Governance: Page 22


  • Cities turn to resilience corps as pandemic recovery tactic

    San Jose, CA is the latest major city to embrace the initiative, which provides jobs and skills training to residents hardest-hit by the pandemic. 

    By Chris Teale • March 22, 2021
  • A TuSimple truck from the front
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    Courtesy of TuSimple
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    Help wanted: Transport startups hire for 'sweet spot' between tech and policy

    Companies like Waymo and Aurora are staffing up with Washington insiders as the autonomy sector seeks leaders who can tackle the intersection of public opinion and public policy. 

    By S.L. Fuller • March 19, 2021
  • rent relief evictions
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    Crider, Anthony. (2021). "Rent Relief Protest" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Smart Cities Dive.
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    CDC extends national eviction moratorium through June

    The most recent extension to the ban was set to expire in just a couple days, threatening to create an "unprecedented wave of evictions." 

    By Cailin Crowe • Updated March 29, 2021
  • Arizona utility opposes legislation barring state regulators from decarbonization mandate

    As with many other states, Arizona is embroiled in a debate about the extent of regulators' authority when it comes to decarbonization. 

    By Emma Penrod • March 17, 2021
  • Waterfront Toronto
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    Permission granted by Rendering by West 8 + DTAH
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    Waterfront Toronto to design 'complete community' after Sidewalk Labs split

    The group launched a competition to find a new development partner, seeking a plan that includes affordable housing and support for aging in place.

    By Cailin Crowe • March 17, 2021
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    Taylor McKnight/Smart Cities Dive
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    City leaders call for end to 'digital redlining'

    Nearly 100 elected officials and a swath of advocacy groups have urged the FCC to investigate the digital divide in communities of color nationwide. 

    By Chris Teale • March 17, 2021
  • High-speed rail would get $205B boost via new bill

    The American High-Speed Rail Act, introduced by House Democrats last week, would invest in federal grants, incentivize private funding and prioritize support for regions underserved by air travel.

    By Chris Teale • March 16, 2021
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    The image by Stock Catalog is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Uber, Lyft to share safety information on deactivated drivers

    The rare collaboration between the ride-hailing giants will share details on those removed from the platforms for serious incidents like sexual assault. 

    By Chris Teale • March 15, 2021
  • Work halted on part of $9B Honolulu rail project due to incomplete design

    Construction on a portion of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s rail project has stopped because of a lack of complete design drawings, according to its interim CEO.

    By Zachary Phillips • March 15, 2021
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    The image by U.S. Department of the Interior is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Walsh confirmation vote expected next week

    The Senate will vote on Boston Mayor Martin Walsh's nomination as secretary of Labor next week, the Boston Herald has reported.  

    By Joe Bousquin • Updated March 16, 2021
  • library pandemic
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    Coghlan, Michael. (2020). "Library Truck" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Libraries to receive record federal aid to address digital divide

    The American Rescue Plan includes billions in eligible funding for libraries, which have been key partners to cities in providing internet access to patrons.

    By Cailin Crowe • March 12, 2021
  • Capitol Hill
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    The image by Андрей Бобровский is licensed under CC BY 3.0
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    House Democrats' bill would invest $94B to expand broadband internet

    The LIFT America Act includes $80 billion to connect underserved areas in the U.S. and would provide $9.3 billion to make service affordable for all.

    By Chris Teale • March 12, 2021
  • portland
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    Zykov, Aleksandr. (2020). "Portland" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    The end of another Sidewalk Labs-linked project highlights smart city sticking point

    Portland Metro dropped its initiative with data platform Replica over privacy disagreements, a common obstacle that experts say local leaders can learn from.  

    By Cailin Crowe • March 11, 2021
  • Smart Growth America Dangerous by Design overpass waiting
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    Courtesy of Steve Davis/Smart Growth America
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    Calls for safer streets intensify amid 45% spike in pedestrian deaths

    More than 53,400 people were killed by drivers over the past decade, Smart Growth America reports, with one expert blaming state and local governments for poor street designs.

    By Chris Teale • March 10, 2021
  • Cincinnati Innovation District tower room
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    Permission granted by Cincinnati Innovation District
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    Cincinnati Innovation District serves as model for Ohio cities

    The innovation district, which just celebrated its first anniversary, has already inspired similar hubs in Columbus and Cleveland and has made headway on its goal to create $3 billion in economic impact.

    By Chris Teale • March 9, 2021
  • National Safety Council crash photo
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    Retrieved from National Safety Council on March 05, 2021
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    Vehicle deaths reached 13-year high in 2020: National Safety Council

    U.S. roadways saw a dramatic increase in fatalities despite a pandemic-fueled drop in driving, renewing calls to embrace "life-saving" vehicle technologies.

    By Chris Teale • March 8, 2021
  • Archer flying car Los Angeles
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    Courtesy of Archer
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    Archer to expand air taxi network to Miami

    Mayor Francis Suarez says the service, which is set to launch in 2024, will help people navigate water-locked areas and improve congestion. 

    By Chris Teale • Updated March 10, 2021
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    Getty Images
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    US infrastructure funding gap swells to $2.6 trillion: ASCE

    A 'C-' rating across 17 areas of infrastructure is a slight jump from a 'D+' grade in 2017 given by the American Society of Civil Engineers. But leaders say more needs to be done at the federal level to close a 10-year investment lag.

    By Chris Teale • March 4, 2021
  • House Democrats clear pathway to 100% clean energy by 2035

    The bill would require economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050, targeting transportation electrification, environmental justice and building efficiency. 

    By Catherine Morehouse • March 3, 2021
  • Kansas City, MO asphalt art
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    Courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies
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    Up to 20 cities to improve street safety by turning asphalt into art

    Bloomberg Philanthropies' Asphalt Art Initiative, now in its second year, will provide each city with up to $25,000 to improve street safety and revitalize public spaces with murals.

    By Chris Teale • March 3, 2021
  • The debate over EV charging at interstate rest stops

    NATSO said allowing electric chargers is the "wrong signal" from Congress, while advocates tout the need to modernize Eisenhower-era rules and provide parking.

    By Jim Stinson • March 2, 2021
  • Los Angeles LA skyline
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    Andrew. (2011). "Los Angeles" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against LADOT data sharing requirements

    Two Los Angeles scooter riders sued over the city's Mobility Data Specifications, citing privacy and unreasonable search concerns. But the case was dismissed, clearing a path forward for the requirement. 

    By Chris Teale • March 1, 2021
  • Capitol Hill
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    The image by Андрей Бобровский is licensed under CC BY 3.0
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    Senate passes American Rescue Plan, preserves local aid

    Senators kept the $350 billion in direct relief for state and local governments, sending the bill back to the House where it is expected to pass quickly.

    By Chris Teale • Updated March 8, 2021
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    Getty Images
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    USPS to continue purchasing gas vehicles, despite Biden all-electric pledge

    The postal service says the procurement allows for flexibility, and hinted at the ability to "retrofit" some vehicles. But EV advocates say "this will lock USPS into an outdated technology for many years."

    By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2021
  • san diego coast
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    McDonald, Chad. (2016). "Up Up and away" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Resilient Cities Catalyst to tackle California's compounding crises

    The group, born out of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, launched the public-philanthropic California Resilience Partnership to address challenges stemming from racial injustice, climate change and the pandemic.

    By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 24, 2021