The return to 'normal' requires acceptance of emerging tech

Returning to a familiar world of human interaction will take time. It will also take a willingness to modify expectations of physical and digital privacy.

By Betsy Plattenburg • May 13, 2020

APTA seeks extra $24B to support agencies 'hemorrhaging money'

The call for funding follows an 86% drop in transit fare revenue over the past month, with Chicago's Transit Authority citing a $1 million loss in fare box revenues per day. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 13, 2020

'Techlash' at Sidewalk Labs could mean smart city rethink

Alex Ryan, head of the MaRS Solutions Lab and a consultant on the Quayside project in Toronto, said less reliance on tech and more community engagement could be the new way forward.

By Chris Teale • May 13, 2020

4 ways to weave resiliency, tech into city recovery plans

In an IEEE-hosted webinar on Tuesday, smart city consultants detailed best practices and frameworks for building resiliency into COVID-19 recovery plans.

By Kristin Musulin • May 13, 2020

Poll: 40% of readers want car-free streets to last

In a poll to Smart Cities Dive newsletter subscribers and Twitter followers, respondents were most eager to see car-free streets and remote work survive beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Kristin Musulin • May 13, 2020

St. Louis' building efficiency standards pave way for the Midwest

New legislation in St. Louis marks a major step forward in reducing building emissions, which make up for 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the city.

By Chris Teale • May 12, 2020

As anxiety rises, cities adapt mental health services on the fly

The new coronavirus pandemic has strained city-run mental health services, resulting in a need for more federal support and reprioritized programs.

By Jason Plautz • May 11, 2020

Sidewalk Labs drops Quayside project

CEO Daniel Doctoroff said the "unprecedented economic uncertainty" made it "too difficult" to continue work on the plan, but Waterfront Toronto assured its commitment to Quayside is still strong.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated May 7, 2020

Coalition urges cities to collaborate on resilient pandemic recovery

The Global Resilient Cities Network said the Cities for a Resilient Recovery initiative is a place to share best practices as leaders rebuild their cities. 

By Chris Teale • May 7, 2020

Rent relief was needed 'well before a global health crisis': leaders

On a Local Progress press call, local officials called on state and federal leaders to provide financial relief for the country's tens of millions of renters. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 5, 2020

Pueblo, CO voters reject leaving IOU for municipal utility

Mayor Nick Gradisar had said forming a city-owned utility would help the city lower rates and reach its 100% renewable energy by 2035 goal.

By Catherine Morehouse • Updated May 6, 2020

Office space occupancy may drop post-pandemic — and that's OK

COVID-19 has forced employers to adjust operations and expectations in a way that eliminates the remote work "stigma." If this is continued post-pandemic, cities could see major benefits.

By Adam Segal • April 30, 2020

11 mayors form C40's coronavirus recovery task force

Mayors from around the world will convene to explore how local governments can drive economic recovery that best prioritizes health, equality and climate.

By Chris Teale • April 30, 2020

How two red states are enforcing contrasting recovery strategies

The mayors of Atlanta and New Orleans addressed the different approaches their respective governors have taken to easing restrictions, and the potential ramifications of reopening economies too early.

By Chris Teale • April 29, 2020

FCC commissioners disagree sharply on state of broadband

Some said the FCC's Broadband Deployment Report showed a continued decline in the digital divide, while others argued the report's data is flawed.

By Chris Teale • April 29, 2020

The pandemic pace: A look at congestion-free speeding and its risks

As city streets see drastic dips in vehicular traffic, a by-the-numbers look shows drivers are traveling at unprecedented speeds — putting pedestrians, cyclists and other civilians at risk. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 29, 2020

Cities can leverage program management to drive smart solutions

Independent program management offices (PMOs)​ have the ability to break down the complexities of public-private partnerships and eliminate burdens on local governments.

By Lauren Gore • April 28, 2020

Dubai government cuts paper use by 65%

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has led government departments in its paper consumption reduction, thanks to its smart app and website.

By Chris Teale • April 27, 2020

Enviro group launches OneNYC climate tracker

Urgency behind reaching the plan's targets is increasing as a majority of city leaders, including the mayor, are term-limited come 2021.

By Kristin Musulin • April 27, 2020

Transportation Electrification Partnership proposes $150B federal stimulus package

The proposal calls for investments in zero emission infrastructure, EV adoption, workforce development and other areas to build climate resilience amid COVID-19.

By Cailin Crowe • April 27, 2020

Cities have seen a cycling surge amid COVID-19. Will the trend stick?

A number of cities have closed streets to vehicular traffic to support and protect a spike in biking. As cities look to recovery, advocates hope such moves will influence change.

By Chris Teale • April 27, 2020

San Francisco, DC mayors call for more federal aid: 'I don't think it's a lot to ask'

The mayors said during a Washington Post Live event that cities want to reopen their economies, but must be careful to avoid a resurgence of cases.

By Chris Teale • April 24, 2020

Questions loom as Census Bureau works to modernize data privacy

The development of a new Disclosure Avoidance System (DAS) has raised questions about the 2020 census’ ultimate efficacy.

By David Oliver • April 24, 2020

Houston unveils first Climate Action Plan

Houston is home to one of the largest rates of per capita GHG emissions in the country, yet it wasn't until Hurricane Harvey in 2017 that the city's perception of climate urgency turned on its head.

By Kristin Musulin • April 24, 2020

Omaha, NE residents pick up city's slack in COVID-19 communications

The mayor’s office lacks social media pages, email newsletters or text services to communicate important health information with residents. As COVID-19 spreads, community leaders are stepping up.

By Kristin Musulin • April 23, 2020