Queens is on a quest to become a 'smart borough'

A recently elected borough president aims to transform Queens. But one expert cautions the need for a "thoughtful, intentional and iterative" strategy, as smart city planning is "not for the faint of heart." 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2021

Resilience roles go mainstream, as cities seek more climate adaptation resources

"Chief resilience officer" was a novel title a decade ago but is now a fixture in many major local governments looking to coordinate preparedness and response in the face of increasingly common, and costly, extreme weather.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Aug. 10, 2021

Challenge to Berkeley gas regulation dismissed, a win for cities in carbon emissions fight

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged the city's restrictions on natural gas in new low-rise residential buildings, a major boost for local governments looking to follow suit.

By Chris Teale • July 16, 2021

Global cities still falling short on governance of smart city tech: report

As many localities adopt new technologies, they often lack basic governance policies around data privacy, accessibility and cybersecurity, according to a World Economic Forum report. 

By Jason Plautz • July 15, 2021

What Works Cities awards 4 cities top honors for data usage

The Bloomberg Philanthropies nonprofit arm recognized 16 cities total for improving city services and promoting civic engagement with data, key factors for a strong COVID-19 response. 

By Chris Teale • July 14, 2021

Too few companies advocate for climate-friendly policies despite lofty goals: report

Only around 40% of the country's top 100 firms lobby for green legislation, according to sustainability nonprofit Ceres. We have "run out of time to waste," a spokesperson said.

By Chris Teale • July 13, 2021

Transit workers risk 'great ambush' without federal investment in training, labor leaders say

The INVEST in America Act provides funding for the first national training center for transportation workers, which leaders say will be crucial in addressing a skills gap and a shrinking worker pipeline.

By Chris Teale • July 6, 2021

3 smart-city groups across Arizona, Texas form multistate collaboration

The three regional cooperatives, the North Texas Innovation Alliance, the Connective and the Southern Arizona Smart Region, will work together to advance funding models and promote new technology. 

By Jason Plautz • July 1, 2021

Final eviction moratorium extension provides 'breathing room' for cities

The extension comes as millions are behind on rent. The White House followed it with actions to help state and local governments avoid a wave of evictions, an issue discussed at a recent Eviction Lab and Pew Charitable Trusts event. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 30, 2021

How a 'Digital City Hall' helped Santa Monica, California, work through COVID-19

Once "drowning under paper," CIO Joseph Cevetello said the city government's strategic planning around technology prepared it for the sharp transition to remote work, even with a 30% workforce reduction.

By Chris Teale • June 25, 2021

Ames, Iowa, to host rural broadband research site

Iowa State University and nonprofit US Ignite are among the partners that will explore ways to enhance agriculture and close the digital divide.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2021

Autonomous shuttles still face tech, regulatory barriers to permanent adoption

Low-speed shuttle pilot projects have had some success, including innovative adaptations during the pandemic, but AVs are still years from wide adoption.

By Chris Teale • June 22, 2021

New bill would tax polluters, redirect funds to impacted communities

The Save Our Future Act would invest millions in emissions reduction programs and help areas reliant on fossil fuels transition away from them through direct payments, career training, business development and other programs.

By Chris Teale • June 18, 2021

At challenge's conclusion, Smart Columbus to continue its work

With the four-year federal grant funding period at an end, the Ohio organization said it will stay focused on how technology can address societal issues and maintain many of its initiatives.

By Chris Teale • June 15, 2021

3 takeaways from NLC's 'State of the Cities' report

Mayors nationwide are prioritizing investing in infrastructure, but they remain concerned about budget shortfalls after the coronavirus pandemic even with federal help on the way.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2021

NYC bill would have single agency lead smart city tech implementation

The legislation would bring together oversight of a variety of "smart" tech, including streetlights, trash and recycling receptacles, and water, power and gas meters.

By Chris Teale • June 9, 2021

Transit funding a flashpoint in surface transportation debate

Should the U.S. government fund more public transportation or less? FAST Act reauthorization proposals take opposing positions on the issue.

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2021

Seattle-area county say it's first US county to pass facial recognition ban

Tech hub King County, Washington, has joined a growing number of jurisdictions in restricting government use of the software, as additional city, state and federal policies move through legislatures.

By Maria Rachal • June 7, 2021

Nevada passes clean energy bill requiring state to join RTO, accelerating $2B transmission project

The bill also requires utilities to forecast a path to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

By Jason Plautz • June 4, 2021

Tampa, Florida, creates resilience plan to prepare for next crisis

The road map, which officials say is the first to be released during or after the coronavirus pandemic, calls for more affordable housing and broadband access in addition to climate-ready infrastructure.

By Chris Teale • June 3, 2021

Biden proposes more than $2B for clean energy infrastructure, $14B+ increase in climate spending

The administration's first proposed budget includes sizable increases in spending for climate mitigation, research, EVs and clean energy infrastructure.

By Emma Penrod • June 1, 2021

Chicago and other cities support outdoor dining expansions even as pandemic wanes

Expanded outdoor dining has been "a critical lifeline" for restaurants. As some cities aim to extend the changes or make them permanent, Chicago is awarding $2.3 million in grants for those and other community outdoor spaces. 

By Jason Plautz • June 1, 2021

Washington, DC, reclaims top spot as best city for parks

The Trust for Public Land's rankings measured park equity access for the first time in the index's 10-year history, noting that while many cities have made strides, plenty of work still lies ahead.  

By Chris Teale • May 27, 2021

Predicting travel rebound, Airbnb rolls out major feature upgrades

The company is implementing a swath of changes, including to its City Portal, as CEO Brian Chesky said he anticipates the "biggest travel rebound in a century." 

By Chris Teale • May 25, 2021

Stimulus funds poised to magnify impact of Economic Development Administration's new equity focus

The EDA has for the first time prioritized equity in its strategy as it looks to invest in underserved communities and prepare them for the jobs of the future.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2021