New York state comptroller warns MTA will face 'hard choices' unless ridership and revenue improve

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is “facing stark options,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, which could include cuts to subway, bus and train service, and the need for greater attention to capital projects.

By Dan Zukowski • July 22, 2022

Miami Beach pilot aims to address loud cars with noise-detecting cameras

Following implementation in Knoxville, Tennessee, and New York City, the Florida city is looking to use technology to help crack down on noise violations from vehicles.

By Danielle McLean • July 22, 2022

USPS to purchase 40% electric vehicles, expanding previous commitments

A previous decision to purchase 10% electric vehicles as part of an update to its aging delivery fleet led to pushback, scrutiny and lawsuits.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022

$84B in transportation law grants awarded so far: Buttigieg says during House hearing

Amtrak expansion plans, high-speed rail projects, and the nation’s readiness for anticipated EV sales growth were among the topics on which Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg faced questioning.

By Dan Zukowski • July 20, 2022

Boston-area transit agency grilled by state legislators on safety lapses

“A pattern of safety incidents” — including derailments, train collisions and grade crossing fatalities — prompted the Federal Transit Administration to assume safety oversight of the fourth-largest U.S. transit system.

By Dan Zukowski • July 19, 2022

Some cities are trying to secure abortion access. Can they succeed?

City leaders and prosecutors are vowing to protect those seeking an abortion as multiple states implement restrictions. Experts say the effectiveness of their methods is unclear.

By Karen Kroll • July 18, 2022

Washington, DC, among cities piloting transparency standard for digital tech

Cities implementing the Digital Trust for Places and Routines communications standard incorporate signs with visual icons and QR codes that inform the public of nearby technology like sensors and cameras.

By Austyn Gaffney • July 15, 2022

Pedestrian deaths continue to rise, with Sun Belt cities the most dangerous: report

Between 2010 and 2020, 81 of the top 100 metropolitan areas grew deadlier for pedestrians, with Sun Belt cities having some of the worst track records, according to the latest Dangerous by Design report, released today.

By Dan Zukowski • July 12, 2022

NYC seeks to cut gun crime-related testing time in half with dedicated DNA unit

The science-driven unit aims to accelerate testing on gun crime evidence to 30 days or less, which the city says will expedite cases.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 12, 2022

City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration

The Transportation Department wants to require state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel on National Highway System roads in their regions. 

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022

GAO urges EPA, NOAA to do more about harmful algal blooms

The growing issue causes economic harm to communities when it closes lakes and deters tourism activity, and hurts health when it leads to toxins in water supplies or respiratory issues.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 5, 2022

The vast, untapped potential of city procurement

The procurement process — often governed by complex regulations and overworked staff — typically occurs outside public view. That needs to change if it's to help the community meet its environmental and social goals.

By Sascha Haselmayer • June 27, 2022

Mayors' top 4 priorities in 2022: NLC's State of the Cities report

With federal dollars on the way, infrastructure reigned supreme for the second year in a row, according to the National League of Cities’ annual analysis of U.S. state of the city addresses.

By Danielle McLean • June 24, 2022

HUD announces $365M package to address unsheltered homelessness

In what the Biden administration described as “a first-of-its-kind” package, HUD will distribute millions of dollars in grants for homeless outreach and permanent housing and support services, plus 4,000 new rental assistance vouchers.

By Danielle McLean • June 23, 2022

Transportation, labor, business, environmental groups object to Biden gas tax holiday proposal

The administration's plan for a three-month suspension of federal fuel taxes to help alleviate high prices received bipartisan pushback.

By Dan Zukowski • June 23, 2022

Transit worker shortage could be exacerbated by proposed federal drug testing rules, labor leader says

With transit agencies, Amtrak and airlines pressed for workers, the president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, said changes could cause some employees to lose their jobs and deter potential hires.

By Dan Zukowski • June 22, 2022

To combat period poverty, cities roll out programs offering free menstruation products

New community programs attempt to address menstruation inequality, an issue the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.

By Austyn Gaffney • June 17, 2022

FTA seeks public comments on automated transit bus research

Regulators want to hear from transit operators and users as more automated buses and shuttles begin testing on city streets. “The No. 1 focus for us is, can this benefit safety?” said Federal Transit Administration’s Karina Ricks.

By Dan Zukowski • June 15, 2022

Cities proceed with caution as inflation abounds

Consumers aren’t the only ones concerned about the impacts of inflation. From Columbus, Ohio, to New York City, local leaders are monitoring the situation for how it might affect contracts and purchasing.

By Karen Kroll • June 14, 2022

Reno, Nevada, joins cities using blockchain to improve record-keeping

As the city rolls out its “Biggest Little Blockchain” initiative to create what’s described as a first-of-its-kind record-keeping system, some other local governments are using the tech for what it is at its core – a ledger.

By Melissa Goldin • June 14, 2022

Homeless encampment reports increase in Boulder, Colorado, after city bans downtown camping

Boulder has been sued for its anti-camping policies — which are becoming common around the country — as local service providers claim that unhoused individuals have no other shelter options and are told by police to leave the city.

By Danielle McLean • June 10, 2022

Traffic deaths addressed in House transportation subcommittee hearing

Witnesses spoke about the surge in traffic fatalities, including pedestrian and bicyclist deaths while warning that inflation is eating into the funds available from the bipartisan infrastructure law to address these issues.

By Dan Zukowski • June 9, 2022

Efforts to reduce distracted driving a 'traffic safety culture failure'

The Governors Highway Safety Association outlined more than two dozen recommendations for states to combat distracted driving, saying a “cultural reset” is needed.

By Dan Zukowski • June 8, 2022

All signs point to a 'growing appetite' for digital twins: report

Implementation is expected to increase 36% over the next five years, according to a Capgemini Research Institute report. But one smart city expert cautions city leaders against falling for the technology's "hype.”

By Cailin Crowe • June 8, 2022

As more cities declare crises around climate and affordability, does change follow?

Declaring emergencies can unlock some new capabilities and foster accountability, but substantial government follow-through is necessary to separate them from mere speech, city leaders say.

By Adina Solomon • June 7, 2022