15 minutes with the first state-level chief heat officer

As Arizona shifts its approach to managing extreme heat risk, Eugene Livar wants to bring communities the resources they need without reinventing the wheel.

By Ysabelle Kempe • March 15, 2024

Biden administration asks for 2.7% FY 2025 increase in DOT budget

The Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration would receive modest cuts over the fiscal year 2024 budget, while the Federal Aviation Administration would get a $2.7 billion increase.

By Dan Zukowski • March 14, 2024

Automated traffic enforcement is growing. How are cities using it?

Cameras that cities use to catch drivers speeding, running red lights and blocking bus and bike lanes have “public perception and policy obstacles to overcome,” a safety official said.

By Dan Zukowski • March 11, 2024

Arizona names US’ first state chief heat officer, unveils summer 2024 plans

Arizona said it has also hired a statewide cooling center coordinator and will deploy solar-powered cooling centers made from shipping containers.

By Ysabelle Kempe • March 7, 2024

NYC subways get National Guard, state police patrols after high-profile assaults

While New York City Mayor Eric Adams and transit workers applaud the move, others express concerns about racial profiling.

By Dan Zukowski • March 7, 2024

Robotaxi expansion approved in California over local objections

Waymo can begin operating driverless robotaxis immediately in Los Angeles and on the San Francisco peninsula following a March 1 decision by the California Public Utilities Commission.

By Dan Zukowski • March 5, 2024

Pedestrian deaths declined modestly in first half of 2023: GHSA

“A decrease in pedestrian fatalities is welcome news,” said the Governors Highway Safety Association's Adam Snider, but the numbers are still far above pre-pandemic levels.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 27, 2024

Los Angeles County sues Grubhub over ‘bait and switch’ fees

The county calls for an injunction against alleged deceptive business practices and for Grubhub to pay fines for possible violations of California’s unfair competition and false advertising laws. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 26, 2024

Congress reintroduces PFAS litigation bill

The PFAS Accountability Act would make it easier for those significantly exposed to forever chemicals to sue manufacturers.

By Sara Samora • Feb. 16, 2024

San Francisco crowd attacks Waymo driverless car

The incident could signal a self-driving vehicle backlash as Super Bowl ads criticized Tesla’s Autopilot software and city leaders call for local oversight of AVs in their cities.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 12, 2024

US cities unlikely to follow Toronto’s bruising effort to curb Uber

The company hit back forcibly when Canada’s largest city tried to cap the number of ride-hailing licenses it grants. 

By Ramona Dzinkowski • Feb. 9, 2024

As some transit crime rates triple, FTA releases data, other resources

Grant programs to fund crime prevention and security projects also are available, the Federal Transit Administration announced.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 29, 2024

Climate funding takes hit in California governor’s 2024 budget proposal

Transit funding, however, was relatively unscathed in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2024-25 fiscal year budget, which represents $20 billion in cuts from last year.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 11, 2024

How 3 states are attacking carbon emissions from transportation

While 21 states sued the federal government over its new rule requiring transportation emission reduction targets, others are forging ahead to clean up this sector.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 8, 2024

NYC starts first compliance period for building emissions reduction law

Even though 89% of covered buildings are set to meet 2024 emissions targets, building owners must act promptly to achieve 2030 goals, experts say. 

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 4, 2024

Transportation tech, challenges on agenda for new US DOT advisory committee

The wide range of experts will advise the agency in what Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called a time of “unprecedented” challenges and opportunity.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 4, 2024

‘COP28 must be the COP of cities’: Local leaders want fossil fuel phaseout, collaboration

Financing for local climate action is top of mind for some city leaders at the summit. C40 Cities’ cochairs demanded in a letter that nations redirect fossil fuel subsidies toward the clean energy transition. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 1, 2023

US DOT announces $1.5B round of RAISE grants for 2024

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program supports road, rail, transit and port projects, and is open to a wide range of applicants.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 1, 2023

House Republicans support high-speed rail but not California’s project

Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee largely supported passenger and high-speed rail in a Wednesday hearing but split along party lines about California's $128 billion project.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 30, 2023

Biden administration sets new rule for monitoring on-road GHG emissions

The Federal Highway Administration rule requires states and metropolitan planning organizations to establish CO2 emissions reductions targets, setting up a fight with congressional Republicans.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 29, 2023

What’s top of mind for New York’s first customer experience officer

About a month into the job, Tonya Webster discussed her priorities and how she plans to overcome siloed agency processes.

By Kristen Doerer • Nov. 22, 2023

FTA proposes tighter rules for state oversight of rail transit systems

The proposal would give state safety oversight agencies new authority and responsibilities to ensure the safety of public rail transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 20, 2023

Generative AI is here. This is how 5 cities plan to manage its use.

Guidelines aim to help government employees navigate the use of generative artificial intelligence tools while maintaining privacy, ethics and city values.

By Paige Gross • Nov. 16, 2023

3 steps for getting urban innovation pilots out of ‘purgatory’

A road map for New York City recommends taking a “challenge-based” approach to procurement and beefing up startup infrastructure.

By Paige Gross • Nov. 15, 2023

Meet Houston’s first emergency preparedness manager for vulnerable communities

Houstonians with disabilities have previously been unable to access emergency shelters and evacuation plans due to limited emergency preparedness outreach, a city official said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 10, 2023