San Diego turns off smart streetlights ahead of surveillance ordinance vote

Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the city had "no choice" but to turn the controversial technology off, days after it offered police to run the Smart Streetlights program.

By Chris Teale • Updated Sept. 14, 2020

Group calls for national police accountability database

A report from The New Center proposes a comprehensive database with information on physical use of force, no-knock warrants and misconduct, in an effort to drive evidence-based policy changes. 

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 3, 2020

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

Citibot Web Chat relieves comms staff in Williamsburg, VA

The integrated chatbot enables residents to ask common questions regarding COVID-19 mitigation while freeing up time for city staff to tackle other work.

By Kristin Musulin • July 29, 2020

DOE releases blueprint for national quantum internet

Increased speed and security could present vast benefits to cities, including the production of more sensitive sensors to monitor for traffic and pollution levels.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2020

Google-backed program invests $1.3M in library entrepreneurship centers

The Libraries Build Businesses initiative will help 13 libraries develop business centers to support low-income and underrepresented entrepreneurs.

By Cailin Crowe • July 28, 2020

US roadways nearly restored to pre-pandemic VMT levels

StreetLight Data and Boston Consulting Group partnered to understand the scope of vehicles miles traveled (VMT) since the pandemic's onset in March.

By Cailin Crowe • July 24, 2020

Seattle creates 'Digital Bridge' program for low-income job seekers

The program will provide participants with free laptops and broadband connectivity in a bid to bolster digital skills and close the digital divide.

By Chris Teale • July 22, 2020

Mobile innovation will drive safety, efficiency in a post-COVID world

The potential of mobile tech across city sectors is endless. Now is the time to start looking at mobile as a lifeline rather than merely an option.

By Coby Berman • July 21, 2020

San Diego looks to donate used computers to families in need

The city may partner with the San Diego Futures Foundation to redistribute end-of-life machines to the nearly 30,000 city households that lack one.

By Chris Teale • July 20, 2020

Smart pumps are key for more sustainable cities

The benefits of smart pumps align with the aim of smart cities to more effectively manage assets and resources — ultimately leading to the achievement of city sustainability goals.

By Peter Gaydon • July 20, 2020

Uber acquires Routematch in latest SaaS push

Uber said the Atlanta-based transit software company, which works with more than 500 agencies globally, will bring expertise in payment, fixed-route and trip planning services.

By Kristin Musulin • July 17, 2020

Touchless transit payments increased 187% since April: Visa

The company is leaning into the growing trend by expanding its Visa Ready for Transit program and its partnership with Cubic Transportation Systems.

By Kristin Musulin • July 16, 2020

Risky business: The wins and losses of pandemic-era urban mobility

During a Knight Foundation webinar, mobility leaders discussed the ups and downs that have occurred nationally as transit agencies work to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

By Cailin Crowe • July 15, 2020

A successful data strategy starts at the edge

As the benefits of smart cities become more widely known, cities all over the world are looking for ways to implement edge computing and make use of new data sources. 

By Ciaran Dynes • July 13, 2020

Algal blooms to data boons: How 'smart lakes' improve water quality

New York's Lake George and Ohio's Lake Erie are among those to deploy sensors and IoT tech in an effort to monitor pollution, toxins and weather.

By Chris Teale • July 13, 2020

CivStart shares inclusivity task force roster

The cohort of public and private leaders — many of whom represent minority communities — will develop a roadmap of action plans to foster inclusive and diverse govtech ecosystems.

By Kristin Musulin • July 9, 2020

Philadelphia to get branding makeover with new online identity

A recent request for proposals calls for an online toolkit vendor that would help local organizations create a "cohesive and compelling global identity" for the region.

By Chris Teale • July 9, 2020

Contact tracing is key for smart transit and smarter cities

Mobility is the lifeblood of the economy, and getting people moving again is essential. Leveraging digital platforms and infrastructure to sense people’s locations makes this possible.

By Paulo Ferreira dos Santos & Carlos Lei • July 8, 2020

Uber buys Postmates in $2.65B deal

The all-stock acquisition may help to carry Uber through the economic uncertainty of the coronavirus crisis. 

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • July 7, 2020

Knoxville, TN data published online after ransomware attack

Hackers published information and data in a bid to extract a ransom payment and "shame victims," a city spokeswoman told Smart Cities Dive.

By Chris Teale • July 7, 2020

Virus vs. voting: Behind the high-risk presidential primary elections

As November's election showdown looms, officials nationwide are scrambling to preserve voter rights while minimizing coronavirus transmission.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 6, 2020

Boston is second-largest US city to ban facial recognition

Mayor Marty Walsh signed the ban amid a national debate around police reform, which has included a reckoning on the potential inequities of facial recognition tech.

By Jason Plautz • July 6, 2020

LA, Chicago tap social media to refine mask guidance

In a webinar hosted by Zencity, chief leaders from Chicago and Los Angeles detailed how social media has played a role in communicating and improving face mask guidance.

By Kristin Musulin • July 2, 2020

Coord to pilot 'smart zones' in 4 cities

Aspen, CO; Omaha, NE; Nashville, TN and West Palm Beach, FL will participate in the inaugural Digital Curb Challenge to optimize delivery and loading zones while reducing congestion.

By Kristin Musulin • July 1, 2020

Connecticut DOT to run first automated transit bus in US

CTDOT received a $2 million grant to deploy the program along a 9-mile transit corridor, including three 40-foot battery electric heavy-duty buses. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 30, 2020