Behind the curtain

A cleaner and more sustainable city is smart. And one common strategy many cities have identified as essential to achieving their sustainability goals involves electrifying their medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets, including buses.

July 12, 2018

For World Cup host cities, a boon or a boondoggle?

As the U.S. prepares for the 2026 edition alongside Canada and Mexico, those in the running to stage games emphasize existing infrastructure and partnerships.

By Chris Teale • July 11, 2018

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

NYC launches interactive map showing progress on city projects

The initiative is intended to provide transparency in several neighborhoods the city is rezoning, including East New York, East Harlem and Downtown Far Rockaway.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 3, 2018

5 of the world's most eco-friendly building materials

A number of hidden factors, including the transportation involved and how they hold up in certain climates, contribute to materials' eco-friendliness. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2018

Bike-share company Zagster unveils parking for dockless bikes, scooters

CEO Tim Ericson said the new platform should help cities manage the clutter problem that has so far dogged the rollout of the new technology.

By Chris Teale • June 29, 2018

LA City Council advances plan to change development rules near transit stations

The proposal could add more than 10,000 jobs and 6,000 new apartments, and follows a controversial state bill to add density near public transportation that the city opposed.

By Chris Teale • June 29, 2018

Creative crosswalks: Street art meets safety enhancement

Bright colors and unique designs in crosswalks can create a sense of community and enhance pedestrian connectivity, all the while keeping people and drivers safe.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 26, 2018

Nearly 40 San Francisco buildings at risk in earthquake

The city has been working to upgrade potentially at-risk structures, but it remains a hefty effort given how many need retrofits, according to a new federal report.

By Jason Plautz • June 18, 2018

USDOT announces $2.1B of grants

The agency authorized almost $1.5 billion for infrastructure and $677 million for airport improvements nationwide.

By Kim Slowey • June 14, 2018

Domino's to fund pothole repairs for city streets

The "Paving for Pizza" program aims to protect pizza deliveries from being jolted on rough roads, but could represent an interesting P3 opportunity for municipalities.

By Chris Teale • June 13, 2018

Japan-Thailand Millennium Town plans to foster a smarter community

The planned smart city outside Bangkok promises to use Japanese retirees to educate local people, as well as have futuristic technology like maglev trains.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2018

Panelists share what works (and what doesn't) in urban modernization

Leaders from around the world took the stage at the Chicago Forum on Global Cities to discuss how cities become economic powerhouses.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 8, 2018

Experts call for congestion pricing on all vehicles in NYC

Panelists at an event in Brooklyn said a surcharge would help fund modernization and rebuilding efforts on the subway, and make the streets safer for all users by encouraging less car usage.

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2018

RFP for affordable modular housing a first in NYC

New York City is pushing smaller, module-based units as a way to build faster and with more cost efficiency.

By Kim Slowey • June 5, 2018

Kanye West's affordable housing prototypes demolished

West failed to secure building permits for his "Yeezy Home" initiative, leading to the demolition of at least three prototypes on his property.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated Sept. 17, 2019

Nonprofit touts benefits of housing deconstruction over demolition

Cities can encourage material reuse and recycling by incorporating deconstruction principles in C&D waste diversion ordinances. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 5, 2018

Downtown Portland's record $1B development includes little affordable housing

Of the residential units built or under construction in the Oregon city since 2011, only 10% are categorized as affordable.

By Kim Slowey • May 30, 2018

Portland, OR to standardize protected bike lane design

The city will soon roll out an official design book that will offer seven basic designs for various streets and intersections. 

By Jason Plautz • May 29, 2018

New Orleans zoning proposal would end some short-term home rentals

The zoning change could lead to a permanent ban on homeowners using platforms such as Airbnb.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2018

The smarter buildings dilemma: To redevelop or start afresh?

Adding smart technology to an older structure could save money, although the advent of more new features makes redevelopment an attractive option.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2018

Minneapolis unveils plan to 'undo' history of housing segregation

Mayor Jacob Frey released a $50 million proposal to preserve affordable housing units and build new ones — a key campaign pledge.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2018

Bipartisan group of senators urge improvements in rural broadband

In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the 63 lawmakers called for regular, long-term investment in a program that keeps rates similar for those in urban and rural areas.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2018

Developer JBG Smith unveils 'affordable workforce' housing plans for Washington, DC

Keeping housing affordable is an issue cities wrestle with across the U.S., and this initiative could be a model for others to follow.

By Chris Teale • May 21, 2018

Lawsuits threaten to derail Musk's Los Angeles tunnel

Activists in Southern California are pushing back against the city's proposal to exempt the tunnel plans from some environmental reviews.

By Kim Slowey • May 17, 2018

Report: Amazon wraps up visits to 20 HQ2 finalists

Finalists already feel the impact. If it is attractive to Amazon, then it is attractive to other companies. Newark, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Austin, Texas had an increase in inquiries from other companies looking for a base. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 17, 2018