Multifunctional city parks can aid residents during earthquake recovery, study says

Researchers at a university in Canada explored how cities can use open spaces as community resource hubs after natural disasters.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 14, 2019

Can gunshot detection technology mitigate mass shootings?

Security company ShotSpotter is bombarded by requests from fearful cities. But authorities question tech-based solutions.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 13, 2019

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

Warren proposes $85B grant program to close digital divide

Broadband development grants would only go to utility cooperatives, non-profit organizations, tribes, cities, counties and other government groups. 

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 12, 2019

Appeals court ruling undercuts FCC's plan for speedy 5G rollout

A three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals’ D.C. Circuit said it cannot bypass historical and environmental reviews of small cell sites.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 12, 2019

Seattle mayor proposes heating oil tax to push electrification

Jenny Durkan said the 24 cents-per-gallon tax would cover rebates and grants to help 3,000 homes transition to electric power.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 9, 2019

Solar-powered digital message boards deployed in Boston

Soofa has installed 12 boards around the city under a 60-day pilot through Beta Blocks, which encourages community-led smart city innovation.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 5, 2019

$7.5B smart 'mini-city' secures land on Las Vegas Boulevard

Bleutech Park's ambitious plans will feature a range of technologies including AVs, connected infrastructure and buildings with self-healing concrete.

By Jason Plautz • Updated Nov. 13, 2019

Sidewalk Labs is building a smart city entirely of mass timber. What could go wrong?

North America is on the cusp of a mass timber revolution, and Sidewalk Labs' Waterfront Toronto project is leading the way. But the smart material faces major obstacles.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 5, 2019

Kansas City, MO's Smart Sewer Program cuts back-ups, overflows

Sensors and probes are detecting leaks and determining capacity as the city upgrades its sewer system — and the data shows it's working.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 2, 2019

Senate committee approves $1B for EV infrastructure

President Trump tweeted support for the bill Tuesday morning, saying "it will have BIG IMPACT on our highways and roads all across our Nation."

By Max Witynski • Aug. 1, 2019

Chicago to expand accessible pedestrian signals

Cities are becoming more inclusive to people with disabilities by making urban environments easier and safer to navigate.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 30, 2019

3D crosswalks can result in 'unsafe behavior,' says FHWA

Cincinnati has recommended against installing the "floating" crosswalks due to FHWA's assessment, despite success of the design in Medford, MA.

By Jason Plautz • July 30, 2019

How AI and data turn city water management from an art to a science

Cities are looking to drones and other equipment for preventive maintenance, but it is uphill work as the sector traditionally resists change.

By Chris Teale • July 29, 2019

ACEEE scorecard: Few US cities on track to meet climate goals

Cities took on more than 265 climate initiatives in 2018 but most aren't adequately tracking their progress, and nearly 35% of cities have not set GHG reduction targets. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2019

New York firm claims world's largest 3D-printed home

S-Squared's ambitions for its robotics machine extend from the 500-square-foot home to infrastructure and commercial buildings up to 1 million square feet.

By Kim Slowey • July 26, 2019

NYC to improve sidewalks for disabled groups, settlement rules

The agreement requires a citywide survey of curb cuts, mandating a schedule to ensure that every corner in the city becomes accessible.

By Cailin Crowe • July 25, 2019

London showcases bridges with 'Illuminated River' art display

The installation was designed to mitigate environmental impacts with LED lighting and connected lighting software that scans the structure for faults.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 25, 2019

How community leaders can plan for (and execute) a sustainable city

We're obligated as a society to care for the environment where we live, work and play. The map has been drawn; we simply need to follow the path.

By Steve Smith • July 23, 2019

Transforming small cities from manufacturing centers into tech hubs

The tech workforce needs not only well-paid jobs, but a place they want to go home to at night from those jobs. The latter is easier said than done. 

By Nigel Wilson • July 19, 2019

Cincinnati to add more EVs to its city fleet

The city is also engaging in programs to increase citizens' awareness of and exposure to EVs through partnerships with local and regional bodies.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 18, 2019

Berkeley, CA sets historic law banning natural gas from new buildings

Berkeley is the first U.S. city to pass such a measure, designed to curb GHG emissions and prepare new buildings for electric infrastructure.

By Kristin Musulin • July 18, 2019

USGBC seeks proposals to strengthen new LEED standard

LEED's environmental focus is meant to benefit communities, but it provides financial payoffs for building owners as well. 

By Kim Slowey • July 11, 2019

Using tech to predict earthquake damage

After a major seismic event, assessing the impact on buildings can be a chore, but new technology products can make such work a little easier.  

By Kim Slowey • July 11, 2019

The 6 most walkable urban areas

A new report ranked the 30 biggest U.S. metro areas based on the percentage of office, retail and rental multi-family space within walkable urban places. 

By Cailin Crowe • July 9, 2019

Hawaii to combat climate change with carbon-injected concrete

The green concrete can reduce embodied carbon by 25 pounds per cubic yard, according to the state's transportation department.

By Jason Plautz • July 8, 2019