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

New York City releases API to clear up social service eligibility

It will not automatically sign anyone up for benefits, but offers the data to link up individual and household information to benefits eligibility.

By Jason Plautz • April 17, 2019

Columbus, OH to spend millions to increase housing capacity, affordability

The city council approved grants to fund developments and the city issued an RFP with area partners to begin a regional housing study.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 17, 2019

Business groups try to kill San Francisco's tax to fund homelessness programs

Two business groups and an anti-tax alliance say Proposition C is unconstitutional because it didn't pass in November with two-thirds approval.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 16, 2019

Google Fiber will pay Louisville, KY $3.8M to restore infrastructure

The company, which ended its service in the city on Monday, will cover costs needed to remove cable from roads, pave streets and remove above-ground infrastructure.

By Jason Plautz • April 16, 2019

Boise, ID joins AARP's age-friendly community network

It's the first city in Idaho to commit to making age-friendly improvements to health, wellness and quality of life through the program.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 15, 2019

President Trump, FCC announce new 5G spectrum auction, $20.4B rural fund

Trump said equity of access, particularly in rural areas that don't have access to broadband, is at the center of both announcements.

By Chris Teale • April 15, 2019

New innovation program will assist small cities, rural governments

Local government network ELGL and startup UrbanLeap launched the "Small Places, Big Ideas Innovation Cohort" for cities with 30,000 people or less.

By Chris Teale • April 12, 2019

Seattle Innovation Advisory Council to focus on resilience, housing solutions

The IAC will look to use data and technology to address disaster response and preparedness, homelessness and housing affordability.

By Chris Teale • April 11, 2019

Innovation must 'disentangle' from tech as cities look to move forward

Speakers at an event to mark the release of the "Future of U.S. Cities" handbook said innovation can be as simple as making a permitting process more efficient.

By Chris Teale • April 10, 2019

Global mayors sign pledge to better manage tourism

The pledge calls on cities and private partners to explore how tools like big data can be used to "make tourism a true contributor to the development of inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities."

By Jason Plautz • April 9, 2019

Supreme Court refuses to hear homeless camping ban

The case, Martin v. City of Boise, challenged the city's ability to enforce anti-vagrancy ordinances. The decision from SCOTUS maintains such enforcement is unconstitutional.

By Chris Teale , Kristin Musulin • Updated Dec. 17, 2019

To manage IoT data, cities need 'system of systems' to break silos

With 200 billion connected devices expected worldwide by 2031, speakers at Smart Cities Connect said more collaboration is needed to produce results.

By Chris Teale • April 8, 2019