Are city climate goals too ambitious? Leaders worry about compressed timelines

During a WRI-hosted media briefing, some city sustainability leaders expressed concern that it may be too late to deal with the worst effects of climate change.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 28, 2019

Survey shows majority support for Sidewalk Toronto project

The poll released by the Toronto Region Board of Trade found that 55% of residents favor the plan, compared to 11% who oppose it and 34% who are indifferent.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 27, 2019

New York governor, mayor unveil plan to 'transform' MTA

The much-maligned transit authority will be reorganized and fare increases will be limited, while Manhattan will get congestion pricing in December 2020.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 27, 2019

New Jersey cities may raise parking taxes under new bill

The 3.5% tax, which would only apply to cities with populations over 100,000, would fund capital improvements for pedestrian access to public transit stations.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 27, 2019

Tackling the opioid epidemic with connectivity and cannabis

Silver bullets are in short supply for the opioid crisis. It’s time to propose radical ways to tackle the entrenched epidemic.

By Ying Tam • Feb. 26, 2019

NYC subpoenas Airbnb for data on 20K listings

In an interview with NY1, Mayor Bill de Blasio called on Airbnb to "be transparent and we can start to make progress."

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 25, 2019

Seattle mayor signs affordable housing executive order

The order will combat displacement, support the city's Equitable Development Initiative and create a citywide plan to increase affordability. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 25, 2019

Honolulu launches publicly-facing performance dashboard

Citizens can track the city's progress on projects and services on topics including homelessness, affordable housing, roads and park improvements.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 22, 2019

Is New York's 2030 'zero waste' goal receding from reach?

Three key initiatives — single-stream recycling, curbside organics expansion and "save-as-you-throw" — are on hold indefinitely. Now, both skeptics and boosters are questioning whether it's practical or possible to hit the mark.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 21, 2019

NASA chooses Nevada, Texas cities for drone traffic management tests

The agency will test its systems in Reno and Corpus Christi later this year in the culmination of a four-year research and development initiative.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 21, 2019

EastWest Institute releases municipal guide for developing safe, secure smart cities

The guide presents challenges and solutions in four areas: cybersecurity; cyber resilience; privacy and data protection; and collaboration and coordination.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 19, 2019

Crime alert app Citizen expands to Baltimore

The app provides real-time alerts on nearby crimes and emergencies using publicly-available information, but there are concerns over privacy.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 19, 2019

Innov8te Smart Cities Incubator unveils inaugural cohort

The Dallas-based incubator, designed to bolster regional innovation and entrepreneurship, will begin its six-month program in June.

By Jason Plautz • Updated May 21, 2019

VA, TN expect Amazon HQ2 to proceed as planned after NY shock withdrawal

After the company scrapped its plans for Long Island City, leaders in Arlington County, VA, said they did not think there would be similar moves.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 15, 2019

Amazon scraps NYC HQ2 plans

The company said it is withdrawing its plans for the Long Island City headquarters location due to the significant local political opposition.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 14, 2019

Collaborating on co-locating: Chicago's innovative approach to mixed-use facilities

Chicago Public Library and Chicago Housing Authority have partnered on the development of three city-owned facilities that serve as both libraries and public housing.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2019

San Jose, CA to bridge digital divide with new inclusion fund

The fund will be supported by the fees telecom companies must pay to the city to install small cells and other infrastructure for 5G deployment. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 14, 2019

Congress to try again on federal AV regulations

Sen. John Thune, R-SD, said he is looking to reintroduce a version of his AV START Act, which failed to reach the Senate floor last session.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 14, 2019

NYC mayor touts Amazon HQ2 importance while rumors indicate deal is at risk

Mayor Bill de Blasio says bringing the tech giant to the city is "mission critical," but reports indicate Amazon isn't amused by New Yorkers' negative attitudes.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2019

A warning for cities: Become citizen-centric or fail

To achieve citizen satisfaction, city leaders need to follow blueprints that put people at the center of their thinking and planning.

By Seeta Hariharan • Feb. 13, 2019

Trump signs executive order to boost US-based AI development

Federal agencies are ordered to prepare workers for the growing development and use of AI through tech-forward education and training.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 12, 2019

Philadelphia releases online map of street closures

The map displays active and future closure permits, including everything from construction and utility work to temporary permits for parked moving trucks. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 12, 2019

UK seeks ideas on adding rapid transit to more cities, towns

The call for evidence asks for ideas on where light rail and other services can be added, and what the associated challenges and benefits would be.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 11, 2019

1 year in: Uber's 'rocket shot' Cincinnati partnership

Through the Cincinnati Mobility Lab, the ride-hailing giant has studied the city's curbside and augmented its travel information system to boost efficiency.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 11, 2019

Green New Deal resolution calls for 100% zero-carbon power within 10 years

The plan would reportedly also call for a phase out of nuclear energy, which provides more than half of the zero-carbon electricity in the U.S. today.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 8, 2019