Private dollars are seeding surveillance tech across the US

A number of local police departments are procuring surveillance tech with the help of donations from private sponsors — and from the tech firms themselves. 

By Kate Kaye • Feb. 5, 2021

Senate confirms former North Carolina regulator Regan as head of EPA

Michael Regan had pledged to take a "clean slate" approach when determining how to take on the Clean Power Plan versus the Affordable Clean Energy Act.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated March 11, 2021

Biden charts path to fair, equitable housing

The new administration made housing equity an immediate priority, but experts warn of continued challenges as some renters and businesses face an "unrecoverable financial burden."

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 4, 2021

US cities face $90B budget shortfall in FY21: NLC

City financial leaders' level of pessimism regarding budgetary commitments is the highest it's been since the Great Recession, a survey found.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 4, 2021

Buttigieg confirmation boosts hope for massive infrastructure investment

Several officials said the former South Bend, IN mayor's experience in local government will serve him well, and have called on him to embrace innovations like autonomous and electric vehicles. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 3, 2021

Inspired by COVID biking boom, cycling bills reintroduced in Congress

One piece of legislation would make local bike-share programs eligible for federal funding, while another would reinstate a national tax benefit for those who commute by bike.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 2, 2021

Privacy concerns still loom over Detroit's Project Green Light

As the green light network expands to over 700 Detroit locations, concerned citizens argue the program is reminiscent of public safety pay-to-play.

By Kate Kaye • Feb. 1, 2021

Transit agencies brace for vaccination push amid murky guidance

Though federal agencies have deemed public transit a priority sector for COVID-19 vaccinations, states are charting their own plans to address rider demands and union resources.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 1, 2021

Survey shows 'inconsistencies' in how mayors view policing, reform

The Menino Survey of Mayors found a majority of respondents recognize the racial disparities in how police treat their residents, but do not favor radical departmental changes.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 29, 2021

New SUMC CEO ponders mobility sector's 'moment of inflection'

Benjamin de la Peña, who recently became CEO of the Shared-Use Mobility Center, discussed pandemic-fueled mobility opportunities and his unfinished business as the Seattle DOT's former innovation chief.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 28, 2021

Advanced air mobility could be worth $115B by 2035: report

Public and private partners must collaborate to help the U.S. lead the industry, which could create 280,000 jobs, according to Deloitte and the Aerospace Industries Association.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 26, 2021

City Surveillance Watch: Network Effect

In this second episode of City Surveillance Watch, reporter Kate Kaye takes listeners on a journey to Detroit, Kansas City, New Orleans and beyond for a glimpse at how surveillance tech affects real lives.

By Kate Kaye • Jan. 25, 2021

Buttigieg nomination for Transport Secretary advances to full Senate

Members of the Senate Commerce Committee voted 21-3 on Wednesday morning to advance the former South Bend, IN mayor, who could receive full approval before the week’s end.

By Chris Teale • Updated Jan. 27, 2021

Biden's Day One actions signal hope for climate, energy sectors

President Joe Biden marked his first day in office by taking steps to rejoin the Paris climate accord, along with signing a flurry of executive orders.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

Honolulu's resilience officer outlines path to carbon neutrality

Chief Resilience Officer Matthew Gonser discussed Honolulu's first Climate Action Plan and the creative way local leaders tackled tough climate conversations with local residents. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 21, 2021

Cuomo announces $306B infrastructure plan for New York

Just one part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan, the redevelopment of Manhattan's Midtown West, is expected to create 196,000 jobs.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 20, 2021

Leaders praise local provisions in Biden's recovery plan

The president-elect's $1.9 trillion stimulus package includes $350 billion in direct assistance for state and local governments, which localities have requested for months.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 19, 2021

Following Google's footsteps, Des Moines pledges 24/7 clean electricity by 2035

The city's resolution may make Des Moines one of the first U.S. communities to achieve 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 15, 2021

St. Paul, MN to form reparations commission

Inspired by similar efforts in Evanston, IL and Asheville, NC, the city council voted this week to create a commission that will explore financial reparations for the descendants of slavery. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 15, 2021

AV policy should focus on safety and public trust, experts say

During a digital CES 2021 panel, public and private sector autonomous vehicle experts discussed the progress made since AV 4.0 was unveiled at least year's show, and the work that still needs to be done. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 15, 2021

DC, tech firms enact Inauguration Day safety precautions

As Mayor Muriel Bowser prepares area residents for the Jan. 20 event, Airbnb and Lime take action to minimize risky travel.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 14, 2021

California judge rules Prop 22 to be unconstitutional

The controversial ballot measure, defining Uber and Lyft drivers as contractors, has been deemed "unenforceable" by an Alameda County Superior Court Judge.

By Chris Teale • Updated Aug. 23, 2021

Biden advisor: US 'lost critical time' in climate change fight

National Economic Council Director-Designate Brian Deese said reentering the Paris agreement will be a top priority of Biden's administration, but more must be done to curb emissions.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 13, 2021

Cornell illustrates model for mass COVID-19 testing

The university tests between 6,000 and 7,000 samples a day, which is the result of community buy-in, efficiency and partnerships, leaders said in a webinar.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 12, 2021

Pandemic highlights perks of $1M digitization effort in Salem, MA

The city has digitized about 1.3 million files dating back to the 1600s, which has reduced burdens on staff and eased access for city residents as operations shifted largely online.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 11, 2021