In a sea of flood-risk data, how can cities know which information to use?

A Los Angeles County debate spotlights the uncertainty of climate-risk models. Experts weigh in on best practices for local leaders.

GM, EVgo plan 400 EV charging stations in US metro areas

Most flagship stations are expected to feature up to 20 stalls, but some select sites will offer significantly more chargers. 

NY transit agency ‘must find billions’ for capital projects while congestion pricing is paused, state comptroller says

An Oct. 1 deadline looms for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority's next five-year capital investment plan, but funding remains in question.

2025 California energy code updates aim to drive heat pump adoption, save nearly $5B in energy costs

If approved, the new building energy efficiency standards are expected to drive 500,000 heat pump installations in the first three years, the California Energy Commission said.

DOE spurs new building energy codes with another $90M

Construction-heavy states that lack the latest energy-efficiency codes are among the focus areas for this round of federal funding, a U.S. Department of Energy official said.

Uber and Waymo to bring robotaxis to Atlanta and Austin, Texas

The announcement is part of Uber's larger effort to partner with autonomous vehicle and technology companies.

Apartment complex owners sue New Jersey town over new fees

Among other requirements, landlords in Edison must pay $100 per unit per year under a new housing ordinance.

Low-income families face high energy burden, prompting calls for more government action

One in four low-income U.S. households spends more than 15% of their income on energy bills, finds an analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

US high-speed rail projects: The latest news

Siemens Mobility will build Brightline West’s 220-mph train sets at a new facility in upstate New York, the companies announced Sept. 9.

Updated Sept. 13, 2024

Minnesota bans pot smoking, vaping in multifamily properties

The move is a first of its kind among states, although 85 California municipalities have banned smoking in multifamily units, according to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation.

California poised to require new cars to warn speeding drivers

Legislation requiring vehicles to give an audible and visual warning when drivers go more than 10 mph above the speed limit could become the nation’s first.

Want federal funds for climate-resilient projects? The EPA’s new website aims to help.

The resource comes as experts voice concerns about communities struggling to navigate complex, often overlapping federal funding programs.

New compost program framework offers a starting point for local officials

Resources from two composting-focused groups and a platform to connect local leaders seek to close the knowledge gap for officials planning an organics recycling program in their community.

Cincinnati mayor says zoning overhaul reflects a ‘generational change in how people think about cities’

Years of community engagement revealed Cincinnatians don’t support getting rid of single-family zoning altogether — but they were open to relaxing it in some areas, Mayor Aftab Pureval said.

More intercity passenger rail coming to Virginia

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority signed an agreement with freight railroad Norfolk Southern that will expand commuter service in Northern Virginia and extend Amtrak service south of Roanoke, Virginia.

Retrofits more effective in cutting operational, embodied carbon emissions than new builds: study

Notre Dame researchers analyzed over 1 million Chicago buildings. The team plans to measure buildings’ embodied carbon in most U.S. metropolitan areas by the end of 2025, a researcher said.

Pedestrian deaths from SUV, pickup truck crashes are the focus for proposed federal rule

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to require new vehicles be designed to reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries to children and adults in pedestrian collisions.

3 commercial-to-residential conversions receive city government support in Washington, D.C.

Five businesses are also getting grants to open or expand into downtown spaces that have been vacant for at least six months, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced.

Washington hopes to advance clean building standards implementation with nearly $8M DOE grant

The state’s Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network project aims to train at least 60 fellows to provide energy services to building owners and operators.

Google pilots heat resilience tool in 14 US cities

The artificial intelligence-driven tool predicts how changes in tree canopy and reflective surfaces could reduce land surface temperature across neighborhoods.

New York enacts panic-button law to counter crime in stores

The bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, which requires a host of safety measures to address store-based crime, was opposed by key retail trade groups.

Multifamily permitting drops in urban areas

Higher interest rates and supply chain concerns have taken a toll on new apartment construction, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Atlanta’s homelessness response could get a $60M infusion

A bond and the city’s affordable housing trust fund would unleash millions of dollars under a proposal by Atlanta’s mayor and city council. Up to 700 affordable housing units could be built with the funds.

Here’s how US intercity bus lines are doing in 2024

While one company CEO sees “robust growth,” another major operator declared bankruptcy, and states entered the picture to provide more bus service.

Robust community engagement good for locals, renewable energy developers: Berkeley Lab

In a first-of-its-kind survey, wind and solar developers cited community opposition and strict local siting ordinances as leading causes of project delays and cancellations.