What Trump’s infrastructure funding pause means for cities

A lack of clarity in the president's executive order may lead some cities and states to pause or review projects until they know funds are on the way.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 24, 2025

Trump nominates Steven Bradbury for deputy transportation secretary

Bradbury served in the first Trump administration. He may face Democratic opposition for his views on EVs and greenhouse gas emission rules.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 23, 2025

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Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Trump freezes IRA funding

Trump also revoked what he calls the Biden administration's “EV mandate” and pulled out of the Paris climate agreement as part of several energy-related actions.

By Kate Magill • Jan. 22, 2025

Biden urges mayors to continue the climate change fight

Then-President Biden and then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke at a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting Jan. 17.

By Danielle McLean • Jan. 21, 2025

Surface transportation reauthorization a top priority for House T&I committee

Separately, President Donald Trump put a freeze on new federal regulations and also ordered a halt to federal funding of electric vehicle charging stations.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 21, 2025

Transit ridership is growing but still down from a decade ago: FTA report

The rise of ride-hailing services is what the Federal Transit Administration blames for the decade-long decline in public transportation use.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 17, 2025

We need another infrastructure law

Carlo Scissura has a message for Congress and President-elect Trump: Building a stronger country can’t stop now.

By Carlo Scissura • Jan. 16, 2025

Transportation nominee Duffy: ‘We will usher in a golden age of travel.’

President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Transportation pledged to work with both parties on issues such as AVs, EVs, Amtrak and other hot topics.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Jan. 22, 2025

Nearly $9B in federal transportation funds and loans authorized since Jan. 1

Airports, EV charging, bus rapid transit and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure are among the types of projects receiving grants in the last days of the Biden administration.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 15, 2025

GM using AI to find the best locations for EV chargers

The automaker says uncertainty about how to find charging stations remains a hurdle to prospective customers.

By Eric Walz • Jan. 14, 2025

DOT announces $635M in EV charging, other clean transportation grants

The grants will support installation of more than 11,500 electric vehicle charging ports as well as hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 14, 2025

California unveils $310B passenger rail plan

Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks to shift 200 million daily passenger miles from highways to rail with more zero-emissions trains.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 13, 2025

How to keep electric vehicle investments on track in the new political climate

A clean fuel standard has worked in several states to fund EV infrastructure. It should be tried in more places.

By Laura Sherman • Jan. 10, 2025

6 smart cities trends to watch in 2025

Transportation systems, housing policy and decarbonization approaches will evolve this year as the Trump administration assumes power and technology continues to advance.

By Ysabelle Kempe , Dan Zukowski • Jan. 9, 2025

California leaders ask for more federal transportation money before Trump takes over

The California Latino Legislative Caucus and a Democratic senator from the state argue for immediate and continued funding of public transit and high-speed rail.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 8, 2025

Congestion pricing begins in New York, a US first

Overcoming opposition, the plan to toll drivers entering Manhattan's central business district went into effect Sunday. Revenues will go to the transit authority's capital investments.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 6, 2025

Inside Miami’s new linear park: Bioswales, bike paths and a 50-foot ‘dining room’ table

As rapid development threatens the city’s green space, The Underline restores ecosystems and adds amenities, a project leader says. But the effort also faces cost and design hurdles.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 6, 2025

$7B all-electric light rail project moves ahead in Austin, Texas

The Austin Transit Partnership selected a construction team to build the city’s first light rail system, which is set to open in 2033.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 6, 2025

Inflation-adjusted transportation spending at all levels fell in the 2010-2022 period, BTS says

Federal funding helps state and local governments, which account for 90% of transportation spending, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 3, 2025

Rise in EV financing may signal growing interest among consumers: Experian

The arrival of new, more affordable models alongside the federal EV tax credit have boosted leasing.

By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 3, 2025

How an Oklahoma City sales tax fuels the city’s ‘renaissance’

Mayor David Holt led the planning process for the fourth voter-approved renewal of a sales tax for public infrastructure focused on human needs.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 2, 2025

9 predictions about what 2025 may hold for US cities

“Playground” cities will thrive, innovative housing programs will proliferate and technology will transform transit and municipal services, these sources say.

By Smart Cities Dive staff • Jan. 2, 2025

New Jersey breaks ground on hurricane shelter for rail cars

Officials proposed the project after Hurricane Sandy caused $400 million worth of damage to an NJ Transit maintenance complex and hundreds of trains stored there.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 2, 2025

US DOT issues final rule on accessibility standards for transit riders

The rule sets guidelines for state and local transportation departments and transit agencies to improve access for users with disabilities at transit stations.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 20, 2024

Archer Aviation completes Georgia air taxi factory

Production is set to begin in the new year at a small scale, but by 2030, the company plans to manufacture 650 air taxis each year. 

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 19, 2024