'Failing' US infrastructure needs new purpose beyond shovel-ready efforts: report

The Brookings Institution said federal investment should prioritize outcomes like equity over financing specific projects, supporting an overall mindset shift about the role of infrastructure.

By Chris Teale • April 13, 2021

NYC e-cargo bikes lay groundwork for future of grocery delivery

The URB-E fleet vehicles tow cargo carts holding up to 800 pounds through New York City and Pasadena, CA, with more cities in its sights. "Last mile has to be electric," the company's CEO said.

By Sam Silverstein • April 13, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

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

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.

By Maya Pindeus • April 9, 2021

What's behind the California bullet train project's latest woes?

Two contracting teams said the state rail authority's inability to secure land is creating delays. Here's a look into what that means for the $100 billion project.

By Kim Slowey • April 9, 2021

It's time to 'redefine what infrastructure is,' says USCM president

Louisville, KY Mayor Greg Fischer said in a webinar that President Biden's American Jobs Plan will ready the U.S. for the future and "unleash" innovation.

By Chris Teale • April 8, 2021

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.

By Sara Baldwin • April 7, 2021

$9.5B Los Angeles-area rail project awards 2 pre-development agreements

By working with competing concept teams, LA County Metro hopes to get the best options — and increase the likelihood of success — to connect the San Fernando Valley with LA's Westside.   

By Joe Bousquin • April 6, 2021

Washington, DC zero waste bill is now law, though funding remains uncertain

The legislation aims to help DC reach its goal to divert 80% of waste from landfills and incinerators by 2032, following efforts in other major cities like New York, Seattle and San Francisco.

By Maria Rachal • April 5, 2021

How the American Jobs Plan aims to shape 4 pillars of city infrastructure

The administration's package looks to inject billions of dollars into the country's digital infrastructure, water, transportation and housing needs, with emphasis on racial equity and climate resilience.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • April 1, 2021

Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan has something for everyone. And that's its biggest risk.

While some groups praised the proposal, others found issues with its pitch of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, as well as raising taxes on businesses to pay for it. 

By Joe Bousquin • March 31, 2021

Satellite internet: digital divide solution or 'science experiment'?

SpaceX and Amazon have said the technology can help rural America get online, but opponents say it's unproven and not worthy of federal investment.

By Chris Teale • March 30, 2021

Miami mayor seeks federal funds for Boring Co. project

Mayor Francis Suarez wants Elon Musk's company to build a transit loop similar to those underway in Las Vegas and Chicago, Bloomberg reports.

By Zachary Phillips • March 29, 2021

Build Back Better plan reportedly includes $1 trillion for roads, bridges, electric grid and more

More details are slated to emerge as President Joe Biden is set to speak on the plan in Pittsburgh next week, the White House announced Wednesday.

By Joe Bousquin • March 25, 2021

Cities face new roadblock in quest to decarbonize buildings

The International Code Council removed the rights of local governments to vote on energy-efficient building codes, a move with major implications for cities as they seek to dramatically reduce emissions. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 24, 2021

Community-led design of public spaces could have 'ripple effect' in COVID recovery: report

Analysis of public spaces in Detroit; Philadelphia; San Jose, CA; and Akron, OH by the Knight Foundation and design firm Gehl found successful and resilient programming could have long-term effects after the pandemic.

By Chris Teale • March 24, 2021

Climate-driven water infrastructure failures risk becoming 'business as usual'

Monday's World Water Day comes one month after extreme weather wreaked havoc on Texas' water supply, an event that experts warn could become the new normal if leaders fail to invest in resiliency. 

By Chris Teale • March 22, 2021

$20B Chicago megaproject reaches deal with transit system

As part of the agreement, Landmark Development would build a $3.8 billion transit connection for the Chicago Transit Authority and Amtrak that the state would eventually buy, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. 

By Zachary Phillips • March 19, 2021

Waterfront Toronto to design 'complete community' after Sidewalk Labs split

The group launched a competition to find a new development partner, seeking a plan that includes affordable housing and support for aging in place.

By Cailin Crowe • March 17, 2021

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. 

By Henry Cisneros and William Fulton • March 15, 2021

Pittsburgh applies equity lens amid push to plant 100K trees

The "Equitable Street Tree Investment Strategy" aims to improve tree maintenance in low-income and Black neighborhoods, as the city also works to increase its canopy to 60% by 2030. 

By Maria Rachal • March 8, 2021

National Landing BID head explains 'most connected downtown' design

President and Executive Director Tracy Sayegh Gabriel said the Northern Virginia area, which is undergoing major transformations ahead of the arrival of Amazon's HQ2, has embraced people-centric and sustainable growth.

By Cailin Crowe • March 5, 2021

US infrastructure funding gap swells to $2.6 trillion: ASCE

A 'C-' rating across 17 areas of infrastructure is a slight jump from a 'D+' grade in 2017 given by the American Society of Civil Engineers. But leaders say more needs to be done at the federal level to close a 10-year investment lag.

By Chris Teale • March 4, 2021

Up to 20 cities to improve street safety by turning asphalt into art

Bloomberg Philanthropies' Asphalt Art Initiative, now in its second year, will provide each city with up to $25,000 to improve street safety and revitalize public spaces with murals.

By Chris Teale • March 3, 2021

Airbnb reports $3.89B loss, predicts digital nomads will spark recovery

In the company's first post-IPO earnings call, officials said Airbnb is resilient enough to weather COVID-19 and that flexible work arrangements will push more people onto the platform. 

By Chris Teale • March 2, 2021

Seattle mayor approves updated energy code

Mayor Jenny Durkan signed the updates into law, dubbing the city's building energy code as "among the strongest in the nation."

By Kristin Musulin • Updated Feb. 12, 2021