Governance: Page 22


  • USCM
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    U.S. Conference of Mayors virtual meeting: https://usmayors.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_shTXlYtwTV6xB9f4TmNalw 

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    US mayors gather to address surge of anti-Asian violence in cities

    With such hate crimes increasing 150% across 16 major cities in 2020, federal and local leaders discussed possible solutions at a recent U.S. Conference of Mayors panel.

    By Cailin Crowe • April 7, 2021
  • First Solar's Series 6 modules deployed in a project in Kern County, California
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    Permission granted by First Solar
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    Local governments set record for new renewable energy procurement in 2020, groups report

    Transactions last year grew renewable capacity 23% from 2019's totals, according to World Resources Institute and Rocky Mountain Institute data.

    By Chris Teale • April 5, 2021
  • President Joe Biden speaking about the American Jobs Plan
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    Retrieved from Twitter.
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    How the American Jobs Plan aims to shape 4 pillars of city infrastructure

    The administration's package looks to inject billions of dollars into the country's digital infrastructure, water, transportation and housing needs, with emphasis on racial equity and climate resilience.

    By Smart Cities Dive Team • April 1, 2021
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    Taylor McKnight/Smart Cities Dive
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    Singapore tops global smart city rankings again, NYC leads US

    Meanwhile, Columbus, OH reached No. 11 in the Eden Strategy Institute's latest standings due to coordinated efforts with Smart Columbus.

    By Chris Teale • April 1, 2021
  • LA, Philadelphia and DC compost leaders look to better leverage city park sites

    As municipally supported composting grows in some parts of the country, panelists at a U.S. Composting Council event discussed solutions to common roadblocks in using parklands for such programs. 

    By Maria Rachal • March 31, 2021
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    The image by Christopher Michel is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Few mayors expect to keep COVID-inspired changes to public spaces, survey finds

    The Menino Survey of Mayors found that although leaders predict residents will spend more time outside, only 6% of mayors plan to keep recent changes to those spaces like closed roads and new bike lanes.

    By Chris Teale • March 31, 2021
  • Satellite internet illustration
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    Adeline Kon/Smart Cities Dive
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    Deep Dive

    Satellite internet: digital divide solution or 'science experiment'?

    SpaceX and Amazon have said the technology can help rural America get online, but opponents say it's unproven and not worthy of federal investment.

    By Chris Teale • March 30, 2021
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    Daimler
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    Auto leaders urge adoption of 'common language' for AV safety

    The Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium — which counts Ford, Daimler and Lyft among its members — outlined performance metrics for developers to inspire public confidence in self-driving cars.

    By Chris Teale • March 29, 2021
  • The smart city tech most at risk for cyberattacks: report

    University of California at Berkeley researchers said certain traffic lights and emergency alert systems are among the most vulnerable. 

    By Chris Teale • March 26, 2021
  • Fermata Energy has partnered with the City of Boulder on a vehicle-to-grid charging project
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    Permission granted by Fermata Energy
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    New coalition calls on Biden admin to prioritize electrified transportation

    CHARGE, a group of 37 organizations, is urging EV charging infrastructure be especially deployed in communities traditionally underserved by transportation or that have struggled with pollution burdens.

    By Chris Teale • March 25, 2021
  • Knight Foundation Gehl public spaces post-COVID
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    Permission granted by Gehl
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    Community-led design of public spaces could have 'ripple effect' in COVID recovery: report

    Analysis of public spaces in Detroit; Philadelphia; San Jose, CA; and Akron, OH by the Knight Foundation and design firm Gehl found successful and resilient programming could have long-term effects after the pandemic.

    By Chris Teale • March 24, 2021
  • Pedestrian and cyclist at intersection
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    Courtesy of Smart Growth America
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    Pedestrian deaths had largest year-on-year increase in 2020: GHSA

    The Governors Highway Safety Association projected there were 6,721 pedestrian fatalities last year, a 4.8% increase from 2019's mark of 6,412.

    By Chris Teale • Updated May 21, 2021
  • Bergen County Utilities Authority, wastewater
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    Permission granted by Bergen County Utilities Authority
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    Climate-driven water infrastructure failures risk becoming 'business as usual'

    Monday's World Water Day comes one month after extreme weather wreaked havoc on Texas' water supply, an event that experts warn could become the new normal if leaders fail to invest in resiliency. 

    By Chris Teale • March 22, 2021
  • Cities turn to resilience corps as pandemic recovery tactic

    San Jose, CA is the latest major city to embrace the initiative, which provides jobs and skills training to residents hardest-hit by the pandemic. 

    By Chris Teale • March 22, 2021
  • A TuSimple truck from the front
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    Courtesy of TuSimple
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    Help wanted: Transport startups hire for 'sweet spot' between tech and policy

    Companies like Waymo and Aurora are staffing up with Washington insiders as the autonomy sector seeks leaders who can tackle the intersection of public opinion and public policy. 

    By S.L. Fuller • March 19, 2021
  • rent relief evictions
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    Crider, Anthony. (2021). "Rent Relief Protest" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Smart Cities Dive.
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    CDC extends national eviction moratorium through June

    The most recent extension to the ban was set to expire in just a couple days, threatening to create an "unprecedented wave of evictions." 

    By Cailin Crowe • Updated March 29, 2021
  • Arizona utility opposes legislation barring state regulators from decarbonization mandate

    As with many other states, Arizona is embroiled in a debate about the extent of regulators' authority when it comes to decarbonization. 

    By Emma Penrod • March 17, 2021
  • Waterfront Toronto
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    Permission granted by Rendering by West 8 + DTAH
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    Waterfront Toronto to design 'complete community' after Sidewalk Labs split

    The group launched a competition to find a new development partner, seeking a plan that includes affordable housing and support for aging in place.

    By Cailin Crowe • March 17, 2021
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    Taylor McKnight/Smart Cities Dive
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    City leaders call for end to 'digital redlining'

    Nearly 100 elected officials and a swath of advocacy groups have urged the FCC to investigate the digital divide in communities of color nationwide. 

    By Chris Teale • March 17, 2021
  • High-speed rail would get $205B boost via new bill

    The American High-Speed Rail Act, introduced by House Democrats last week, would invest in federal grants, incentivize private funding and prioritize support for regions underserved by air travel.

    By Chris Teale • March 16, 2021
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    The image by Stock Catalog is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Uber, Lyft to share safety information on deactivated drivers

    The rare collaboration between the ride-hailing giants will share details on those removed from the platforms for serious incidents like sexual assault. 

    By Chris Teale • March 15, 2021
  • Work halted on part of $9B Honolulu rail project due to incomplete design

    Construction on a portion of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s rail project has stopped because of a lack of complete design drawings, according to its interim CEO.

    By Zachary Phillips • March 15, 2021
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    The image by U.S. Department of the Interior is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Walsh confirmation vote expected next week

    The Senate will vote on Boston Mayor Martin Walsh's nomination as secretary of Labor next week, the Boston Herald has reported.  

    By Joe Bousquin • Updated March 16, 2021
  • library pandemic
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    Coghlan, Michael. (2020). "Library Truck" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Libraries to receive record federal aid to address digital divide

    The American Rescue Plan includes billions in eligible funding for libraries, which have been key partners to cities in providing internet access to patrons.

    By Cailin Crowe • March 12, 2021
  • Capitol Hill
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    The image by Андрей Бобровский is licensed under CC BY 3.0
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    House Democrats' bill would invest $94B to expand broadband internet

    The LIFT America Act includes $80 billion to connect underserved areas in the U.S. and would provide $9.3 billion to make service affordable for all.

    By Chris Teale • March 12, 2021