Can cities and states keep their roads in good shape?

With an influx of pandemic-era funds already spent, many states anticipate funding gaps over the next decade that could threaten road safety and infrastructure reliability.

By Dan Zukowski • July 31, 2025

No zoning code? That’s a problem, one Virginia city discovered.

Procedural missteps can derail even well-supported measures to eliminate single-family zoning — a problem Charlottesville, Virginia, is now addressing.

By Danielle McLean • July 31, 2025

Senate tackles housing affordability crisis with bipartisan bill

Mayors applauded the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act proposal to speed housing development, cut red tape and fund local innovation. 

By Ryan Kushner • July 30, 2025

Municipal codes, financial incentives are driving the retrofitting boom, new research finds

Nearly half of building executives surveyed believe retrofits meet urban space needs better than new construction, but many cities lack the policy muscle to make them scalable.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 29, 2025

American City & County and Smart Cities Dive are combining

The AC&C staff will continue reporting on key state and local government issues under the Smart Cities Dive brand.

By Rachel H. Pollack • July 28, 2025

The Municipal Cost Index is now on Smart Cities Dive. Here’s what you need to know.

Since 1978, American City & County’s proprietary tool has helped local governments determine the cost of providing services to their residents.

By Michelle Havich • July 28, 2025

The Municipal Cost Index

This monthly index developed by American City & County is designed to capture the rising cost of doing business as a local government.

By Jasmine Ye Han , Michelle Havich • July 28, 2025

LA passed a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers. Hotels continue to fight it.

As hospitality and travel organizations push for a referendum on the Olympic Wage ordinance, city officials face a crossroads between supporting wage justice and risking economic fallout.

By Noelle Mateer • July 28, 2025

Smartphone, connected vehicle data could help states comply with DOT’s ‘Safe Roads’ demand

Governors must respond by August 30 to the Transportation Department’s letter asking for information on accident-prone arterial roads.

By Dan Zukowski • July 25, 2025

Florida governor, CFO launch DOGE-style local government audits

Broward County and Gainesville are the first communities to receive letters from the governor requesting financial and DEI information and access to offices, data and personnel.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • July 23, 2025

6 top marketing trends for local governments in 2025

Discover the top trends that will help local governments strengthen relationships with constituents.

July 21, 2025

Now entering the self-service era for state and local government

Government has always been people-based, but agencies must take a new approach to meet future needs.

July 21, 2025

Amtrak, high-speed rail, public transit take cuts in House 2026 budget proposal

In a markup session Monday, a House subcommittee proposed slashing the transportation department’s discretionary spending by over $3 billion.

By Dan Zukowski • July 15, 2025

Philadelphia sanitation strike ends with tentative pay agreement

AFSCME and Philadelphia officials confirmed the strike has ended, though the union must still ratify the terms of the deal before it becomes official. Between 1,200 and 1,300 sanitation workers were part of the strike.

By Megan Quinn • July 10, 2025

[Podcast] Key trends in urban mobility transformation

In this podcast series, explore trending topics related to the larger theme of urban mobility transformation challenges and opportunities.

By Smart Cities Dive's studioID • Updated July 10, 2025

Massachusetts dedicates $8B to transportation in FY2026 budget

Public transportation funding will help the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority narrow its deficit. Roads and bridges also received funding.

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2025

Seattle outlines 7 priorities for autonomous vehicle adoption

Robotaxi policies should factor in equity, workforce training, safety and environmental concerns, diverse city residents said.

By Dan Zukowski • June 11, 2025

5 takeaways from Trump’s proposed 2026 budget for rail and public transit

Amtrak would be spared budget cuts, while public transit could get a 1.5% funding boost.

By Dan Zukowski • June 6, 2025

Can California high-speed rail survive without federal funds?

While the California High-Speed Rail Authority looks for a path forward, some believe additional state or private funding will be hard to find.

By Dan Zukowski • June 5, 2025

Chicago-area public transit faces up to 40% service cuts

The Illinois General Assembly ended its legislative session without resolving a $770 million budget gap affecting train, bus and commuter service across Northern Illinois.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated June 13, 2025

Californians leap at state e-bike voucher offer

The popular program offsets e-bike costs for low-income residents and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • May 30, 2025

California high-speed rail project seeks outside investors

Facing possible loss of federal grants, the authority leading the $128 billion project looks for new funding sources.

By Dan Zukowski • May 22, 2025

Federal grantees reckon with loss of ‘generational’ recycling funding under Trump

The administration has canceled or limited grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding, changing how plastics and organics recyclers view the federal government.

By Jacob Wallace • May 22, 2025

DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments

Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 22, 2025

DOJ opens investigation after Chicago mayor touts Black hires

The department took issue with comments the mayor made at a public event Sunday, in which he identified six high-level positions held by Black workers.

By Emilie Shumway • May 21, 2025