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

How VR, 5G and P3s can enhance local hurricane preparedness

Venture Smarter director Rhonda Binda highlighted how the emergence of new tech and collaborative opportunities are helping cities boost resiliency in the face of natural disasters.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 8, 2019

Mitigating America's food desert dilemma

Cities are moving away from one-off attempts to bring food to underserved areas and instead are looking to data-driven, comprehensive strategies.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 7, 2019

Smart Cities For All playbook focuses on accessibility for people with disabilities

The inclusivity guide calls on cities and their partners to prioritize people, economic assets, infrastructure, networking and enabling public policies.

By Chris Teale • May 7, 2019

Privacy concerns abound as IoT devices grow in use

Lawmakers tackle safety and security issues, while an Internet Society survey said a majority of people find the devices "creepy."

By Chris Teale • May 6, 2019

State report highlights 2018 population growth in Sacramento, CA

Of the 10 largest cities, Sacramento had the largest percentage gain in population at 1.49%. Other cities like Chico and Oroville saw a more than 20% increase.

By Jason Plautz • May 3, 2019

Safe driving app takes top prize in US Ignite/AWS contest

How’s My Driving, empowering pedestrians and cyclists to report dangerous driving, won $50,000 in Amazon credits at a pitch event in Washington, DC.

By Chris Teale • Updated Sept. 20, 2019

Motus Ventures launches AI-focused fund

The Smart World Innovation Fund, which is projected to reach $30 million, aims to advance technologies such as robotics and internet of things.

By Jason Plautz • April 30, 2019

San Francisco supervisor introduces IPO tax proposal

Supervisor Gordon Mar introduced the proposal on the eve of Uber's IPO, noting he has enough support to get the ordinance on the Nov. 5 ballot.

By Jason Plautz • Updated May 10, 2019

Cities shouldn't be 'over prescriptive' in regulating new tech, say mobility leaders

At a roundtable in Washington, DC, representatives of dockless and ride-hailing companies warned of new laws that might constrain innovation.

By Chris Teale • April 26, 2019

7 cities honored with What Works Cities certification for data usage

The certification, part of Michael Bloomberg’s broad push to encourage leadership in local government, recognizes the use of data and evidence in decision-making.

By Chris Teale • April 25, 2019

San Francisco partners with RapidSOS, Uber to improve emergency response

The city will use location data from both companies to reduce response times and improve pinpointing where calls are coming from.

By Jason Plautz • April 24, 2019

NYC passes sweeping 'Climate Mobilization Act'

The legislation calls for cutting buildings emissions, installing green roofs and moving the city toward shutting its 24 gas-fired power plants.

By Chris Teale • April 22, 2019

Community buy-in and open dialogue are key in city, academia collaboration

Karen Lightman, executive director of the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, said relationships and engagement are crucial tools.

By Chris Teale • April 18, 2019