Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.
The year 2020 was one of unprecedented struggle and opportunity, and Smart Cities Dive was right there alongside you to deliver insights on everything from industry consolidation to city budgets and the overwhelming fluctuations of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below are 20 stories detailing the trends and news that shaped the smart city landscape in 2020. Was there a particular story that influenced your work, or a topic you hope for us to revisit in 2021? Let us know at [email protected].
It's been two months since New York's Sustainable Roof Laws, part of the Climate Mobilization Act, took effect. Now architects and officials must decide: Are green roof systems or solar systems best? Read the full article ➔
As one of the most trusted spaces and sources of information, libraries are playing an increasingly important role in smart city initiatives. Read the full article ➔
Hyperloop has the potential to naturally compete in the marketplace while offering something new — as long as companies can overcome regulatory and financing challenges. Read the full article ➔
AI, analytics and drones are among the technologies used to respond to health crises like coronavirus, though regulatory and privacy concerns have posed obstacles for cities. Read the full article ➔
There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes. Read the full article ➔
Once-packed streets are now void of cars as residents stay home. While cities use this as a window into the possibilities of car-free streets, they must also consider forward-thinking design changes to prioritize people over cars. Read the full article ➔
Some local governments are threading critical information into entertaining videos to capture the attention of young social media users. Read the full article ➔
Public transit experts led an open-ended webinar on how to recalibrate societal perceptions of transit, noting the pandemic is an opportunity for the industry to prove its true value. Read the full article ➔
Despite building closures, libraries are creatively mitigating the effects of COVID-19 through efforts like virtual library cards and 3D-printed face shields. Read the full article ➔
The program, created by Accelerator for America and Mastercard, saw so much immediate demand that the city's phone systems crashed. Read the full article ➔
A number of cities have closed streets to vehicular traffic to support and protect a spike in biking. As cities look to recovery, advocates hope such moves will influence change. Read the full article ➔
Density and education attainment rates were key factors in a recent Moody's Analytics report of the cities facing the best and worst coronavirus recoveries. Read the full article ➔
In a new guide dubbed "City Limits," NACTO said cities should consider how street design and policies can enforce safer speed limits to reduce fatalities and a reliance on police enforcement. Read the full article ➔
The patent-pending device from KirbyPod may offer a solution to the pandemic-related health risks currently plaguing shared mobility. Read the full article ➔
Although the concept of the "walkable" city is not new, the pandemic and protests against systemic racism present an opportunity for city leaders to incorporate a lens of racial equity into their neighborhood planning, according to Gensler's urban strategies and design leader. Read the full article ➔
Milwaukee County's 2019 resolution blazed a trail for more than 120 U.S. governments in denouncing racism. Now, leaders must look internally to prioritize equitable budgeting and employee training. Read the full article ➔
As states and cities face infrastructure budget crunches with gas tax revenues down, some are thinking about alternative ways to secure funding. Read the full article ➔
Councilmember Ann Kitchen said the city's property tax bills have already been adjusted and efforts are beginning to select leadership for the Austin Transit Partnership. Read the full article ➔
The City of Clearwater, FL OK'd the study of a two-mile gondola system last week, just months after it passed a resolution to support the exploration of maglev aerial transit. Read the full article ➔
The multi-media marketing campaign is the first of similar remote work relocation programs to not offer a cash incentive. Instead, the city touts affordable living and ample sunshine. Read the full article ➔
