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

Los Angeles, London team on 'Innovator Cities' network

The partnership aims to identify common transportation problems faced around the world and develop solutions that can work in any market.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 5, 2020

$25M fund targets Baltimore's underinvested neighborhoods

The Arctaris Baltimore fund will offer loans of up to $5 million to businesses in historically underserved neighborhoods to keep them afloat and active. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 3, 2020

Regional consortium to reverse-engineer tech adoption in Phoenix area

The Greater Phoenix Connective, which claims to be the country's largest smart region, will bring together university, public, private and community members to adopt tech solutions at scale. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 3, 2020

The 2028 Olympics has sparked a transportation revamp in LA

When hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on Los Angeles for the Games, the city hopes they will be met with swift, accommodating and clean transportation.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 3, 2020

San Antonio embraces risk-taking with 'R&D League'

The group will advise the city on making data-driven decisions using private sector research practices. "Sticking to the status quo doesn't work anymore," said the city's chief innovation officer.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2020

House Dems put climate at center of $760B infrastructure plan

The Moving Forward Framework would invest heavily in roads, transit and water systems, with efforts to cut emissions woven throughout.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 30, 2020

The cost and confusion of cleaning PFAS contamination

A lack of federal regulations has left cities scrambling to understand the health risks of PFAS and the most cost-effective ways to get it out of drinking water.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 29, 2020

Carmel, IN's secret to reducing traffic fatalities? Roundabouts

The city's more than 120 roundabouts have helped bring Carmel's traffic fatality rate to about six times below the national average.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 28, 2020

New York Gov. Cuomo gives e-bikes, scooters a second chance

The governor proposed a new bill that reinforces safety measures left out of failed legislation last month, such as helmet requirements.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 27, 2020

New York City bans cashless stores

New York City is now the largest city in the U.S. to ban cash-free stores, joining Philadelphia, San Francisco and New Jersey.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 24, 2020

A 'crisis of epic proportion': West Coast mayors address homelessness

Leaders convened on a panel at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting for a frank discussion on how cities can confront the homelessness crisis.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 24, 2020

Pittsburgh task force created to combat algorithmic bias

The group, developed by Pitt Cyber at the University of Pittsburgh, will produce best practice recommendations for AI in local government.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 24, 2020