Libraries face more demand than during Great Recession: report

Despite building closures, libraries are creatively mitigating the effects of COVID-19 through efforts like virtual library cards and 3D-printed face shields.

By Cailin Crowe • April 14, 2020

Dishwashers and data laid the groundwork for Berkeley, CA's landmark waste reduction ordinance

Pre-coronavirus, many of the city's restaurants were adapting to one of the country's most aggressive ordinances around single-use plastic waste. COVID-19's impact on those plans remains to be seen. 

By Karine Vann • April 13, 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

San Francisco tackles digital divide with Wi-Fi SuperSpots

Up to 25 SuperSpots will be installed throughout the city in high-demand places like public housing sites for the 29% of students without internet access. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 9, 2020

Federal agencies launch $9M Civic Innovation Challenge

The National Science Foundation partnered with the U.S. Departments of Energy and Homeland Security for the research competition, which aims to address community-identified mobility and resiliency challenges.

By Kristin Musulin • April 9, 2020

California permits Nuro AV deployment

Nuro is the first operator in the state permitted to deploy driverless delivery vehicles on public streets, beginning in two Bay Area counties.

By Chris Teale • Updated Dec. 28, 2020

Cities play 'matchmaker' to connect residents, services amid pandemic

During a Cities of Service webinar, experts discussed how cities like Seattle and St. Paul, MN are leveraging community organizations to better mitigate COVID-19.

By Cailin Crowe • April 8, 2020

Ford Mobility offers struggling transit agencies software, consulting amid COVID-19

The "Fixed to Flex" platform is being offered to transit agencies at no cost to enable a smoother adjustment to unprecedented changes across pubic transit.

By Kristin Musulin • April 7, 2020

The challenges of moving a smart city event online

The annual Shared Mobility Summit will now take place virtually in May. The event's director shared the obstacles her team faced in moving to an online format, including costs, security risks and wavering attendance.

By Cailin Crowe • April 7, 2020

Cybersecurity risks spike as COVID-19 forces city staff to go remote

Before the pandemic, the likelihood and scale of cyberattacks on local governments had been intensifying. Now, with most city employees on distributed devices at home, vulnerabilities are sky high.

By Chris Teale • April 6, 2020

Keeping software development secure and productive in a work from home mandate

Many organizations have implemented remote work policies to protect their employees. As unexpected business disruptions emerge, Coder provides the solution software engineers need.

April 6, 2020

Baltimore ends aerial surveillance program

The city's spending board unanimously decided to end the six-month pilot program that captured on-the-ground footage in an attempt to reduce crime.

By Cailin Crowe • Updated Feb. 5, 2021

The CARES Act won't support cleantech, but cities still can

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator CEO Matt Petersen is urging cities to align priorities around COVID-19 mitigation and climate action while the federal government sleeps on funding.

By Kristin Musulin • April 3, 2020

Cities tap TikTok to squash Gen Z's COVID-19 misconceptions

Some local governments are threading critical information into entertaining videos to capture the attention of young social media users.

By Kristin Musulin • April 2, 2020

Libraries adapt to census needs amid COVID-19 disruptions

Coronavirus has forced U.S. libraries to scratch their original census engagement plans, but many are still deploying new, creative solutions. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 1, 2020

How coronavirus is disrupting the 2020 census count

The U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted its operational schedule, but is still pushing forward with the count. "The current situation underscores the need for census data," one official said.

By Chris Teale • March 31, 2020

Reimagining the chaotic urban curb

Managing urban spaces and planning for city needs of the future is a long-term undertaking. Cities must consider how to make solutions scalable for opportunities and challenges that will arise in five, 10 or 20 years.

By Jon Ziglar • March 31, 2020

For 117 US cities, the new normal is hurting internet speeds

Connectivity at home is one hurdle of distributed work, as residential speeds are unlikely to match enterprise-grade internet connections.

By Roberto Torres • Updated April 1, 2020

Uber sues LADOT over data-sharing requirements

The company said the Mobility Data Specification violates state and federal laws and is a form of surveillance that gathers personal details. LADOT has not yet responded.

By Chris Teale • March 26, 2020

Phishing attacks increase 667% as coronavirus spreads: study

Spring is typically the time of year bad actors send tax-related phishing emails, but this year they are leveraging human fear and health. 

By Samantha Schwartz • March 26, 2020

Libraries in Helsinki pause air quality data collection

Libraries that were renting out wearable devices for air quality detection have stopped the initiative due to coronavirus, but are optimistic the project will track notable trends when resumed.

By Cailin Crowe • March 25, 2020

Counting scooters: The science behind micromobility fleet measurements

Understanding how many scooters are on the road means deciphering a complex and interconnected web of action and information.

By David Allison • March 25, 2020

Cities go digital to survive the new normal

During a recent webinar, leaders highlighted how online municipal services and platforms will be key amid the spread of COVID-19, particularly to eliminate the "barriers of communication" with residents.

By Chris Teale • March 23, 2020

Smart Cities Council releases COVID-19 mitigation tool

The "Activator - COVID-19 Mitigation Roadmap" can help city leaders visualize their coronavirus response plan and collaborate remotely.

By Cailin Crowe • March 19, 2020

The largest US parking facility is transforming into an innovation lab

City Tech Collaborative is turning Chicago's Millennium Garages into the Millennium Gateway Innovation Lab to help implement new tech solutions. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 18, 2020

Lyft, Uber suspend pool services due to coronavirus fears

Both companies said they are keen to prevent the spread of the disease, but will maintain solo rides for the time being.

By Chris Teale • March 17, 2020