NACTO selects 10 cities for pandemic street design grants

The cities will receive $25,000 to transform streets by addressing inequities like access to healthcare, COVID-19 information or outdoor dining. 

By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 1, 2020

Senate Democrats reveal climate plan to achieve net-zero carbon economy

The report calls on Congress to spend at least 2% of annual U.S. GDP on climate actions and require federal regulators to ensure publicly-traded companies disclose climate risks.

By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 27, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Rethinking the 20-minute city in light of police shootings, COVID-19

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. 

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 25, 2020

In the race to re-occupancy, policies must consider how modern buildings operate

City leaders must view the slow return to offices as an opportunity to make smart adjustments to building operations that can be modified amid shifting guidelines. 

By Tim Curran • Aug. 24, 2020

Tennessee dedicates $3M to bridge Chattanooga students' digital divide

The Tennessee Community CARES funding will support a public-private partnership that aims to provide free high-speed internet to 28,000 students learning at home. 

By Katie Pyzyk , Kristin Musulin • Updated Sept. 30, 2020

Pilot shows early COVID-19 detection in city wastewater

The project in the City of Ashkelon, Israel, can pinpoint coronavirus infections by streets and neighborhoods, which could help mitigate spread and keep lockdowns localized.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 19, 2020

A greenway is more than just a pretty park — it's a catalyst for change

Greenways offer a breath of fresh air, but when planning and building them, leaders must realize their full potential for social and economic impact.

By Todd Antoine • Aug. 18, 2020

NACTO playbook weaves kid-friendly design into open street plans

The Designing Streets for Kids initiative aims to help cities keep children safe and entertained outside, particularly as many are stuck at home due to the pandemic. 

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 7, 2020

Avian-friendly buildings are not just for the birds

Howard County, MD is the latest jurisdiction to mandate bird-friendly construction standards, but it's not just the cardinals and hummingbirds that stand to benefit.

By Amanda Loudin • Aug. 7, 2020

Mandated energy efficiency scores would influence home buying: ACEEE

An empirical study of how U.S. homeowners value energy efficiency information found that homebuyers are more likely to purchase an efficient home if that data is presented in a listing.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 6, 2020

Houston votes to put the 'emphasis on walking' in future development

City councilmembers unanimously backed new ordinances that look to encourage pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development near public transportation.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 6, 2020

NYC seeks 30 firms for 'inspirational' public building projects

The city's Department of Design and Construction has issued two RFPs for architectural and technical design services to support its Project Excellence Program.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 5, 2020

Housing is healthcare. It's time for Congress to shore up LIHTC

Congress must enact a minimum 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit rate to ensure affordable housing projects remain financially viable amid the pandemic.

By David Rowe • Aug. 4, 2020

The top 10 cities for construction workers: study

Small and midsize cities pay above-average construction wages and boast modest costs of living that make them excellent locations for workers in the industry, according to a new analysis.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 3, 2020

Great Recession erased 30 years of rising homeownership rates: GAO

The U.S. Government Accountability Office examined historical homeownership trends in nine major cities following the financial crisis — and hinted at trends to come in a post-COVID world.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 3, 2020

6 steps for mitigating elevator-related health concerns

Paradoxically, in the COVID-19 era, a technology that contributed so much to the physical composition of cities has become its Achilles' heel. 

By Rachel Keeney & Eamon Welch • July 30, 2020

DOE releases blueprint for national quantum internet

Increased speed and security could present vast benefits to cities, including the production of more sensitive sensors to monitor for traffic and pollution levels.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2020

Construction begins on Pittsburgh International Airport microgrid

The microgrid will completely power PIT by next summer, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative among major U.S. airports.

By Chris Teale • July 23, 2020

Architecture firm reimagines NYC without cars

The Practice for Architecture and Urbanism unveiled a proposal for Manhattan to re-purpose its roadways, which make up 30% of the borough. 

By Cailin Crowe • July 22, 2020

High-income homes responsible for 25% more GHG: study

The carbon footprint of wealthy neighborhoods can be up to 15 times higher than lower-income areas, according to a new University of Michigan study.

By Jason Plautz • July 21, 2020

4 things to know before taking on an infrastructure project

Deciding to bid on an infrastructure project involves evaluating internal and external factors. Experts say make sure you consider these four.

By Kim Slowey • July 21, 2020

3 steps to optimize buildings for the safe return of employees

The time has come to lean into smart technologies, get employees back at their desks and begin the process of rebuilding economies.

By Glenn Lurie • July 16, 2020

Apple invests $400M in California housing as US faces 'tidal wave of evictions'

The company's $2.5 billion pledge toward the state's affordable housing crisis comes as California grapples with record-breaking unemployment.

By Cailin Crowe • July 14, 2020

Boston residents of color more likely to live by high-polluting roads

Fifty-four percent of Latino residents, 45% of Black residents and 47% of Asian residents live in high-polluted areas, exacerbating health issues that can increase COVID-19 vulnerability.

By Cailin Crowe • July 10, 2020

Chicago office building constructed with coronavirus-fighting features

The $26 million Fulton East is the first in what experts say will be a trend of projects designed to maximize tenants' health and social distancing.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 10, 2020