At challenge's conclusion, Smart Columbus to continue its work

With the four-year federal grant funding period at an end, the Ohio organization said it will stay focused on how technology can address societal issues and maintain many of its initiatives.

By Chris Teale • June 15, 2021

3 takeaways from NLC's 'State of the Cities' report

Mayors nationwide are prioritizing investing in infrastructure, but they remain concerned about budget shortfalls after the coronavirus pandemic even with federal help on the way.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2021

NYC bill would have single agency lead smart city tech implementation

The legislation would bring together oversight of a variety of "smart" tech, including streetlights, trash and recycling receptacles, and water, power and gas meters.

By Chris Teale • June 9, 2021

Transit funding a flashpoint in surface transportation debate

Should the U.S. government fund more public transportation or less? FAST Act reauthorization proposals take opposing positions on the issue.

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2021

Seattle-area county say it's first US county to pass facial recognition ban

Tech hub King County, Washington, has joined a growing number of jurisdictions in restricting government use of the software, as additional city, state and federal policies move through legislatures.

By Maria Rachal • June 7, 2021

Nevada passes clean energy bill requiring state to join RTO, accelerating $2B transmission project

The bill also requires utilities to forecast a path to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

By Jason Plautz • June 4, 2021

Tampa, Florida, creates resilience plan to prepare for next crisis

The road map, which officials say is the first to be released during or after the coronavirus pandemic, calls for more affordable housing and broadband access in addition to climate-ready infrastructure.

By Chris Teale • June 3, 2021

Biden proposes more than $2B for clean energy infrastructure, $14B+ increase in climate spending

The administration's first proposed budget includes sizable increases in spending for climate mitigation, research, EVs and clean energy infrastructure.

By Emma Penrod • June 1, 2021

Chicago and other cities support outdoor dining expansions even as pandemic wanes

Expanded outdoor dining has been "a critical lifeline" for restaurants. As some cities aim to extend the changes or make them permanent, Chicago is awarding $2.3 million in grants for those and other community outdoor spaces. 

By Jason Plautz • June 1, 2021

Washington, DC, reclaims top spot as best city for parks

The Trust for Public Land's rankings measured park equity access for the first time in the index's 10-year history, noting that while many cities have made strides, plenty of work still lies ahead.  

By Chris Teale • May 27, 2021

Predicting travel rebound, Airbnb rolls out major feature upgrades

The company is implementing a swath of changes, including to its City Portal, as CEO Brian Chesky said he anticipates the "biggest travel rebound in a century." 

By Chris Teale • May 25, 2021

Stimulus funds poised to magnify impact of Economic Development Administration's new equity focus

The EDA has for the first time prioritized equity in its strategy as it looks to invest in underserved communities and prepare them for the jobs of the future.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2021

College Park, Georgia turns to Comcast for smart city solutions

Learn how Comcast and College Park, GA partnered to design solutions that meet the city's unique needs.

May 24, 2021

Mayors 'reimagining public safety and policing' in wake of recent violence

One approach is to direct some 911 calls to mental health professionals rather than to police, said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, while other local leaders are eyeing stimulus funds for community violence intervention efforts.

By Cailin Crowe • May 21, 2021

New caucus brings local voices to halls of Congress

The Former Local Elected Officials Caucus hopes to improve cooperation among levels of government, providing support during and after COVID-19 recovery.

By Chris Teale • May 20, 2021

Increased road deaths prompt calls for improved vehicle tech

While some in Congress continue to talk up the promise of autonomous vehicles, others said existing technologies can help bring fatalities down now — and they warned of AVs' risks to safety and jobs.

By Chris Teale • May 19, 2021

City-led communications can help combat vaccine hesitancy, researchers find

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said it will take an "all hands on deck" approach to overcome vaccine hesitancy, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighted the role popular sports teams can play.

By Chris Teale • May 18, 2021

Cities navigate how to maximize incoming American Rescue Plan funds

Some of the $350 billion earmarked in the stimulus package is now being sent to strained state and local governments, tasked with making the most of the influx. "It's both exciting and terrifying," said Dayton, Ohio's city manager.

By Maria Rachal • May 18, 2021

3x more US residents lack broadband access than FCC estimates: report

Around 42 million people could not access high-speed internet in 2020, according to BroadbandNow, far above the 14.5 million estimated earlier this year by the Federal Communications Commission.

By Chris Teale • May 14, 2021

NJ lawmakers threaten new driving tax to fight NYC congestion pricing

A proposal would charge out-of-state drivers state sales tax on top of any tolls they pay traveling between the two states and use the revenue to alleviate costs for New Jersey commuters. "We'll fight fire with fire," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer.

By Chris Teale • May 12, 2021

Amid hyperloop, maglev hype, calls intensify to better fund Amtrak

Supporters of emerging rail technologies called for federal funding at a congressional hearing last week, but existing service providers argued they should get top budgeting priority.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2021

High-speed rail gets moment in congressional spotlight

At a congressional hearing Thursday, supporters of high-speed rail said it could cut congestion and connect communities, but troubled projects in California and Texas remain front of mind for cost-wary opponents.

By Chris Teale • May 7, 2021

'We are simply not ready' for EV charging at scale, House Republicans say, warning of China dependence

During a hearing Wednesday on major clean-transportation legislation — part of the Biden administration's $174 billion proposal to bolster electric vehicles — Republicans said the plan strips away consumer choice.

By Robert Walton • May 7, 2021

NYC removes EV exemption cap, blocking Revel ride-hailing service

The Taxi and Limousine Commission voted Tuesday to remove the EV exemption for new for-hire vehicle licenses, which could have allowed the company to put 50 Teslas on city streets.

By Chris Teale • Updated June 24, 2021

Lime taps user base for Complete Streets advocacy

The "People-First Cities" campaign encourages users to advocate for safe local infrastructure. The company said it hopes its presence in red states will push Republican lawmakers to support Biden's infrastructure package. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 30, 2021