At the SXSW conference this month — its first in-person event since 2019 — speakers dove into a range of issues affecting the future of cities and potential solutions to improve the quality of life for all.

Smart Cities Dive was on the ground in Austin, Texas, to report on what's next for transportation as electric and automated vehicles, drones and commercial space travel grow more mainstream. We reported on the Ukrainian government's smart city and digitalization efforts, which they plan to continue after the war with Russia, and the sexism women face when running for mayor. We also learned how policymakers can better address homelessness, including new innovations to help tackle the issue. 

Read on to learn about these trends and other essential issues that were addressed at one of the largest tech, arts, social justice and innovation conferences in the country.