Amazon granted patent for 'surveillance as a service' tech

The technology would allow Amazon to survey geofenced areas using drones to increase homeowners' security.

By Jason Plautz • June 24, 2019

Data centers: The least flashy, most important element of a functional smart city

New technologies will help urban stakeholders run a tighter ship, but investments in the right data center infrastructure will be key. 

By Albert A. Ahdoot • June 24, 2019

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

Florida city agrees to pay hackers $600K after malware attack

The city paid the ransom at the recommendation of outside consultants, even though there is no guarantee the hackers will release city records. 

By Jason Plautz • June 21, 2019

Georgia Smart Communities Challenge selects 4 winners

Projects chosen for the Georgia Tech-sponsored program include a smart kiosk installation and a network to help kids travel safely to school. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 20, 2019

'RoboCop' to patrol public spaces in Huntington Park, CA

The autonomous scanning robot, which has 360-degree HD video monitoring capabilities, was sworn in Tuesday by the city's police department.

By Jason Plautz • June 19, 2019

Keeping city streets clean and clear should be a top priority for any mayor

Residents and commuters deserve the streets around their home and place of work to be clean, safe and secure. That’s table stakes for being a city mayor.

By Michael Allegretti • June 19, 2019

Uber adds Boston transit info to app

The move advances Uber's work to position itself as a one-stop-shop for transportation offerings.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 18, 2019

Columbus, OH ranks top city for tech workers

The SmartAsset ranking analyzed cities' percentage of tech sector workers, average salaries, unemployment rates and costs of living. 

By Jason Plautz • June 18, 2019

Cities of Service announces 10 finalists for Engaged Cities awards

Up to three winning cities will be announced in October, sharing a total of $200,000 for tackling environmental, health and safety and other issues.

By Chris Teale • June 17, 2019

State AGs file lawsuit to block Sprint-T-Mobile merger

Officials from nine states and Washington, DC sued to prevent what New York Attorney General Letitia James called a "consumer-harming, job-killing megamerger."

By Jason Plautz • June 12, 2019

Uber touts new partnerships, big plans at Elevate Summit

The company announced it will test its Uber Air flying taxis in Melbourne, Australia, and will partner with AT&T on communications.

By Chris Teale • June 12, 2019

ParkMobile, REACH NOW partner to provide seamless parking, transit services

The companies said their new collaboration will make it easier for customers to transition from cars to public transportation.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 11, 2019

Microsoft invests in AI research, job training in Louisville, KY

The investment will distribute tech research and training away from the coasts and bring the industry closer to where some of its more disruptive effects will be felt.

By Jason Plautz • June 11, 2019

URBAN-X launches 6th startup cohort

Each of the startups will receive $150,000 in financing and support to develop hardware, software or IoT products.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 10, 2019

How tech could help avert 'public health crisis' of rising road deaths

The automotive industry has "an awful lot of work to do to communicate the benefits" of safety technology, said Continental's Jeff Klei in a keynote speech.

By Chris Teale • June 6, 2019

Bipartisan Senate bill would streamline local regulations on 5G infrastructure

The reintroduced STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act would reduce barriers to permitting and installing small cells to support 5G deployment.

By Jason Plautz • June 6, 2019

Facial recognition tech deemed 'not ready for primetime' in House committee

Members took issue with the technology on Tuesday, while law enforcement and federal government agencies defended its use.

By Chris Teale • June 5, 2019

Transit agencies form Automated Bus Consortium

Nearly a dozen agencies are coming together to leverage buying power and share ideas for driverless bus programs.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 4, 2019

NACTO guide offers cities best practices in handling mobility data

The guide suggests cities should protect data, keep it open and shared among partners, and remain transparent around its collection.

By Jason Plautz • June 4, 2019

New York ed department urges delay of Lockport facial recognition pilot

The technology is touted as a preventative measure against school shootings, though critics fear it could compromise privacy of students and staff.

By Jason Plautz • May 31, 2019

Sprint launches 5G in 4 cities

The mobile 5G service is live in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Kansas City, MO, with more cities to be covered in coming weeks.

By Jason Plautz • May 31, 2019

Tech can impact domestic violence — not always in a positive way

While technology can help abuse victims, it can also put them at risk for future altercations. Cities and partners are using innovative strategies to protect survivors and prevent future abuse.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 30, 2019

LA Metro to install informational touchscreens along rail line

The interactive screens will display rail and bus arrival times, service alerts, system maps and targeted display advertisements.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 30, 2019

FCC finalizes report saying digital divide is narrowing, despite objections

In a dissent, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, D, said the FCC's report deserves a "failing grade" because it relies on "data we know is wrong."

By Jason Plautz • May 30, 2019

Portland, OR launches pilot with Sidewalk Labs location data software

The Replica product tracks people’s movements from smartphones and apps to help transit agencies gain insight into traffic patterns.

By Jason Plautz • May 29, 2019