How cities can decarbonize delivery in the era of online orders

A new action guide by the National League of Cities points to emerging policies and technologies to combat increasing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 1, 2023

Legal fights over air taxi regulation stand in the industry’s way

The technology is largely there for short-haul urban rides to become a reality, but uncertainty over governing jurisdictions is one of the issues keeping the industry grounded.

By Ramona Dzinkowski • Oct. 30, 2023

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

Cruise recalls driverless robotaxis after halting operations in 3 cities

The General Motors subsidiary is grappling with two federal investigations and a recent incident in which one of its cars left a pedestrian seriously injured.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Nov. 8, 2023

Is Phoenix’s construction market hot? It depends on who you ask.

With few natural disaster risks, a stable climate and business-friendly practices, the Arizona metropolis has experienced a burst in industrial building.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 26, 2023

Why payments to government agencies should be easier

“Increasingly, government agencies — and the people they serve — need a payments system that is connected across departments and jurisdictions,” writes one payments executive.

By Sloane Wright • Oct. 25, 2023

California suspends Cruise robotaxis for misrepresenting safety

The General Motors subsidiary withheld portions of a video showing a recent incident that left a pedestrian severely injured, the state DMV said.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 25, 2023

31 ‘tech hubs’ unveiled by Biden administration

The federal government is betting on the hubs to transform into globally competitive innovation centers. Phase 2 of the initiative — a competition for millions of federal dollars to implement local plans — starts now.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 24, 2023

Cities reap benefits from ‘intelligent transportation systems,’ but challenges remain

Technologies that can improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists need "sustained funding and leadership," local and state officials told the Government Accountability Office.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 20, 2023

Washington, DC’s ban on cashless businesses, explained

As contactless, digital and card transactions become more common, the district has joined state and local governments preserving residents' right to pay cash.

By Paige Gross • Oct. 19, 2023

Cruise faces federal investigation after driverless robotaxi severely injures pedestrian

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating four incidents involving autonomous Cruise vehicles and pedestrians in San Francisco.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 17, 2023

DOE selects 7 hydrogen hubs for $7B funding opportunity

The selection of several hubs focused on hydrogen production from fossil fuels and carbon capture drew the ire of environmental groups.

By Emma Penrod • Oct. 16, 2023

Evolving public safety challenges demand reliable and flexible communications

Every second is critical to the safety and success of your emergency response teams.

Oct. 16, 2023

NYC launches ‘smart city testbed’: Here are the first 3 pilot technologies

Initial projects aim to pull pollution out of the air and scan buildings for flaws that reduce energy efficiency.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 12, 2023

Columbus embraces its role as ‘tech capital of the Midwest’

A deluge of private-sector funding, rapid growth and a strong business environment contribute to the Ohio city’s surging construction starts.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 11, 2023

Notable 2024 conferences for smart city leaders

Newly added events focus on traffic safety, technology and green infrastructure.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated Aug. 2, 2024

National Weather Service rolls out flood forecast maps

When paired with existing tools, the maps can show where a forecasted flood overlaps with built infrastructure, including that serving vulnerable communities, a federal water official said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 3, 2023

New Orleans adds AI technology to improve traffic safety around streetcar lines

Smart sensors from NoTraffic will be part of a traffic monitoring system powered by artificial intelligence in a partnership between local authorities and the private sector. 

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 19, 2023

Philadelphia’s smart cities team reflects at the 4-year mark

Its Smart Cities Roadmap looks for public-private partnerships to inject technology solutions throughout city departments. City leaders talk about the team’s accomplishments and next steps.

By Paige Gross • Sept. 15, 2023

Curb-management innovations: Lessons from smart and zero-emission loading zone pilots

Local business pushback, regulatory barriers and other challenges face cities testing ways to create more orderly curb traffic.

By Karen Kroll • Sept. 14, 2023

California’s Senate passes bill to restrict driverless trucks

The measure could require an operator onboard heavy autonomous vehicles for years. Supporters and opponents both argued that the matter relates to safety.

By David Taube • Sept. 14, 2023

Ignoring AI is not a viable option for transportation officials: report

Artificial intelligence can create safer, more convenient and more equitable transportation systems, says an Eno Center for Transportation report.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 6, 2023

Tech company unveils AI-powered platform to determine ideal EV charging sites

Freewire Technologies’ tool aims to help the businesses and c-store retailers using its chargers determine optimal locations to place them.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 31, 2023

StreetLight Data and TomTom to partner on transportation data

The companies will develop an analytic platform to help cities and transit agencies plan transportation and infrastructure projects.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 25, 2023

After a leadership shakeup, Bird will focus on ‘key markets,’ scooter deployment and repair

The micromobility company plans additional layoffs in Q3 as part of ongoing efforts to achieve profitability, according to SEC filings and its Q2 earnings call.

By Kalena Thomhave • Aug. 25, 2023

4 communities to build anti-racist data ecosystems with $5M from foundations

Pittsburgh will use the grant to include Black communities “at the point where data is first discussed, before, sometimes, even the point of data collection,” said the city’s chief data officer.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 23, 2023