Amazon offering facial recognition tech to police, sparking civil rights debate

The availability of big data and surveillance technology means police departments can take innovative approaches to public safety — a move that also carries warnings of "Big Brother."

By Jason Plautz • May 23, 2018

Facebook, Qualcomm partner for urban high-speed internet venture

Qualcomm will provide the hardware for the project, putting Facebook's Terragraph technology in its chipsets. Trials will begin in mid-2019. 

By Jason Plautz • May 22, 2018

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

Bipartisan group of senators urge improvements in rural broadband

In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the 63 lawmakers called for regular, long-term investment in a program that keeps rates similar for those in urban and rural areas.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2018

The future is brighter than ever for IIoT innovation

Spending on smart city technology is expected to hit $80 billion globally this year, making it critical for cities and municipalities to prepare now for tomorrow’s smart city needs.

By John Marcolini • May 22, 2018

11 technologies set to shape smart manufacturing

New tools like 3D printing and artificial intelligence have created a paradigm shift in technology and revealed a new world of supply chain efficiencies yet to be unlocked.

By Jordan Branch , Edwin Lopez • May 22, 2018

San Francisco to help clear marijuana citations using algorithm

The algorithm will scan records to determine eligibility for clearance, fill out necessary forms and produce a completed motion that can be filed in court. 

By Jason Plautz • May 21, 2018

San Francisco leads list of top cities for blockchain jobs

Crypto Fund Research evaluated blockchain job listings, companies, startups, hedge funds and venture capital in each city, as well as the respective unemployment rate.

By Kristin Musulin • May 18, 2018

Houston to partner with Chinese city Suzhou on biotech research

The cities signed an agreement pledging to work together on trade and invest in each other's economies.

By Chris Teale • May 17, 2018

Report: Amazon wraps up visits to 20 HQ2 finalists

Finalists already feel the impact. If it is attractive to Amazon, then it is attractive to other companies. Newark, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Austin, Texas had an increase in inquiries from other companies looking for a base. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 17, 2018

NYC announces blockchain resource center

NYCEDC will also launch a competition in late 2018 to develop apps that can use blockchain to improve public services. 

By Jason Plautz • May 17, 2018

Data breach exposes nearly 900 San Francisco hospital patients' information

A former employee at a Massachusetts-based contractor exposed the data, but federal investigations found it had not been sold or used for any purpose.

By Chris Teale • May 16, 2018

San Mateo County, CA opens smart region innovation center

SMC Lab will bring together 22 cities in Silicon Valley as well as residents, universities and businesses to work together to solve problems for its urban and unincorporated areas.

By Chris Teale • May 16, 2018

DC Mayor Bowser calls for tiered ride-hailing tax system

Bowser and the city council have gone head-to-head since the council proposed raising the tax on Uber, Lyft and Via services from 1% to 6%.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated May 24, 2018

Sprint adds 3 cities to 2019 5G rollout

As carriers race to replace LTE service with 5G in markets around the world, Sprint says it has a leg up thanks to its planned merger with T-Mobile.

By Jason Plautz • May 16, 2018

360-degree outdoor displays to roll out at open-air parking lots

Circ360 can direct drivers to open spaces and provide other features like information about traffic flow and advertising space.

By Chris Teale • May 15, 2018

100 Resilient Cities announces Data CoLab to advance master data platform

Cities across 100RC's global network are invited to apply to the CoLab by submitting information on their current capabilities, challenges and goals.

By Kristin Musulin • May 14, 2018

Columbus, OH to host Smart City Hackathon to leverage data hub

Since winning the USDOT's Smart City Challenge in 2016, Columbus has sought to build out a more connected and data-driven transportation system.

By Jason Plautz • May 14, 2018

Atlanta mayor says cyberattack came as 'surprise' to city, residents

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said her constituents had not viewed cybersecurity as vital until the ransomware impacted their interactions with government.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2018

Foxconn launches smart cities design competition for Wisconsin students

The technology company is putting up $1 million in cash and other prizes for solutions to urban issues including transportation and environmental sustainability.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2018

10 emerging tech cities — and how they're reshaping worker distribution

Comparably's 10 emerging tech hubs — which include Dallas, Washington, Denver and Chicago — are underrated but becoming competitors in their own right in the tech scene. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 11, 2018

Amazon transforms model houses into Alexa-powered smart homes

The model homes opened in select communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC.

By Robert Williams • May 10, 2018

USDOT selects 10 local governments, agencies for drone pilot program

The awardees will partner with private sector participants to help the U.S. Department of Transportation craft regulation for drone use.

By Kristin Musulin , Kate Patrick Macri • May 10, 2018

URBAN-X chooses 7 startups to join newest accelerator cohort

The companies were selected out of a pool of 400 applicants based on their potential to address risks facing city residents and urban infrastructure.

By Kristin Musulin • May 10, 2018

Mastercard, Microsoft to collaborate on smart cities initiatives

The two companies pledged to work together on transit payment, and to use their data analysis and cloud computing capabilities to solve urban challenges.

By Chris Teale • May 10, 2018

IoT lighting is advantageous for the shifting retail landscape

Lighting manufacturers and technology firms are creating new use cases for a lighting system that addresses customer pain points.

By Krystal Maxwell • May 10, 2018