A year has passed since we launched Smart Cities Dive as a daily publication, but we're still seeking answers to one simple question: What is a smart city?

Like the old adage "Rome wasn't built in a day," no city has reached its peak level of "smart" in the last year — nor will it in the next year. While the definition of a "smart city" evolves from leader to leader, there is an industrywide understanding that the end goal will always be slightly out of reach, and that cities will always need to strive for the next best thing.

This consistent search for the newest technology or innovation to improve city operations, resiliency or quality of life has led to some incredible stories covering the many facets of what makes a city smart. From opioid-sniffing robots that have been dropped into sewers, to programs that prioritize age-friendly community growth, these are our favorite stories from Smart Cities Dive's first year.

1. Sewage-sniffing robots may be the solution to city opioid crises

   Some cities are using robots and analytics to fight the opioid crisis at the street level — and below it. Read More >>

2. Amazon HQ2 'losers' use bid process as learning experience

   Some cities already plan to reuse bid materials, while many agree that the bidding process alone set them up well for future competitions. Read More >>

3. 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. Read More >>

4. Rise of the Chief Data Officer: Cities learn to crunch the numbers

   CDOs bring increased transparency and accountability to local government, and their presence is increasing nationwide. Read More >>

5. 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. Read More >>

6. 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. Read More >>

7. To build an inclusive smart city, look through an age-friendly lens

   As the aging population expands, some cities are implementing strategic plans to ensure the needs of seniors are met — especially in terms of mobility and housing. Read More >>

8. The clutter conundrum: How dockless bike companies are combating customers' littering

   LimeBike, ofo, Spin and Jump weigh in on how their companies are combating dockless woes through enforcement and education. Read More >>

9. 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. Read More >>

10. How rising global temperatures will affect 6 major cities

    The earth is on a trajectory to warm 3-4°C by 2100. This heat map details how that rise in temperatures will affect major metropolitan hubs. Read More >>