What Trump’s infrastructure funding pause means for cities

A lack of clarity in the president's executive order may lead some cities and states to pause or review projects until they know funds are on the way.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 24, 2025

Trump nominates Steven Bradbury for deputy transportation secretary

Bradbury served in the first Trump administration. He may face Democratic opposition for his views on EVs and greenhouse gas emission rules.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 23, 2025

Trump freezes IRA funding

Trump also revoked what he calls the Biden administration's “EV mandate” and pulled out of the Paris climate agreement as part of several energy-related actions.

By Kate Magill • Jan. 22, 2025

Schools, hospitals, churches no longer protected from immigration raids

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security lifted the practice of avoiding immigration enforcement at locations previously designated "protected areas" by the Biden administration.

By Kara Arundel • Updated Jan. 23, 2025

Biden urges mayors to continue the climate change fight

Then-President Biden and then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke at a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting Jan. 17.

By Danielle McLean • Jan. 21, 2025

5 ways builders say Trump can support construction

The Associated General Contractors of America itemized priorities for the new administration that will help bolster building activity.

By Sebastian Obando • Jan. 21, 2025

Surface transportation reauthorization a top priority for House T&I committee

Separately, President Donald Trump put a freeze on new federal regulations and also ordered a halt to federal funding of electric vehicle charging stations.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 21, 2025

States ramp up efforts to cut their grocery taxes

Kansas just eliminated its tax on food ingredients, while at least four other states are working to cut or reduce theirs.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 17, 2025

We need another infrastructure law

Carlo Scissura has a message for Congress and President-elect Trump: Building a stronger country can’t stop now.

By Carlo Scissura • Jan. 16, 2025

Transportation nominee Duffy: ‘We will usher in a golden age of travel.’

President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Transportation pledged to work with both parties on issues such as AVs, EVs, Amtrak and other hot topics.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Jan. 22, 2025

NY mandates contractor registration for publicly funded projects

Consultant Kathleen Bloss talks about the type of work the law covers and steps that firms must take to comply.

By Sebastian Obando • Jan. 13, 2025

Free incubator and accelerator empowers smart city growth

Smart Futures Lab empowers tech startups: $4.5M raised, 6 patents, 22 jobs—join the next cohort today!

Jan. 13, 2025

California leaders ask for more federal transportation money before Trump takes over

The California Latino Legislative Caucus and a Democratic senator from the state argue for immediate and continued funding of public transit and high-speed rail.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 8, 2025

Congestion pricing begins in New York, a US first

Overcoming opposition, the plan to toll drivers entering Manhattan's central business district went into effect Sunday. Revenues will go to the transit authority's capital investments.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 6, 2025

Inflation-adjusted transportation spending at all levels fell in the 2010-2022 period, BTS says

Federal funding helps state and local governments, which account for 90% of transportation spending, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 3, 2025

How an Oklahoma City sales tax fuels the city’s ‘renaissance’

Mayor David Holt led the planning process for the fourth voter-approved renewal of a sales tax for public infrastructure focused on human needs.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 2, 2025

9 predictions about what 2025 may hold for US cities

“Playground” cities will thrive, innovative housing programs will proliferate and technology will transform transit and municipal services, these sources say.

By Smart Cities Dive staff • Jan. 2, 2025

These two men will lead transportation policy in the Trump administration

The Governors Highway Safety Association this week endorsed Trump nominee Sean Duffy as the next U.S. transportation secretary.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Jan. 10, 2025

Pittsburgh to transform waterfront industrial site for housing, entertainment and shopping

In addition to the $740 million development, the Steel City is getting a $64 million concert venue expected to attract events that might otherwise bypass the area for places like New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 25, 2024

Loosening alcohol laws to revitalize your city’s economy is a mistake

Cities must keep our public spaces alcohol-free to preserve health and safety, warns a policy consultant at the Institute for Public Strategies, a public health organization.

By Daniel Skiles • Nov. 22, 2024

How the IIJA is funding increased transportation carbon emissions

Although the 2021 infrastructure law provided record funding for rail and mass transit, money going to highway expansion projects may lead to a net increase in transportation CO2 emissions by 2040. 

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 20, 2024

New York congestion pricing to start Jan. 5

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans to begin the controversial program with reduced fees, but President-elect Donald Trump, House Republicans and some New Jersey Democrats remain opposed to the plan.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Nov. 19, 2024

NY Gov. Hochul pressured to reinstate congestion pricing before Trump takes office

President-elect Donald Trump opposes New York's plan to toll drivers entering Manhattan's central business district. Advocates want the plan implemented now.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 13, 2024

Trump agenda has states, advocacy groups girding for legal battles

California, New York and Illinois are among states readying to sue the Trump administration over divisive issues such as reproductive rights, climate regulation and immigration.

By Justin Bachman • Nov. 11, 2024

How will a second Trump administration affect transportation policy?

Federal support for public transportation, Amtrak, high-speed rail and electric vehicles may be at risk, experts said.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 6, 2024