5 ways to cut waste in cloud spending: McKinsey

Companies will probably increase cloud computing budgets by more than 20% next year even as they waste as much as 32% of their spending, according to surveys and analysts’ estimates.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 17, 2022

How leaders can identify their city’s next big industry

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said cities should “look at existing strengths and try to build on them” when deciding how to invest in economic development. A new tool could help.

By Karen Kroll • Nov. 16, 2022

The 10 most future-ready cities in North America: report

Cities must invest more in digital and physical infrastructure to address today’s challenges but face several barriers, including a lack of public trust, a new report finds.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 15, 2022

EV buyer education campaign launches in Colorado

Transportation and energy regulators hope a website and educational materials will help bridge the information gap for residents curious about buying, owning and driving an electric vehicle.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 14, 2022

What Bird’s recent shake-up says about shared scooters in small cities

Indianola, Iowa, began its partnership with scooter operator Bird last year before learning this fall that it would fold operations there and in dozens of other small and midsized cities.

By Kalena Thomhave • Nov. 11, 2022

State, local transit ballot measures won over voters

Which party controls the House and Senate could determine future funding for many infrastructure and transportation programs, but observers are optimistic that major cuts aren’t likely.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 11, 2022

New gun-control laws forge ahead in Columbus, Ohio

Some cities have recently restricted the use and possession of guns. Columbus is targeting large-capacity magazines and unsafe handling while eyeing universal background checks and an assault weapon ban.

By Danielle McLean • Nov. 11, 2022

Election results: How housing, transit, environmental issues fared on state and local ballots

California’s millionaire tax for EV incentives was defeated, while several affordable housing and climate funding initiatives passed nationwide.

Nov. 10, 2022

California’s millionaire tax for electric vehicle incentives defeated

Voters had mixed responses to higher taxes to fund transportation projects. While some ballot measure results are pending, other high-profile initiatives were defeated.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 9, 2022

With control of Congress unknown, clean energy advocates cheer state wins and press for climate action

So far, it appears Republicans failed to pull off an anticipated “red wave” and Democrats outperformed expectations, analysts say.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2022

NYC launches abortion care hotline

Dubbed a first-of-its-kind program, New York City’s Abortion Access Hub confidentially connects callers to licensed abortion care providers that operate within the city’s five boroughs.

By Danielle McLean • Nov. 4, 2022

Taxpayer-funded football stadiums rarely pay off. So why do cities keep footing the bill?

Sports economists warn U.S cities don’t reap enough economic benefits when stadiums are built with taxpayer money. Some city officials say community pride and shared identity are worth the investment.

By Gaby Galvin • Nov. 3, 2022

Shared mobility key to urban climate action, city leaders say

As 200 nations gather for the COP27 international climate summit, city leaders see shared mobility as the path to “making our communities healthier and more livable for everyone.” 

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 2, 2022

Housing, transit, environmental issues on state and local ballots

Residents in 37 states will vote on 132 statewide ballot measures on Nov. 8, according to Ballotpedia. Read our coverage on measures addressing top smart city concerns.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 31, 2022

California moves toward mandating zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles

To fight air pollution, the California Air Resources Board discussed a proposal to begin requiring government and commercial fleets to purchase cleaner vehicles. A plan could be in place by next year.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 28, 2022

Social impact bonds for affordable housing gain popularity among cities

Communities are turning to social impact bonds to fund affordable housing. Some recent city experiences suggest their predictability can attract investors.

By Kalena Thomhave • Oct. 26, 2022

EV charging station rollout hampered by outdated state, city regulations: report

An electric vehicle charging station is not a petroleum storage tank system, but some governments regulate it as such. That will have to change to speed up the electric vehicle transition, a new research report says. 

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 25, 2022

Senators grill Boston transit leaders on safety lapses

"Shameful" is how Sen. Markey described the safety lapses of America's first public transit system in the rare hearing.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 14, 2022

CA, MA put high-earner tax increases on November ballots for transit, EVs, other initiatives

Proposals to tax high-income individuals are meeting stiff opposition, including one big-name surprise. Polls show voters largely favor these measures.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 14, 2022

Transit measures are on the November ballot in these city and county elections

Will voters agree to new taxes to fund public transit, streets, roads, and bike and pedestrian paths? That question is on November’s ballot in local elections across the country. 

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 13, 2022

Landlords bear the burden of gun safety in their communities

Most states leave tough decisions about the complicated issue of firearm restrictions to multifamily property owners.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Oct. 12, 2022

City leaders say they’re balancing budgets now but less confident about the future

Equipped with federal relief money and bolstered by tax revenue from a strong housing market, nearly 90% of finance officers say they’ve been able to meet their city’s financial needs, according to an annual National League of Cities report. 

By Danielle McLean • Oct. 12, 2022

DOL proposes new test for independent contractors

The ruling could have major implications for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, which rely on independent contractors for drivers.

By Ryan Golden • Updated Oct. 11, 2022

Cybersecurity needs a statewide approach, state chief information officers, Deloitte say in new report

Cities often hesitate to work with states on cybersecurity to protect their autonomy, but that could change as local governments vie for new cybersecurity grants, the report authors suggest.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 10, 2022

Small business rent delinquency trends improving: survey

Small retailers appear to be recovering from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic downturn, but nearly a third still can’t pay rent.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 10, 2022