Savannah, GA offers $2K to attract remote tech workers

The Savannah Technology Workforce Incentive aims to bolster the region's tech ecosystem by leveraging flexibilities of the telework community, especially amid relaxed telework limitations.

By Kristin Musulin • June 12, 2020

Smart cities require a balance of privacy and open data

Strategies to protect privacy as data becomes more ubiquitous are fundamental, while government capacity to manage data — technical and human — must be front and center. 

By Lilian Coral • June 12, 2020

Amazon, Microsoft announce moratoria on police using facial recognition tech

The pause from both companies comes after IBM announced it would end R&D on its own products as part of policy proposals designed to address responsible use of tech by law enforcement. 

By Chris Teale • June 12, 2020

CivStart reveals govtech inclusivity task force

The startup accelerator is turning experience into action by convening a network of public and private leaders to prioritize finding ways to influence diversity in govtech.

By Kristin Musulin • June 11, 2020

7 public data projects enhancing civic engagement

The Knight Foundation awarded $1 million to seven projects nationwide that work to hold governments accountable via creative uses of public data. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 11, 2020

Denver's trash, Houston's treasure: How a bike fleet deal saved a trip to the scrapyard

When Denver Bike Sharing shuttered its BCycle program in early 2020, Houston Bike Share saw an opportunity to expand its own fleet, saving thousands of dollars along the way.

By Kristin Musulin • June 10, 2020

US residents losing trust in government: survey

ICF and MFour Mobile Research polling found 57% of adults believe their state and local governments are reopening nonessential businesses too soon.

By Cailin Crowe • June 9, 2020

House transport bill proposes $250M in grants to reduce congestion

The INVEST in America Act would fund local projects to reduce gridlock at a time when city leaders fear congestion could worsen amid COVID-19 recovery.

By Chris Teale • June 9, 2020

The 10 cities with the highest unemployment rates: report

A recent WalletHub analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found many tourism hub workforces were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

By Cailin Crowe • June 9, 2020

Trump orders federal agencies to waive environmental regulations

The order does away with agencies' responsibility to abide by regulations established under laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act to speed up public works projects that will create jobs.

By Kim Slowey • June 9, 2020

San Luis Obispo, CA named best US city for biking

The third annual PeopleForBikes ratings celebrates the ridership, safety, network, reach and acceleration of bicycle programs — but indicates U.S. cities have a long way to go.

By Kristin Musulin • June 9, 2020

Minneapolis may end its police department. Will other cities follow suit?

The mayor of Rochester, NY said in a recent webinar that localities must reform departments as part of "everyday business," not just in "times of turmoil."

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2020

Cities face most coronavirus-related restaurant closures

More restaurants have closed in urban areas than other regions during the pandemic, according to Datassential. Now, restaurants may face short-term disruptions from protests.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 8, 2020

NYC launches Text-to-911 service after years of delays

The city avoided a splashy launch of the service due to concerns of an overwhelmed system amid the current protests for racial justice.

By Chris Teale • June 5, 2020

5 outcomes of an Election Day marked by protests and pandemic

The June 2 primary was unlike any other as mail-in voting became the norm to support social distancing, and voters grappled with protests, curfews and consolidated polling sites. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 4, 2020

House Dems unveil $494B transportation infrastructure bill

The INVEST in America Act would reauthorize funding that's currently provided under the FAST Act for improvements to highways, transit, safety and research.

By Chris Teale • June 4, 2020

Montreal tree inventory project adapts to COVID-19 limitations

With field work suspended, researchers at Concordia University are asking residents of the surrounding neighborhood to survey their own private trees. 

By Chris Teale • June 3, 2020

Public transit advocates react to George Floyd protests

Transit services have been disrupted in nearly every major U.S. city as thousands march to demand racial justice. While some agencies have provided buses to detain protesters, others have refused to assist police.

By Kristin Musulin • June 3, 2020

Cross-sector data insights are critical amid COVID-19

There's nothing like a crisis to demonstrate how hard it is to make quick sense of a tidal wave of information from every direction.

By Ashvini Saxena • June 3, 2020

Massachusetts hopes 'localized approach' to GHG inventory can spread

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council rolled out tools for local communities to collect and track emissions data, something officials believe could be replicated in other regions.

By Chris Teale • June 2, 2020

Mayors seek financial relief amid protests: 'We absolutely cannot do it alone'

Many cities grappling with already-strapped budgets due to coronavirus are calling on Congress for additional aid as they confront the costs of recent racial justice demonstrations.

By Cailin Crowe • June 2, 2020

Census data shows slowing population growth in big cities — for now

A Brookings Institution report found a rise in urban population growth in the first half of the decade, followed by a decline and an uncertain future due to the pandemic. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 1, 2020

Cities need more expertise, utility support in 100% renewables push: report

The authors said local leaders should invest more time to ensure the energy transition is equitable and does not leave marginalized communities behind.

By Chris Teale • June 1, 2020

A sneak peek at San Francisco's new low-carbon neighborhood

The city unanimously approved plans to build a 29-acre sustainable, transportation-efficient community on the site of a former century-old fossil fuel power plant. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 29, 2020

North Texas Innovation Alliance to foster collaborative regional growth

The new nonprofit will bring together 21 founding members including 12 Texas cities to help tackle issues like infrastructure, equity and transportation. 

By Chris Teale • May 29, 2020