HUD announces $365M package to address unsheltered homelessness

In what the Biden administration described as “a first-of-its-kind” package, HUD will distribute millions of dollars in grants for homeless outreach and permanent housing and support services, plus 4,000 new rental assistance vouchers.

By Danielle McLean • June 23, 2022

Transportation, labor, business, environmental groups object to Biden gas tax holiday proposal

The administration's plan for a three-month suspension of federal fuel taxes to help alleviate high prices received bipartisan pushback.

By Dan Zukowski • June 23, 2022

Transit worker shortage could be exacerbated by proposed federal drug testing rules, labor leader says

With transit agencies, Amtrak and airlines pressed for workers, the president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, said changes could cause some employees to lose their jobs and deter potential hires.

By Dan Zukowski • June 22, 2022

To combat period poverty, cities roll out programs offering free menstruation products

New community programs attempt to address menstruation inequality, an issue the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.

By Austyn Gaffney • June 17, 2022

FTA seeks public comments on automated transit bus research

Regulators want to hear from transit operators and users as more automated buses and shuttles begin testing on city streets. “The No. 1 focus for us is, can this benefit safety?” said Federal Transit Administration’s Karina Ricks.

By Dan Zukowski • June 15, 2022

Cities proceed with caution as inflation abounds

Consumers aren’t the only ones concerned about the impacts of inflation. From Columbus, Ohio, to New York City, local leaders are monitoring the situation for how it might affect contracts and purchasing.

By Karen Kroll • June 14, 2022

Reno, Nevada, joins cities using blockchain to improve record-keeping

As the city rolls out its “Biggest Little Blockchain” initiative to create what’s described as a first-of-its-kind record-keeping system, some other local governments are using the tech for what it is at its core – a ledger.

By Melissa Goldin • June 14, 2022

Homeless encampment reports increase in Boulder, Colorado, after city bans downtown camping

Boulder has been sued for its anti-camping policies — which are becoming common around the country — as local service providers claim that unhoused individuals have no other shelter options and are told by police to leave the city.

By Danielle McLean • June 10, 2022

Traffic deaths addressed in House transportation subcommittee hearing

Witnesses spoke about the surge in traffic fatalities, including pedestrian and bicyclist deaths while warning that inflation is eating into the funds available from the bipartisan infrastructure law to address these issues.

By Dan Zukowski • June 9, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chicago launches digital equity council to address racial barriers to internet access

The city's new council comes as President Biden announced a discounted internet service earlier this week that could potentially provide free internet for millions of U.S. households. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 12, 2022