Boston is second-largest US city to ban facial recognition

Mayor Marty Walsh signed the ban amid a national debate around police reform, which has included a reckoning on the potential inequities of facial recognition tech.

By Jason Plautz • July 6, 2020

LA, Chicago tap social media to refine mask guidance

In a webinar hosted by Zencity, chief leaders from Chicago and Los Angeles detailed how social media has played a role in communicating and improving face mask guidance.

By Kristin Musulin • July 2, 2020

House Dems propose net-zero emissions by 2050

The climate proposal urges building, transportation and industrial electrification, and notably does not call for an end to natural gas fracking.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 1, 2020

Connecticut DOT to run first automated transit bus in US

CTDOT received a $2 million grant to deploy the program along a 9-mile transit corridor, including three 40-foot battery electric heavy-duty buses. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 30, 2020

Mayors form UBI advocacy coalition

Eleven leaders have convened to launch Mayors for a Guaranteed Income in an effort to boost economic security, particularly amid COVID-19.

By Kristin Musulin • June 30, 2020

4 cities win smart intersection challenge to reduce congestion

Austin, TX will use Parsons' intelligent intersection software to retime traffic signals, potentially leading to a 40% reduction in congestion.

By Cailin Crowe • June 29, 2020

Mayors group calls for renewed trust, equity in policing

The U.S. Conference of Mayors Working Group on Police Reform and Racial Justice released principles to recast departments' community relationships. 

By Chris Teale • June 29, 2020

After years of debate, NYC approves scooter pilot program

City council passed a law requiring the launch of a shared micromobility pilot by March 1, 2021 — though some council members are still concerned about safety and charging capacity. 

By Chris Teale • June 26, 2020

BLM advocates slam 'ironic' protest surveillance in 15 cities

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol confirmed its surveillance of Black Lives Matter protests across the country. Now, advocates want to know how the 270 hours of footage will be used.

By Kristin Musulin • June 25, 2020

3 ways smart cities can improve air quality

With urbanites expressing a renewed interest in air quality improvement amid the coronavirus, cities may find themselves in need of better data to base policy decisions.

By Grant Samms • June 25, 2020

Transit agencies weigh security forces amid calls to defund police

U.S. cities are reassessing transit policing in an effort to address issues of systemic racism. "This is about reimagining what safety looks like," one transit official said.

By Jason Plautz • June 25, 2020

Playbook urges 'overhaul' in infrastructure financing, planning

A bevy of groups called for a more equitable and resilient post-coronavirus rebuild that gives local governments more autonomy and scope to innovate.

By Chris Teale • June 24, 2020

House passes $1.5T infrastructure bill

The expanded Moving Forward Act includes $500 billion in green measures and $100 billion for both affordable housing and broadband internet, among other funding.

By Kim Slowey • Updated July 2, 2020

St. Louis to add 1,400 tech jobs with AFS Advanced Technology Center

Accenture Federal Services' new tech center will open later this year, at a time when Missouri is grappling with a 13.3% statewide unemployment rate.

By Cailin Crowe • June 24, 2020

US localities signed 335 renewable energy deals since 2015: report

A new renewables action tracker details the energy transactions made by local governments in the last five years, and the complementing efforts to influence renewable energy policy.

By Chris Teale • June 24, 2020

NLC: Financial impact data paints 'dire picture' of cities' futures

A COVID-19 impact survey found 1.5 million public sector jobs have been lost since March, while 65% of cities are looking to slash infrastructure projects. NLC leaders fear these cuts will create an "economic ripple effect."

By Kristin Musulin • June 24, 2020

New York Power Authority, Signify upgrade 500K streetlights statewide

The partnership supports the Smart Street Lighting NY initiative, which looks to add LED lights and connect streetlights through IoT technology.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2020

Accelerator for America distributes $750K in COVID-19 aid

The program will help to set up a direct financial assistance program for residents across 10 U.S. jurisdictions, including Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

By Cailin Crowe • June 23, 2020

NUMO urges Congress to reprioritize INVEST Act

The New Urban Mobility alliance and a signing coalition of nine mobility organizations are calling for more affordable and safe transportation access in the new reauthorization bill.

By Kristin Musulin • June 22, 2020

NYC requires more transparency on police use of surveillance tech

The POST Act requires the New York City Police Department to disclose the technology it uses, how it protects privacy and any disparate impacts on marginalized communities.

By Chris Teale • June 19, 2020

5 focal points needed to develop a smart city

Given the pace at which new technology is overtaking social infrastructure, cities must "up their game" with a greater sense of focus and urgency. 

By Clint Vince and Jennifer Morrissey • June 18, 2020

Chicago sustainability officer to marry racial equity, climate goals

Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Angela Tovar to help the city reach its 2025 climate goals through the prioritization of racial equity, environmental justice and economic inclusivity.

By Cailin Crowe • June 15, 2020

Monumental movement: The disposal of city statues

As cities face growing demands to remove controversial monuments amid protests against systemic racism, they must determine how to best take them down — and where to put them.

By Amanda Loudin • June 15, 2020

Securing critical infrastructure in the smart city

Smart cities are the future, but ensuring the safety of their citizens, data and access to services should be considered up front — not after the fact.

By Neil Correa • June 15, 2020

Knoxville, TN still quiet on details of cyberattack

While the city confirmed its cyber insurance to local press, it remains unclear if any ransom has been paid.

By Chris Teale • Updated June 25, 2020