European pickup depot Delipop launches an urban alternative to instant delivery

The company's colorful automated kiosks hold pickup orders for multiple grocers and are initially targeting the same city centers where quick commerce has taken off.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 18, 2021

Dallas-based diesel tech training aims to support waste, recycling operations

One major collection and disposal company has launched its own technical institute to address a shortage of skilled workers who can maintain its fleet. Those technicians may be trained on electric trucks going forward.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 14, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Smart Cities Technology and Data

Cities are increasingly looking to technology and data to address real-world issues from traffic safety to law enforcement.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

6 questions with Smart Columbus on lessons since program's conclusion

The program manager of the USDOT's Smart City Challenge winner reflects on the initiative's challenges, offers key advice for city leaders seeking to implement smart tech and maps out what's next for the city.

By Danielle McLean • Oct. 11, 2021

Global urban mobility is key in building financial inclusion across cities of tomorrow

Providing people access to bank accounts and new payment options can open the door to improving their quality of life.

Oct. 11, 2021

Remote work is enabling a Silicon Valley exodus

As the pandemic drags on, the number of tech workers fleeing the city only seems to be accelerating. Meanwhile, Florida cities like Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville are on the receiving end of population growth.  

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 6, 2021

Smart cities' impact on inequality, privacy, democracy are the focus of a new online program

The Smart Cities for City Officials class from Sweden's Malmö University is "the first online, open-access educational program on smart cities from a social sciences perspective," its co-organizer says.

By Danielle McLean • Oct. 1, 2021

Digital twin tech challenge calls for sensor, geometry innovations

With the global market for the simulation technology estimated to reach $16 billion by 2023, a construction tech coalition is seeking new ideas to enhance how well the tools can inform decisions and potentially reduce costs.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 30, 2021

New York City Council passes delivery worker protection laws

The legislation includes a requirement for restaurants to provide couriers access to their bathrooms and set minimum pay for workers, representing the broadest protections in the U.S.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 27, 2021

For gig workers, Prop 22 is a racial equity battleground

Because gig workers largely lack stable pay and ample benefits, barring app-based drivers from employee status may present racial equity issues. Cities like New York, Seattle and Philadelphia are imposing their own standards. 

By Caroline Colvin • Sept. 22, 2021

US cash payment kiosks rise despite digital age

Cities and utilities are making more use of the kiosks provided by vendors like CityBase to give consumers additional no-fee options for paying bills in cash.

By Lynne Marek • Sept. 20, 2021

Ford, Argo AI team up with Walmart for autonomous delivery in 3 cities

As more customers become accustomed to same-day and next-day delivery, Walmart said the service will show how autonomous tech can optimize logistics and operations. 

By Max Garland • Sept. 17, 2021

Delivery companies sue New York City over permanent 15% fee cap

DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub filed a joint lawsuit on Thursday claiming that price controls ultimately harm restaurants, couriers and consumers.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 13, 2021

As consumers cut the cord, more cities sue Netflix and other streaming giants for lost revenue

From Plano, Texas, to Longport, New Jersey, an increasing number of municipalities are filing lawsuits against the likes of Hulu, Netflix and Disney+ to receive franchise fees to make up for lost cable revenue. 

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 13, 2021

OEMs make the economic case for autonomous trucks

Driverless trucks bring safety and improved fuel efficiency to the industry, according to Waymo and TuSimple executives.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 3, 2021

Pittsburgh City Council approves unified fiber network for municipal buildings

The NetPGH initiative would lay the backbone that allows Pittsburgh to install connected infrastructure and launch smart cities projects.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 31, 2021

Chicago accuses Grubhub, DoorDash of deceptive business practices

The city's allegations, including that the companies would bait-and-switch customers with steep delivery fees, are the latest among municipalities pushing back against foodservice delivery companies.

By Alicia Kelso , Julie Littman • Aug. 30, 2021

Transit passengers expect contactless payments to ride safely, survey finds

Contactless payments continue to be a way to allow passengers to travel more safely and with ease, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

Aug. 30, 2021

Securing smart city technology 'often an afterthought': report

The influx of smart city technologies is exposing many services to new threats, according to a Guidehouse Insights report, which also predicts that global annual smart city cybersecurity revenue will reach $26 billion by 2030. 

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 27, 2021

Postmates strikes nearly $1M deal with Seattle over gig worker claims

The city claims the company violated an ordinance requiring it provide its gig workers with paid sick and safe time. 

By Emilie Shumway • Aug. 10, 2021

E-scooter company Skip files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

The Helbiz-owned micromobility company filed the petition last week in California, marking the first bankruptcy filing by a well-known scooter company with a footprint in multiple cities.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 10, 2021

Partnerships, sustained federal help key to ending 'digital redlining,' city leaders say

COVID-19 exacerbated inequitable access to high-speed internet, but long-term federal funding and partnering with telecommunications companies could help, speakers said at a Route Fifty virtual event last week.

By Chris Teale • July 30, 2021

Queens is on a quest to become a 'smart borough'

A recently elected borough president aims to transform Queens. But one expert cautions the need for a "thoughtful, intentional and iterative" strategy, as smart city planning is "not for the faint of heart." 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2021

IDC names 13 winners for 2021 Smart Cities North America Awards

From Las Vegas to Peachtree Corners, Georgia, municipalities' smart use of emerging or existing technologies, in addition to their ability to be flexible and agile amid the pandemic, were honored.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 21, 2021

What Works Cities awards 4 cities top honors for data usage

The Bloomberg Philanthropies nonprofit arm recognized 16 cities total for improving city services and promoting civic engagement with data, key factors for a strong COVID-19 response. 

By Chris Teale • July 14, 2021

Contactless payments are more than a COVID response for public transit

Contactless payments can help usher in a future of safe and easy experiences for riders and transit operators.

July 6, 2021