Efforts to reduce distracted driving a ‘traffic safety culture failure’

The Governors Highway Safety Association outlined more than two dozen recommendations for states to combat distracted driving, saying a “cultural reset” is needed.

By Dan Zukowski • June 8, 2022

All signs point to a ‘growing appetite’ for digital twins: report

Implementation is expected to increase 36% over the next five years, according to a Capgemini Research Institute report. But one smart city expert cautions city leaders against falling for the technology's "hype.”

By Cailin Crowe • June 8, 2022

As more cities declare crises around climate and affordability, does change follow?

Declaring emergencies can unlock some new capabilities and foster accountability, but substantial government follow-through is necessary to separate them from mere speech, city leaders say.

By Adina Solomon • June 7, 2022

Report: There’s gender parity in public financing, but general administration has a ways to go

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Over the l...

By Andy Castillo • June 7, 2022

How cities can ‘uncrack’ zoning codes that fostered racial inequities

City leaders from Berkeley, California, and Louisville, Kentucky, are trying to roll back restrictive zoning policies that have caused inequities, they said during an Urban Institute webinar.

By Danielle McLean • June 3, 2022

Public procurement resource is expanding its tools and offerings to purchasers everywhere

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Last Septe...

By Michael Keating • June 2, 2022

Federal funding uncertainty affects transportation planning, study finds

While states and regions have strategies to mitigate the negative effects, their transportation asset quality, federal highway network size and access to funding alternatives factor into the extent it affects them.

By Charles Pekow • June 2, 2022

7 community-led initiatives to address gun violence in cities: report

The Center for American Progress released a report last week providing steps Texas city and county leaders can take to address gun violence, actions that could potentially be replicated nationwide.

By Cailin Crowe • June 2, 2022

In wake of Texas shooting, advocacy organizations call for stricter gun laws

Last week, America endured what has sadly become a familiar tragedy—on Wednesday, an 18-year-old shot and killed 19 young students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

By Andy Castillo • May 31, 2022

Ahead of Surfside condo collapse anniversary, Florida’s legislature approves inspection standards

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Nearly a y...

By Andy Castillo • May 26, 2022

Pittsburgh targets bike, pedestrian infrastructure spending using traffic and crash data analysis

Adding StreetLight Data’s trip information to the city’s crash data, the project found that areas with less bike and pedestrian traffic experienced the most severe crashes.

By Charles Pekow • May 26, 2022

Don’t forget about the creative community in the rebuild of US infrastructure

Previous infrastructure projects used top-down solutions, often without local input, and often resulting in fracture neighborhoods. This time, let’s incorporate community voices — and local artists — to find transformational solutions. 

By Rip Rapson and Regina Smith • May 26, 2022

Philadelphia joins cities tackling bike lane parking violations

Following a decrease in the enforcement of bike lane parking regulations during the pandemic, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is rolling out an initiative dedicated to cracking down on rule-breakers.

By Cailin Crowe • May 25, 2022

Urban parks vie for Interior Department construction, renovation funds

About $61 million in federal grant funding could provide an economic life raft for 27 urban parks in 26 underserved communities.

By Austyn Gaffney • May 25, 2022

American City & County survey highlights civic engagement priorities in public sector

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.In today’s...

By Andy Castillo • May 25, 2022

Blame local zoning, not Wall Street, for this housing crisis

Local zoning laws and NIMBYism are preventing the growth of affordable housing and greater housing density and contributing to labor shortages in urban areas. 

By Atticus LeBlanc • May 24, 2022

Infrastructure coordinators help cities pursue funding, evaluate projects

In the spirit of cities wanting to “dig once” when it comes to infrastructure improvements, local governments are tapping coordinators to oversee projects as they access millions in federal funds.

By Karen Kroll • May 23, 2022

Mobility leaders dream of a less car-centric future

At the National Shared Mobility Summit, leaders envisioned a more accessible and racially equitable shared mobility landscape, highlighting the role of compensated community engagement to help achieve that vision.

By Cailin Crowe • May 23, 2022

Amid shifting workplace expectations, local government employers must adapt

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Constraine...

By Andy Castillo • May 20, 2022

A new Maryland-based nonprofit aims to create a hub supporting women of color entrepreneurs

Backed with funding from the county government, The 3rd’s founder says the model could help lift women of color-owned businesses in other cities as well.

By Amanda Loudin • May 18, 2022

Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council can help governments get up to speed on sustainable buys

Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council can help governments get up to speed on sustainable buys

By Michael Keating • May 18, 2022

Violence against mayors is becoming increasingly common: survey

Women mayors of color report the highest rates of harassment and threats, according to an Oklahoma State University study. The trend could deter some women from seeking reelection or running for public office.

By Cailin Crowe • May 17, 2022

Philanthropic group to launch assistance portal for local admins navigating federal bureaucracy

Philanthropic group to launch assistance portal for local admins navigating federal bureaucracy

By Andy Castillo • May 17, 2022

Report: Almost half of public sector retirees don’t touch their retirement plans for a decade

Once retired, nearly half of public sector employees aren’t taking any action with their defined contribution retirement plan funds for at least a decade, according to research from Mission Square Research Institute, which included the analysis of more than 100,000 public service data records.

By Andy Castillo • May 13, 2022

Four steps to ensure your budget prioritizes equity

When you think of municipal budgets, the first thing that comes to mind is likely numbers.

By Celeste Frye • May 13, 2022