Infrastructure deal's 'no strings attached' funding prioritizes new highways, experts warn

As federal and local officials decry a controversial Houston-area highway widening proposal, the U.S. infrastructure deal could make it easier for states to fund similar projects, transportation advocates say.

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 18, 2021

3D-printed concrete to help build $147B UK high-speed rail system

The new technology that prints structures on-site will reduce the amount of concrete used, thereby nearly cutting carbon emissions in half.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 17, 2021

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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

As heat island effects worsen due to climate change, cities try to adapt

Cities are adding cooling measures like trees and lighter pavement to reduce urban heat island effects as record temperatures sweep the nation.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 17, 2021

What's in the infrastructure bill for smart cities?

The Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant program would offer funds to governments for new tech demo projects pertaining to transportation, energy efficiency and connectivity.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 12, 2021

California takes a first-of-its-kind step on building decarbonization

Following many cities' actions to rein in building emissions, the state energy commission voted to adopt an updated building energy code that makes electric heat pumps the baseline technology for space and water heating.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2021

New initiative urges contractors to work with owners to reduce building emissions

The effort aims to create policies that lower emissions from the built environment, establish practices that shrink contractors' carbon footprint, and encourage clients to pursue more climate-friendly buildings.

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 5, 2021

4 US cities among the top 10 most expensive places to build in the world

The pandemic has worsened issues around supply chains and skilled labor, raising construction costs in cities, according to a new report.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 2, 2021

DOE says new building codes to cut energy costs by $138B, but EV backers see failure to advance charging

A requirement that new homes be wired for electric vehicle charging was not included in the final version.

By Robert Walton • July 30, 2021

Senate votes to advance bill with $550B for aging US infrastructure

Far smaller than Biden's American Jobs Plan, the bipartisan bill will next enter a phase of debates and amendments.

By Zachary Phillips • Updated July 29, 2021

Queens is on a quest to become a 'smart borough'

A recently elected borough president aims to transform Queens. But one expert cautions the need for a "thoughtful, intentional and iterative" strategy, as smart city planning is "not for the faint of heart." 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2021

California approves expedited pathway for near-term utility EV investments

The decision will help California move toward its goal of deploying five million zero-emission vehicles by 2030, along with 250,000 light-duty or passenger vehicle chargers by 2025.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 16, 2021

Challenge to Berkeley gas regulation dismissed, a win for cities in carbon emissions fight

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged the city's restrictions on natural gas in new low-rise residential buildings, a major boost for local governments looking to follow suit.

By Chris Teale • July 16, 2021

Southern California Edison plans for 38,000 EV charging stations in next five years

The utility's $436 million program, the largest initiative of its kind by any investor-owned utility, will include an "added emphasis" on installing electric vehicle chargers in multifamily apartment and condo buildings. 

By Scott Van Voorhis • July 15, 2021

Wichita, Kansas, to revive its downtown with unique 'Midwestern placemaking' design

The National Endowment for the Arts awarded the city and local partners $75,000 to pair artists with local businesses to create storefront "front porches," helping the local economy recover from the pandemic. 

By Kristi Eaton • July 14, 2021

Condo collapse spurs inspections, questions about other city towers

Florida municipalities ramp up building inspections after uneven and lax enforcement, and as insurers and residents across the country ponder the implications of high-rise living.  

By Joe Bousquin • July 12, 2021

Local leaders from 12 cities to attend vacant property leadership institute

Amid expectations the number of vacant proprieties will rise due to the pandemic, local leaders from across four states will attend an intensive training to learn how to best transform and maintain them.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 12, 2021

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.

By Wes Guckert • July 7, 2021

Office demand sluggish in cities with greater share of remote-friendly jobs

Cities like Seattle and Boston have recovered the least, while Chicago, New York and Los Angeles have fared much better in their office market recovery.

By Sebastian Obando • July 2, 2021

House passes broad bipartisan measure to help states fund energy cybersecurity efforts

Representatives voted in support of a program that will help states secure energy infrastructure against cyber and physical threats, setting up financial incentives for private sector assistance. 

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2021

White House agrees to bipartisan infrastructure deal

"The largest investment in EV infrastructure in history," includes plans to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers along highways and in rural communities.

By Jason Plautz • June 25, 2021

Amazon partners with three transit agencies to invest $300M in affordable housing

Through its new Housing Equity Fund, the company will fund an estimated 3,000 affordable housing units near transit in its U.S. hubs in the suburbs of Seattle and Washington, D.C., and in Nashville, Tennessee. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 23, 2021

Interventions necessary to avert 'wave' of foreclosures, evictions: report

City, state and federal assistance have kept families afloat, but millions face housing crises as aid expires, according to a report from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. 

By Jason Plautz • June 21, 2021

$20B Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project moves forward

The project is based on Central Japan Railway's Tokaido Shinkansen system. It aims to travel at up to 200 mph, faster than any other rail service in the U.S., according to Texas Central Railroad.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 21, 2021

Low-carbon concrete bill advances in New York

The bill takes aim at the emissions-heavy built environment by developing state guidelines for using greener concrete products and climate performance standards for state construction projects.

By Jason Plautz • June 14, 2021

3 takeaways from NLC's 'State of the Cities' report

Mayors nationwide are prioritizing investing in infrastructure, but they remain concerned about budget shortfalls after the coronavirus pandemic even with federal help on the way.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2021