-led community solar
Modeling of new energy-efficient home developments found community solar offers system advantages not available from rooftop solar.
Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2018 -
For many US cities, the digital divide is more than an infrastructure problem
Broadband access problems aren't limited to rural areas. In cities, the digital divide is a barrier to urban revitalization and the full realization of a "smart city" vision.
Jason Plautz • July 16, 2018 -
Ohio regulator defines grid mod success through customer-side service
PUCO Chair Asim Haque supports greater transparency and data access to really add value to customer services.
Iulia Gheorghiu • July 12, 2018 -
For World Cup host cities, a boon or a boondoggle?
As the U.S. prepares for the 2026 edition alongside Canada and Mexico, those in the running to stage games emphasize existing infrastructure and partnerships.
Chris Teale • July 11, 2018 -
State vs. city government: A relationship at an 'all-time low'?
A leading expert said tensions have never been higher between the different levels of government, thanks in part to preemptive legislation in various policy areas.
Chris Teale • July 2, 2018 -
Creative crosswalks: Street art meets safety enhancement
Bright colors and unique designs in crosswalks can create a sense of community and enhance pedestrian connectivity, all the while keeping people and drivers safe.
Katie Pyzyk • June 26, 2018 -
What's going on underneath your AI?
From hiring to customer service, artificial intelligence rules many domains that once required the delicate human touch.
Alex Hickey • June 14, 2018 -
The smarter buildings dilemma: To redevelop or start afresh?
Adding smart technology to an older structure could save money, although the advent of more new features makes redevelopment an attractive option.
Chris Teale • May 24, 2018