Photos: How UPS eVTOLs could shake up logistics

A small, electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically at distribution and sortation centers could speed deliveries.

By S.L. Fuller • April 16, 2021

Virginia launches statewide IoT cybersecurity contest

As some state and local governments look to actively bolster their IoT networks, Gov. Ralph Northam announced the competition to leverage in-state students and faculty at the Smart Cities Connect virtual conference Tuesday.

By Chris Teale • April 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

Singapore tops global smart city rankings again, NYC leads US

Meanwhile, Columbus, OH reached No. 11 in the Eden Strategy Institute's latest standings due to coordinated efforts with Smart Columbus.

By Chris Teale • April 1, 2021

Satellite internet: digital divide solution or 'science experiment'?

SpaceX and Amazon have said the technology can help rural America get online, but opponents say it's unproven and not worthy of federal investment.

By Chris Teale • March 30, 2021

Auto leaders urge adoption of 'common language' for AV safety

The Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium — which counts Ford, Daimler and Lyft among its members — outlined performance metrics for developers to inspire public confidence in self-driving cars.

By Chris Teale • March 29, 2021

The smart city tech most at risk for cyberattacks: report

University of California at Berkeley researchers said certain traffic lights and emergency alert systems are among the most vulnerable. 

By Chris Teale • March 26, 2021

Suburbs saw drastic changes to pedestrian activity in 2020: report

As the rate of pedestrian activity outside city centers grew by 50% in some places, pedestrians just outside Orlando's city center were 19 times more likely to be hit by a driver, StreetLight Data reports. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 19, 2021

City leaders call for end to 'digital redlining'

Nearly 100 elected officials and a swath of advocacy groups have urged the FCC to investigate the digital divide in communities of color nationwide. 

By Chris Teale • March 17, 2021

Libraries to receive record federal aid to address digital divide

The American Rescue Plan includes billions in eligible funding for libraries, which have been key partners to cities in providing internet access to patrons.

By Cailin Crowe • March 12, 2021

House Democrats' bill would invest $94B to expand broadband internet

The LIFT America Act includes $80 billion to connect underserved areas in the U.S. and would provide $9.3 billion to make service affordable for all.

By Chris Teale • March 12, 2021

The end of another Sidewalk Labs-linked project highlights smart city sticking point

Portland Metro dropped its initiative with data platform Replica over privacy disagreements, a common obstacle that experts say local leaders can learn from.  

By Cailin Crowe • March 11, 2021

Cincinnati Innovation District serves as model for Ohio cities

The innovation district, which just celebrated its first anniversary, has already inspired similar hubs in Columbus and Cleveland and has made headway on its goal to create $3 billion in economic impact.

By Chris Teale • March 9, 2021

Archer to expand air taxi network to Miami

Mayor Francis Suarez says the service, which is set to launch in 2024, will help people navigate water-locked areas and improve congestion. 

By Chris Teale • Updated March 10, 2021

Postmates' robotics division splits off, becomes Serve Robotics

Serve Robotics closed its first funding round, with participation by Uber, and will continue operating the autonomous delivery robots in cities as the market is expected to grow to $34 million by 2024. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 4, 2021

Santa Monica, CA aims to create zero-emissions delivery zone playbook

The city and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator's pilot seeks to support local climate goals while solving for curbside woes exacerbated by the pandemic's delivery surge.

By Cailin Crowe • March 3, 2021

Airbnb reports $3.89B loss, predicts digital nomads will spark recovery

In the company's first post-IPO earnings call, officials said Airbnb is resilient enough to weather COVID-19 and that flexible work arrangements will push more people onto the platform. 

By Chris Teale • March 2, 2021

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against LADOT data sharing requirements

Two Los Angeles scooter riders sued over the city's Mobility Data Specifications, citing privacy and unreasonable search concerns. But the case was dismissed, clearing a path forward for the requirement. 

By Chris Teale • March 1, 2021

Local leaders reckon with ShotSpotter's ambiguous ROI

ShotSpotter CEO Ralph Clark said the company saw 12% YOY revenue growth in 2020, during a recent earnings call. Meanwhile, some experts question the tech's efficacy as cities face strapped budgets and high homicide rates.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 26, 2021

Airbnb joins frenzy of tech firms landing in Atlanta

The company will open a technical hub in the city to serve as a regional base for "hundreds" of employees to support the local workforce.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 22, 2021

Georgia smart city living lab unveils 5G incubator

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners partnered with T-Mobile and Georgia Tech to help developers build test cases for 5G technology like drones and robotics. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 19, 2021

A smart city consultant takes the lead on a county's vaccine rollout

Former Kansas City, MO Chief Innovation Officer Bob Bennett oversees vaccines for Wyandotte County, KS, and is using his 'smart city' experience for an efficient, equitable distribution.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 18, 2021

Minneapolis bans facial recognition to dismay of city police

The Minneapolis City Council passed a surveillance ordinance that police say was "crafted and approved without any consideration" from the department.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 17, 2021

Miami vies for the title of 'Bitcoin City'

Along with proposing the use of cryptocurrency in city governance, Mayor Francis Suarez introduced Venture Miami and appointed the city's first VC-in-residence — all in a matter of days.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 16, 2021

Boring Co. proposal for 4-mile California loop advances

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority voted unanimously to move forward with the proposal from the Elon Musk-owned company.

By Zachary Phillips • Feb. 11, 2021

Ford bets $29B on leading the 'electric vehicle revolution'

CEO Jim Farley said on an earnings call that the automaker has more than doubled its commitment to spend on automation and electrification until 2025.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 9, 2021