California regulator approves fare-based AV services

The California Public Utilities Commission approved two programs that will allow companies to accept compensation on fare-based shared AV services.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 23, 2020

LA unveils plans for transportation tech innovation zone

The zone will enable public-private collaboration on new tech, with the first pilot involving a last-mile, zero-emission delivery service via a fleet of robots. 

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 19, 2020

G20 invites 2 US cities to adopt global policy roadmap

San Jose, CA and Chattanooga, TN are among 36 "pioneer cities" to test and offer feedback on the roadmap from the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 19, 2020

Climate progress in 6 sectors too slow to limit global warming: report

The World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks said efforts to bolster electrification and renewable energy must accelerate, while deforestation and agricultural production raised red flags.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 19, 2020

Cycling-friendly cities scramble to combat rising bike thefts

Bike Index found thefts increased 68% from March to September, running incongruous to cities' investments in cycling infrastructure and support.

By Amanda Loudin • Nov. 19, 2020

EPA sets 2030 national recycling goal, stakeholders call for more federal action

Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a 50% recycling rate target for 2030, while the latest annual data showed a decline to 32.1% and multiple financial pressures continue for the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 19, 2020

NYC to pilot mental health teams as 'default response' to related 911 calls

The pilot — based off a successful program in Eugene, OR — will begin this winter in two neighborhoods, but concerns about the program's ability to meet mental health needs persist.

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 17, 2020

Biden unveils DOT transition team

Phillip Washington, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will lead the president-elect's team of experts focused on the Department of Transportation.

By Jennifer Goodman • Nov. 16, 2020

Las Vegas targets SF, Seattle remote workers in relocation campaign

The multi-media marketing campaign is the first of similar remote work relocation programs to not offer a cash incentive. Instead, the city touts affordable living and ample sunshine.

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 16, 2020

25 US cities land on CDP 2020 'A List'

Despite the unprecedented obstacles of COVID-19, CDP identified 88 global cities that have continued to make progress on climate action, with 34% of those cities new to the list this year.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 16, 2020

Mayors unveil $60B plan to support Midwest energy transition

The Marshall Plan for Middle America aims to address the Ohio Valley region's projected 100,000 job losses triggered by a shift away from fossil fuels.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 16, 2020

Bitcoin, bike offered to attract remote workers to Northwest Arkansas

The Northwest Arkansas Council is reportedly the first regional group to offer cryptocurrency as an incentive, with a promise of $10,000 in bitcoin to those who relocate.

By Kristin Musulin, Cailin Crowe • Updated Jan. 12, 2022

Cryptocurrency listed for rapper's 'Akon City' in Senegal

The Akoin cryptocurrency was listed for purchase on bitcoin exchange Bittrex Global, marking a significant step forward for rapper Akon's planned smart city. 

By Chris Teale • Nov. 12, 2020

Cities are only 'smart' when IoT works in real time

Despite the hoopla, smart cities are failing to accomplish most of what's being promised because of lagging software technology.

By Marty Sprinzen • Nov. 11, 2020

Ohio cities sue state AG in an effort to curb gun violence

The Cities of Dayton and Columbus allege that the state attorney general has failed to update the background check system used to inform gun purchases and maintain public safety. 

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 11, 2020

Biden expected to spur growth of smart city tech market

"Under a Biden administration, efforts around smart cities can be expected to accelerate," one analyst said, noting potential growth in smart water systems and transportation electrification.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 10, 2020

Ride-hailing could have a 'deterrent effect' on sexual assault: study

Researchers found a 1% increase in pickups by Uber in New York City led to a decrease of 48 reported cases. Despite this, concerns loom over incidents involving drivers.

By Chris Teale • Updated Nov. 9, 2020

Seattle's $5.6M plan to address trash-collection woes

The "Clean Cities Initiative" aims to tackle an influx of trash in parks, particularly as they have become a refuge during the pandemic, according to Mayor Jenny Durkan.

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 9, 2020

Voters nationwide favor city police reform

At least 10 jurisdictions saw police reform measures pass with large majorities of the vote, indicating the country is "moving in the right direction" toward equitable and fair municipal policing.

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 6, 2020

Incumbents largely maintain leadership in US mayoral races

Of the 100 largest cities, 19 held general elections for mayor this week. Phoenix and Portland, OR are among those that will maintain incumbent mayors, while Baltimore and Honolulu will welcome new leadership.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated Nov. 18, 2020

CA's Prop 22 passage could bring further challenges to ride-hail regulations

Voters approved the initiative with 58% of the vote, according to unofficial tallies. While labor advocates warn it will undermine drivers, it could embolden companies towards similar efforts elsewhere.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 5, 2020

30% of K-12 students lack at-home internet, devices: BCG

A new connectivity report found it could cost up to $11 billion to bridge the K-12 digital divide as COVID-19 forces more than 50 million students to learn remotely.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 4, 2020

5 charts to show the impact of ransomware attacks in 2020

Even if patterns in code and strategy resemble a certain group, it's not always reliable enough to definitively identify an attacker or variant. 

By Samantha Schwartz • Nov. 2, 2020

NYC releases terms of e-scooter pilot

The city's Department of Transportation issued an RFEI for the program, slated to begin in March. Operators now face tough competition to serve what has long been the nation's largest untapped market.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 30, 2020

Global cities join forces to support the 'creative economy'

Eighteen cities will take part in the latest round of the World Cities Culture Forum's Leadership Exchange Program, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Google Arts & Culture.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 30, 2020