Cities play 'key role' in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 9, 2020

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2020

In a year where cities and local officials had to weather unprecedented crises, the following awardees stood out for their bold leadership.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

Leader of the Year: Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta

The mayor has guided the city through the onset of a devastating pandemic and civic unrest, while also fielding a lawsuit from the state governor and catching the attention of President-elect Joe Biden's administration.  

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 9, 2020

City of the Year: Newark, NJ

Faced with the pandemic, protests for racial justice, and elevated levels of lead in the water, the city rose to the occasion and responded with community engagement and grassroots partnerships.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 9, 2020

Agencies tap public surveys to gauge transit trends

From Idaho Falls to Norman, OK, cities and transit agencies are leaning on carefully crafted surveys to navigate the post-COVID future of transit.

By Adina Solomon • Dec. 8, 2020

What security experts expect from Biden's cyber strategy

The private sector is playing a more active role in national security. Now, security professionals are hungry for even more cross-sector collaboration.

By Samantha Schwartz • Dec. 7, 2020

Cities shouldn't leave curb management to private sector: T4A

Transportation for America released a series of principles to help cities of any size effectively manage curb space in the absence of universal standards and language.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 4, 2020

San Jose, Oakland join growing list of California cities to ban natural gas construction

These measures add to more than 40 California cities that have updated building electrification codes — yet a "controversial exemption" in San Jose could turn the tide.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 4, 2020

Pandemics have historically altered urban housing. COVID-19 will do the same.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and this pandemic has created a variety of new necessities for urban residents and their environments.

By Demetrios Barnes • Dec. 4, 2020

Mayors strikingly pessimistic about post-COVID cities: survey

The annual Menino Survey of Mayors found most city leaders are concerned about the future of small businesses, minority communities and municipal budgets, saying federal aid has so far been insufficient. 

By Chris Teale • Dec. 3, 2020

Coalition urges renewed safety focus for AV legislation

If Congress tries again to regulate the technology, it should avoid the pitfalls of prior bills and ensure that all road users are properly protected, according to a coalition of over 55 industry groups.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 2, 2020

How automation can alleviate law enforcement bias in transportation

Deploying automated traffic enforcement systems can free up law enforcement resources to be allocated in communities where they are needed most. 

By Holly Cooper • Dec. 2, 2020

USDOT pushes swift implementation of first pedestrian safety plan

The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan details proposed actions around street infrastructure, training and Vision Zero policies, but falls short on a promise of Complete Streets.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 1, 2020

Chicago announces 15% delivery cap on heels of $10M restaurant grant program

The limit took effect Monday, and delivery platforms that violate the new standard will be fined between $1,000 and $2,000 per offense.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 25, 2020

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