NYC launches online portal for city services, benefits

Mayor Eric Adams said the online portal, dubbed MyCity, would make it easier for residents to apply for benefits by reducing bureaucracy and red tape.

By Michael Brady • March 31, 2023

Which US cities showed ‘inclusive growth’ during the pandemic?

Some of the largest cities were “tested” while slightly smaller cities were more resilient or emergent, according to measures of growth used in a new report.

By Kalena Thomhave • March 30, 2023

Building music ecosystems can strengthen local economies and tourism, advocates say

Efforts in Huntsville, Alabama, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrate “the external benefit of music on everything else,” said one speaker at a Brookings webinar on music’s role in transformative placemaking.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • March 29, 2023

Atlanta transit agency’s $2.7B expansion program will get city council-mandated audit

The “More MARTA Atlanta” program initially consisted of 17 projects with the first to be completed by 2025. The agency has since reduced the scope and extended the timeline.

By Dan Zukowski • March 22, 2023

E-scooter bans, restrictions can leave some riders behind

Micromobility companies like Lime and Bird urge cities to think beyond “blunt” policies that ban e-scooters.

By Maylin Tu • March 22, 2023

Cities see hyperlocal ‘activity centers’ as key to sustainable growth, less car dependency

Most metropolitan area residents live within three miles of an activity center, according to Brookings Institution research. Officials are planning around such centers to help residents meet their everyday needs while driving less.

By Gaby Galvin • March 21, 2023

On climate change, this group of mayors thinks globally and acts locally

Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright discusses how the organization is helping mayors lead on climate policy and implement provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and 2021 infrastructure law.

By Michael Brady • March 17, 2023

California court defends independent contractor status for gig workers

A California court upheld the independent contractor provision of Prop 22 but struck down portions that would’ve made it almost impossible to amend the law. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 14, 2023

Can tech startups make delivery less of a headache for cities?

The proliferation of delivery services was a boon during the pandemic, but traffic, parking and labor concerns have followed. Tech and startup leaders spoke recently about how to reduce those impacts.

By Maylin Tu • March 13, 2023

More than $175B in housing investments in Biden budget proposal

One $10 billion mandatory measure would create incentives for state and local governments to eliminate barriers to affordable housing, such as restrictive zoning. 

By Michael Brady • March 10, 2023

National League of Cities calls for congressional action to improve rail safety

The letter calls for specific improvements to rail safety as legislators consider new bipartisan action in response to the Ohio train derailment in February.

By Dan Zukowski • March 6, 2023

White House releases national cyber strategy, shifting security burden

“We ask individuals, small businesses and local governments to shoulder a significant burden for defending us all. This isn’t just unfair, it’s ineffective,” said Kemba Walden, acting national cyber director, during a call with reporters.

By David Jones • March 3, 2023

Boston hires its first nightlife economy director

Boston’s nightlife economy director aims to help the city reimagine its late-night business scene, which has yet to recover since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, while placing equity at the fore.

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 28, 2023

Alaska drops 4-year degree requirements for state jobs

“At present, there are not enough qualified applicants to fill all the state’s job vacancies,” the administrative order said.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 27, 2023

States could help struggling transit agencies close their budget gaps: report

Gas taxes fund transportation in most states, but some of them partially or fully prohibit the use of those dollars for public transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 24, 2023

ARPA fund spending shows regional differences in local government priorities, researchers say

Large cities and counties have spent the largest share of state and local fiscal recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act on government operations. But their spending on other priorities diverges from there, researchers found.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 23, 2023

Chicago adopts citywide equity and resiliency plan

The We Will Chicago plan aims to address eight issue areas, including housing and economic development, in its 40 goals and 150 objectives. 

By Michael Brady • Feb. 21, 2023

Biden signs executive order to advance racial equity

The directive requires federal agencies to improve their community outreach, boost investments in underserved communities and address population displacement, among other initiatives.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 17, 2023

More people are working from home. Here’s how much it’s costing US cities.

Commuters are spending thousands less on meals, entertainment and shopping near their workplaces each year because they’re working from home more often than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 15, 2023

Smart city conferences to attend in 2023

The tenth Bloomberg CityLab — a global cities summit — will take place in Washington, D.C., this fall.

By Michael Brady • Updated Sept. 5, 2023

San Francisco announces downtown revitalization strategic plan

Mayor London Breed said the downtown road map contains nearly 50 initiatives and nine strategies for revitalizing the neighborhood in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 10, 2023

Philly launches digital tool to ease building permitting process

The pilot aims to improve access to information about necessary permits, approvals and other requirements for some residential and commercial projects, the city said.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 7, 2023

Pickleball is booming. Here’s how cities are adapting to the craze.

As the paddle sport’s popularity soars, cities are opening new courts but keeping an eye on equity.

By Gaby Galvin • Feb. 7, 2023

Louisville launches asphalt art crosswalk pilot

The installations by local artists planned for April aim to improve pedestrian safety at four of the city’s major downtown intersections while showcasing its arts and culture.

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 6, 2023

US DOT launches roadway safety call to action

Nearly 50 governments, non-government organizations and private-sector partners have committed to taking specific actions this year to reduce roadway deaths.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 3, 2023