Police tech can foster (or foil) public trust

While some police departments work to squash skepticism around tools like facial recognition, others are adopting new tech to gauge public sentiment.

By Amanda Loudin • March 3, 2020

NYC launches mental health, tenant rights challenges

The NYCx Co-Labs challenges are designed to improve the accessibility of mental health services and information regarding housing rights in two predominately Latinx neighborhoods. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 3, 2020

Dallas expands GoPass transit app to Tulsa, OK

Dallas Area Rapid Transit plans to license its mobile platform in another state for the first time, having already completed local deals in Texas.

By Chris Teale • March 3, 2020

RapidSOS enhances ability to pinpoint wireless 911 calls

The company's new tool will give public safety agencies more precise location data to track calls from mobile phones, connected vehicles, buildings and even medical devices. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 27, 2020

Virginia legislature clears way for Amazon delivery robots

The legislature approved a bill that would allow electric personal delivery robots of up to 500 pounds to operate on sidewalks and road shoulders.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 27, 2020

NHTSA lifts suspension of EasyMile vehicles

The shuttles, which were suspended after the sudden stop of a Smart Columbus vehicle, will now include seat belts and adhere to a safety enhancement plan.

By Cailin Crowe • Updated May 19, 2020

Dallas creates task force to study Airbnb regulations

The group will evaluate how the city regulates short-term rentals in an effort to mitigate impacts on "neighborhood quality of life."

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 25, 2020

White House: Cities impose 'excessive regulatory barriers' on housing

The annual report of the Council of Economic Advisers calls out 11 cities where housing is "particularly difficult to build" due to measures such as zoning controls and energy efficiency mandates.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 25, 2020

Charlotte, NC's green tariff solar deal could spark wider trend in cities

The city council approved a 35-megawatt project to generate 24% of its municipal electricity, making it the most populous U.S. city to acquire large-scale solar through a green tariff.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 25, 2020

Buffalo, NY mayor pledges to become 'nation's leading intelligent smart city'

The mid-sized city will tap public-private partnerships and bolster initiatives like smart sewers, an open data portal and connected street lights.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 24, 2020

Spin deploys first public charging hubs in Phoenix

The Spin Hubs, powered by Swiftmile, are available in the public rights-of-way of two locations that are popular start and end points for scooter rides.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 24, 2020

3 keys to creating behavioral change in cities: report

Effective relationships, parallel strategies and communication with target audiences are all crucial for systemic behavioral change, according to a new report from Meeting of the Minds.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 20, 2020

Outpacing an outbreak: How tech helps cities handle public health threats

AI, analytics and drones are among the technologies used to respond to health crises like coronavirus, though regulatory and privacy concerns have posed obstacles for cities.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2020

LADOT wins appeal in data-sharing dispute with Uber

A hearing officer said LADOT was right to suspend Jump bikes and scooters over Uber's lack of compliance with the city's Mobility Data Specifications, but the battle is far from over.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 13, 2020

Officials: Federal AV law should not stop cities from regulating tech

At a House hearing, speakers opposed new federal AV legislation that would preempt state and local AV laws, with many sharing concerns regarding safety provisions.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 12, 2020

How hyperloop could stand apart from existing transit modes

Hyperloop has the potential to naturally compete in the marketplace while offering something new — as long as companies can overcome regulatory and financing challenges.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 12, 2020

T-Mobile, Sprint close on $26B merger

The deal officially marks the creation of the New T-Mobile, and the end of John Legere's run as T-Mobile CEO.

By Chris Teale • Updated April 1, 2020

Austin, TX traffic fatalities nearly triple in January

The city's already-high rate of traffic deaths point to many of the same Vision Zero challenges that cities are grappling with as they start the new year. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 11, 2020

London's first resilience strategy plans for Brexit, climate change

The strategy, developed under 100 Resilient Cities, reaches across government silos to plan for threats including food, water and cybersecurity. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 10, 2020

Congress ramps up scrutiny on recycling amid renewed calls for federal help

The collapse of international end markets and heightened concerns over the struggles U.S. cities face have changed the conversation around recycling.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 10, 2020

Dallas should embrace scooters and reject arbitrary regulations

To make Dallas more accessible and clean, city council should increase the number of scooters allowed on the streets and steer clear from unreasonable ordinances.

By Chris Marchese • Feb. 10, 2020

Bogotá, Colombia wins Leading Cities' AcceliGOV competition

The city, selected for its exemplary leadership and commitments in boosting digital security, will receive a one-year pilot of Blacksands' cybersecurity solution.

By Jason Plautz , Kristin Musulin • Updated June 4, 2020

Smart Columbus introduces self-driving shuttles to opportunity zone

Two electric shuttles will operate for free in the city's Linden neighborhood through what's said to be the country's first self-driving shuttle service in a residential area. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 7, 2020

It took 2 years for federal agencies to meet a 45-day cybersecurity directive

The Government Accountability Office said in a report that the Department of Homeland Security "lacks a risk-based approach" to ensuring agencies are mitigating cybersecurity risks.

By Samantha Schwartz • Feb. 6, 2020

Sacramento to grow local economy through Economic Gardening pilot

Mayor Darrell Steinberg said he wants the city to stop relying on "attracting corporate headquarters," and instead focus on expanding local, young businesses.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 5, 2020