San Francisco scraps plan to restrict employee cafeterias

Supervisor Ahsha Safai — who proposed a cafeteria ban last year — sent the legislation back to committee, citing a shift in labor agreements.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Sept. 6, 2019

Will new ride-hailing regulations bring NYC back to the 'bad old days'?

City leaders are considering new regulations on Uber and Lyft to help address congestion, but the companies and some experts warn of a return to an era without equity of service. 

By Chris Teale • July 30, 2018

NYC could be first to cap ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft

Legislation before the New York City Council would freeze approvals of new for-hire vehicles during a year-long study of the industry.

By Chris Teale • July 27, 2018

San Francisco, Seattle remain on top of 2018 tech talent market rankings

However it is Toronto — which jumped three spots in the rankings from 2017 — that appears to be the biggest winner of CBRE's annual list.

By Sean Gibbons • July 26, 2018

San Francisco mayor, advocates propose 2 measures to curb homelessness

Mayor London Breed pledged a one-time funding boost of $1 million, while advocates secured a ballot measure to tax businesses.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2018

Letter urges more debate of AV START Act in US Senate

The letter from 70 stakeholders said the legislation should not be attached to reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration as it does not address major concerns.

By Chris Teale • July 26, 2018

Leaders wrestle with affordable housing crisis after 'years wandering in the wilderness'

At the National Alliance for Ending Homelessness conference, officials called for more investment as cities start to step up and the federal government steps away.

By Chris Teale • July 25, 2018

Creating an environment of co-innovation is the key to smart cities

Smart cities need more than new, hyper-connected technologies to progress. They need a local environment of collaboration, with innovation hubs as the centerpiece.

By Alex Goryachev • July 24, 2018

5 states to participate in NGA information sharing program

Colorado, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Virginia will participate in the scheme to work on communications technology, including harnessing the internet of things.

By Jason Plautz • July 24, 2018

Portland, OR to extend Uber's operating license by a year

The extension follows contrition by the ride-hailing company, which apologized for "certain missteps" in its dealings with the city in the past.

By Chris Teale • July 23, 2018

Judge blocks NYC law requiring Airbnb to disclose host data

“The city has not cited any decision suggesting that the governmental appropriation of private business records on such a scale ... qualifies as a reasonable search and seizure," the judge wrote.

By Chris Teale • Updated Jan. 4, 2019

How police are adopting smart tech to improve public safety

From bodycams to drones and facial recognition, police departments are using innovative approaches to protect citizens — and their civil liberties.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 17, 2018

San Francisco may nix free bike-share program funding due to Lyft connection

Lyft recently bought Motivate, the company that runs the city's bike-share program, prompting board members to consider rejecting the funding because it would entail taxpayer money going to Lyft.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 17, 2018

NYC mayor appoints 14 members to Nightlife Advisory Board

In a city like New York, nightlife comprises a significant portion of the economy — however, it also comes with conflicts.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 17, 2018

10 cities selected for Love Your Block neighborhood restoration funding

With projects including community gardens, graffiti cleanup and helping elderly citizens with home repairs, Love Your Block takes a distinctly localized approach to its goal of revitalizing cities. 

By Jason Plautz • July 17, 2018

Army taps Austin, TX for new research and development facility

The Army said Austin’s existing tech scene and academic environment from the University of Texas made it the ideal site for the headquarters.

By Jason Plautz • July 16, 2018

For some Baltimore residents, a smart city simply means more Wi-Fi access

A recent survey of West Baltimore residents found 68% of respondents use their cell phones to search for jobs, complete homework or stay connected to the community, as leaders seek to "close the digital divide."

By Kristin Musulin • July 13, 2018

5 cities finalize strategies to address inequity and inequality

Recent studies have cautioned of growing equity and equality disparities in communities throughout the U.S. and how that could have a destabilizing effect on cities.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 11, 2018

London, Singapore lead ranking of world's smart cities

The study examined the role that governments play in creating smart cities and ranked them on several criteria, including budget, clarity of vision, leadership and support programs.

By Jason Plautz • July 11, 2018

For World Cup host cities, a boon or a boondoggle?

As the U.S. prepares for the 2026 edition alongside Canada and Mexico, those in the running to stage games emphasize existing infrastructure and partnerships.

By Chris Teale • July 11, 2018

Boston designates 9 businesses as age-inclusive

This first round of public designations are part of Mayor Marty Walsh’s plan to make the city "the most age-friendly city in America."

By Jason Plautz • July 10, 2018

WalletHub ranks DC as 'worst-run' US city

The rankings are based on operating efficiency using various data metrics but sparking backlash from some of those ranked unfavorably.

By Kristin Musulin • July 10, 2018

State vs. city government: A relationship at an 'all-time low'?

A leading expert said tensions have never been higher between the different levels of government, thanks in part to preemptive legislation in various policy areas.

By Chris Teale • July 2, 2018

Report: Cities must take 'strategic steps' to adapt to increased automation

New research from the National League of Cities warns the economy must diversify and cities must invest more in education to improve residents' skill sets.

By Chris Teale • June 28, 2018

DC Council approves 5% tax hike on Uber, Lyft

The ride-hailing companies had called for a tiered system that would have taxed shared rides less, but lawmakers approved an across-the-board increase, even as the Uber CEO called for a tax that is "fair and equitable."

By Chris Teale • June 27, 2018