State AGs file lawsuit to block Sprint-T-Mobile merger

Officials from nine states and Washington, DC sued to prevent what New York Attorney General Letitia James called a "consumer-harming, job-killing megamerger."

By Jason Plautz • June 12, 2019

Uber touts new partnerships, big plans at Elevate Summit

The company announced it will test its Uber Air flying taxis in Melbourne, Australia, and will partner with AT&T on communications.

By Chris Teale • June 12, 2019

Uber's flying taxis won't need new aviation laws, top executive says

Eric Allison, head of Elevate Uber, said the company would partner with governments on its planned uberAIR service, a major shift from the past.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2019

Report: Homelessness up 12% in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority report also found more than 9,200 people experienced homelessness for the first time last year.

By Jason Plautz • June 6, 2019

Will full-blown 5G technology help or hinder disaster preparation?

Despite 5G's ability to enhance communication, satellite interference caused by 5G networks could lead to a 30% drop in hurricane tracking accuracy, according to the NOAA.

By Deborah Barrington • June 6, 2019

Facial recognition tech deemed 'not ready for primetime' in House committee

Members took issue with the technology on Tuesday, while law enforcement and federal government agencies defended its use.

By Chris Teale • June 5, 2019

NYC legislation addresses street design, safety

Council members passed a bill to support Vision Zero principles as New York's traffic deaths have seen an uptick so far this year.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 4, 2019

A.T. Kearney: New York top city for global business, but shakeups on the horizon

A separate forward-looking "outlook" report, which examines future potential, drops New York out of the top 10, owing to negative trends in livability, entrepreneurship, private investment and the ease of doing business. 

By Jason Plautz • June 3, 2019

Are cities the Green New Deal's most viable frontier?

New York City and Los Angeles want to put a local spin on the national version — though the plans may be tricky to replicate.

By Chris Teale • June 3, 2019

Changing how we approach public safety in smart cities

If police departments maintain a laser focus on people, promises and trust, strategically deployed technology can be an integral tool in reaching the goals that matter most.

By Kevin Taylor • May 29, 2019

The revolution is here: How mid-sized cities can move and grow the fastest

As the technology industry decentralizes and spreads opportunities further afield, smaller jurisdictions can become even more attractive.

By Christy Gillenwater • May 28, 2019

New poll shows measured support for Sidewalk Labs' Toronto project

The survey by Environics Research shows 54% of the city's residents back the project, although 17% oppose it, an increase from earlier this year.

By Jason Plautz • May 24, 2019

Report: Mayors shift talking points to reflect health, environmental issues

Infrastructure and economic development remain the biggest concerns, but other areas have moved into the spotlight as city leaders deal with myriad issues.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2019

Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard announce opportunity zone initiatives

More than 8,700 census tracts have been designated as "opportunity zones" with an estimated $6 trillion in unrealized capital gains that could qualify for investment.

By Jason Plautz • May 22, 2019

Groups call for taxi exemption from NYC congestion charge

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez joined the Independent Drivers Guild and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance in calling for relief for struggling drivers.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2019

T-Mobile, Sprint merger clears hurdle following FCC chair's backing

Chair Ajit Pai endorsed the deal for its promise to build out a 5G network that would cover 97% of the country, although pitfalls remain over antitrust.

By Chris Teale • May 21, 2019

New York considers bill banning digital device use in crosswalks

The legislation is considered a safety measure to prevent distracted walking and would have a sliding scale of fines for repeat offenders. 

By Katie Pyzyk • May 20, 2019

Bills would improve broadband internet mapping, expand access

Helping policymakers better understand where coverage gaps are should drive investment, while California legislation could make it easier for localities and ISPs to improve and expand coverage.

By Chris Teale • May 20, 2019

Seattle puts affordable housing, anti-displacement legislation on the docket

Mayor Jenny Durkan's Community Preference policy would target residents affected by neighborhood gentrification and unaffordability.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 17, 2019

What San Francisco's facial recognition technology ban means for other cities

The approved ordinance could set a precedent for the city's peers, which must balance their residents' safety and privacy when using such tools.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 16, 2019

Federal lawmakers re-introduce smart city legislation

The Smart Cities and Communities Act would make $200 million available for new investments.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 15, 2019

Bob Bennett's smart city consultancy places citizens at the heart of decision-making

The former Kansas City, MO chief information officer said cities and the private sector need to "get off their high horse" in order to better collaborate and meet citizen expectations.

By Kristin Musulin • May 15, 2019

New Cyberspace Solarium Commission pledges action on 5G safety

U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-ME, told reporters that the group will review all cyber threats facing the U.S. and make recommendations by year's end.

By Chris Teale • May 14, 2019

Baltimore struggles to recover from ransomware attack

IT director Frank Johnson said the city was working with the FBI and that it appeared to be a "fairly new variant" of the RobinHood ransomware.

By Jason Plautz • May 10, 2019

Orlando, FL calls for consultant to coordinate smart city plan

A request for proposals says the city wants a plan that will touch on areas including public safety, transportation, waste and utilities.

By Jason Plautz • May 8, 2019