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

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

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

The case for smart building investments amid economic resurgence

Healthy buildings are now the catapult for a rapid market adoption of IoT-driven solutions as businesses weigh strategies to support employees' return to work. 

By Casey Talon • July 6, 2020

To rebuild life after COVID, start with infrastructure

As leaders in government consider additional phases of the COVID-19 response stimulus, they have an opportunity to mobilize an unprecedented investment in building our infrastructure. 

By Carlo Scissura • July 1, 2020

Playbook urges 'overhaul' in infrastructure financing, planning

A bevy of groups called for a more equitable and resilient post-coronavirus rebuild that gives local governments more autonomy and scope to innovate.

By Chris Teale • June 24, 2020

House passes $1.5T infrastructure bill

The expanded Moving Forward Act includes $500 billion in green measures and $100 billion for both affordable housing and broadband internet, among other funding.

By Kim Slowey • Updated July 2, 2020

10 examples of building performance standards: ACEEE

A white paper from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy calls on jurisdictions globally to explore mandatory building performance standards to effectively meet long-term climate goals.

By Kristin Musulin • June 23, 2020

5 focal points needed to develop a smart city

Given the pace at which new technology is overtaking social infrastructure, cities must "up their game" with a greater sense of focus and urgency. 

By Clint Vince and Jennifer Morrissey • June 18, 2020

California crafts pilot program to reduce building emissions

The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development program will be rolled out in the second quarter of 2021, with the first two years of incentives reserved for developers of low-income residential housing. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 16, 2020

7 public data projects enhancing civic engagement

The Knight Foundation awarded $1 million to seven projects nationwide that work to hold governments accountable via creative uses of public data. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 11, 2020

Prop tech, property managers and the at-home workforce

Maintaining profitability and tenant satisfaction throughout the pandemic will require help from readily available property management technologies. 

By Brad Pilgrim • June 1, 2020

A sneak peek at San Francisco's new low-carbon neighborhood

The city unanimously approved plans to build a 29-acre sustainable, transportation-efficient community on the site of a former century-old fossil fuel power plant. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 29, 2020

Powering EVs is cheaper than diesel, gas in most metro hubs

A report found powering electric vehicles could save fleet operators costs in 21 of the largest 25 U.S. cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

By Guy Burdick • May 28, 2020

Columbus, OH exceeds EV adoption goal

Local residents have purchased more than 3,300 electric vehicles over the past three years as part of its $10 million Paul G. Allen Family Foundation grant. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 27, 2020

Stay-at-home orders shine light on 'amplified' digital divide

Just as the Great Depression highlighted a need for ubiquitous electricity, advocates are urging leaders to seize COVID-19 as a turning point for ubiquitous internet.

By Chris Teale • May 26, 2020

The 'new normal': City sectors confront post-coronavirus realities

With costs of the pandemic coming into focus as recovery efforts persist, Smart Cities Dive analyzed how leaders across various departments can use lessons from the COVID-19 crisis to rebuild.

By Chris Teale • May 26, 2020

Visionaries must step forward to advance water infrastructure

The current crisis has made clear that access to clean water is closely related to our ability to withstand shocks to the system. Building sustainable infrastructure should be a vision we can all get behind.

By Jon Freedman • May 26, 2020

Entering the age of community-built infrastructure

A public-private partnership backed by a program management office — or a P4 — can help cities achieve infrastructure and inclusion goals by integrating the perspective of community stakeholders.

By Lauren Gore • May 21, 2020

Blockchain-based renewables project in Los Angeles wins $9M state grant

An initiative in the San Gabriel Valley looks to provide affordable, locally produced energy to 28,000 residents in a disadvantaged community.

By Chris Teale • May 19, 2020

Cincinnati voters raise sales tax to fund public transit

Hamilton County residents voted for a .8% sales tax increase as part of a "historic" absentee election, improving bus service and chipping away at GHG emission reduction goals. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 15, 2020

St. Louis' building efficiency standards pave way for the Midwest

New legislation in St. Louis marks a major step forward in reducing building emissions, which make up for 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the city.

By Chris Teale • May 12, 2020

Sidewalk Labs drops Quayside project

CEO Daniel Doctoroff said the "unprecedented economic uncertainty" made it "too difficult" to continue work on the plan, but Waterfront Toronto assured its commitment to Quayside is still strong.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated May 7, 2020

3 steps for improving building resiliency post-coronavirus

There is an unprecedented opportunity to ditch the business-as-usual approach to commercial construction and redefine sustainable buildings.

By Casey Talon • May 7, 2020