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  Harassment and intimidation are driving local leaders away from public service, and we all stand to lose

  “I genuinely worry about how our nation’s cities, towns and villages will attract and retain the talent we need,” writes the head of the National League of Cities.

  Clarence E. Anthony • April 19, 2022

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  For the Building Performance Standards Coalition to be effective, the White House must think bigger

  The former head of the U.S. Green Building Council weighs in on how federal, state and local government partners can go beyond just reducing building emissions as they pursue decarbonization.  

  Mahesh Ramanujam • April 8, 2022

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  What big cities can learn from the rural US about public transit

  Grappling with bare-bones transportation networks, rural communities are implementing new transit innovations, a trend that federal infrastructure dollars could accelerate. 

  Scott James Matheson and Sam Couvillon • April 6, 2022

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  Envisioning a policy framework for the growth of AVs and SAVs

  Public policy will need to evolve with vehicle automation advances to ensure privately owned, shared and fleet AVs meet community needs. Examining the likely phases of this transition can help officials anticipate policy needs.

  Susan Shaheen • March 22, 2022

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  In it for the long haul: 5 steps to secure micromobility's future

  Veo CEO Candice Xie shares insights on how the industry can walk the talk in terms of becoming environmentally sustainable and more financially resilient.

  Candice Xie • March 9, 2022

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  Citizens want authentic engagement opportunities, not just notifications

  It's up to governments to build digital on-ramps to help citizens overcome community engagement barriers. With modern solutions and professional support, digital engagement can become an everyday event for any community.

  Andrea Facini • March 7, 2022

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  Making corporate net-zero rhetoric real in 2022

  Businesses' net-zero commitments are new promises to do good for broader society, going far beyond the company's own operations, the authors write. 

  Chris Deri and Sasha Mackler • March 1, 2022

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  Revisiting California's natural gas hookup subsidies

  California is one of the biggest consumers of natural gas in the U.S., and has been adding new gas customers faster than any other state. These trends are in direct conflict with its ambitious climate goals, the authors write.

  Clifford Rechtschaffen and Simi Rose George • Feb. 23, 2022

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  To decarbonize buildings, think like an entrepreneur

  The most innovative ideas to slash emissions won’t have impact if they never reach the market, writes Reshma Singh, who focuses on building technologies at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

  Reshma Singh • Feb. 18, 2022

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  Strategies that make universal broadband access a reality are needed

  As the federal government readies $65 billion for broadband adoption, local leaders should make thoughtful, culturally-responsive strategies that connect all of our communities, writes the CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.  

  Antonio Tijerino • Feb. 16, 2022

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  At last, an infrastructure bill that gives people a reason to get out of their cars

  The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could bring tech-enabled mobility to urban ‘transit deserts,' expanding economic opportunities while reducing emissions and traffic congestion, writes Via's head of public policy. 

  Andrei Greenawalt • Jan. 6, 2022

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  The wrong policies will hinder electrification — here's what we need to do

  The challenge is how to expand consumer adoption and speed up the transition to electric cars and efficient electric heating systems, writes a commissioner with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

  Abigail Anthony • Oct. 21, 2021

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  We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meet cities' pressing needs. Let's get it done.

  Passing the Biden infrastructure bill will have ripple effects across the U.S., writes Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, driving investments in areas including electric vehicles, energy efficiency and recycling infrastructure. 

  Kate Gallego • Oct. 18, 2021

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  Time for utility companies to step up by supporting the Clean Electricity Performance Program

  Achieving more clean energy is feasible, affordable and would benefit our economy and public health without compromising power system reliability, writes Ceres' senior program director of climate and energy.

  Dan Bakal • Oct. 15, 2021

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  We can't forget public transit, walking and cycling in the push to decarbonize transportation

  Electric vehicles have lawmakers' attention as one tool to mitigate the climate crisis. But perpetuating private vehicle use won't move the U.S. toward a more equitable transportation future.

  Pooja Shah • Sept. 23, 2021

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  Buildings are infrastructure, so Congress should treat them that way

  Creating a 21st-century transportation network while letting our nation’s buildings crumble is no way to responsibly address an infrastructure crisis, let alone build back better, writes a former congressman and association exec.

  Russ Carnahan and Vincent R. Sandusky • Sept. 16, 2021

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  With longstanding mobility problems back in the spotlight, cities must consider autonomous vehicles

  Many historical transportation challenges in the U.S. are returning worse after pandemic lockdowns. Local leaders have a golden opportunity to leverage autonomous vehicles to create more efficient, equitable systems.

  Eric Tanenblatt • Sept. 10, 2021

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  When there's a will, there's a way: Building the foundation for municipal EV infrastructure

  Electric vehicles (EV) are no longer a novelty. Local leaders can begin to expand their EV infrastructure by first building the local will and political capital, while also investing in workforce development. 

  Celeste Frye • Sept. 1, 2021

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  Curbing climate change requires an end to driving in cities

  New U.N. climate report underscores the need to invest in infrastructure that encourages active mobility, get people back on public transit, and have cities reclaim roadways, writes Lime CEO Wayne Ting.

  Wayne Ting • Aug. 13, 2021

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  Giving new life to deserted parking garages

  Cities' declining dependence on cars and commutes may point to a novel solution for the lack of affordable housing in cities, writes The Traffic Group's Wes Guckert.

  Wes Guckert • July 7, 2021

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  Averting economic devastation from New York's billion-dollar consumer energy debt

  Federal funds will eliminate a lot of New Yorkers' energy and water utility debt, but utility shareholders must share the burden of what remains, the authors write.

  Kevin Parker and Richard Berkley • May 26, 2021

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  Accessible city planning starts with unbiased data insight

  New tech in cities can sometimes do more harm than good. Considering inclusive datasets is an essential part of the process for cities to realize benefits, writes Humanising Autonomy CEO Maya Pindeus.

  Maya Pindeus • April 9, 2021

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  US building codes need a major retrofit to meet climate goals and spare consumers

  The International Code Council, which recently rolled back local governments' say in energy efficiency regulations for buildings, needs to adapt to the times or step aside, writes Energy Innovation's Sara Baldwin.

  Sara Baldwin • April 7, 2021

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  Crisis in Texas, then a C- grade: America's infrastructure needs a bottom-up fix

  Although the Biden administration is expected to pursue a major infrastructure plan, we must allow localities to lead, write former mayors of San Antonio and Ventura, CA. 

  Henry Cisneros and William Fulton • March 15, 2021

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  Electric cars are not enough. It's time we invest in LEVs.

  The increased attention placed on electric vehicles must not leave behind two- and three-wheeled light electric vehicles, Swiftmile CEO Colin Roche writes.

  Colin Roche • March 1, 2021

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