US localities signed 335 renewable energy deals since 2015: report

A new renewables action tracker details the energy transactions made by local governments in the last five years, and the complementing efforts to influence renewable energy policy.

By Chris Teale • June 24, 2020

NLC: Financial impact data paints 'dire picture' of cities' futures

A COVID-19 impact survey found 1.5 million public sector jobs have been lost since March, while 65% of cities are looking to slash infrastructure projects. NLC leaders fear these cuts will create an "economic ripple effect."

By Kristin Musulin • June 24, 2020

New York Power Authority, Signify upgrade 500K streetlights statewide

The partnership supports the Smart Street Lighting NY initiative, which looks to add LED lights and connect streetlights through IoT technology.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2020

Accelerator for America distributes $750K in COVID-19 aid

The program will help to set up a direct financial assistance program for residents across 10 U.S. jurisdictions, including Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

By Cailin Crowe • June 23, 2020

NUMO urges Congress to reprioritize INVEST Act

The New Urban Mobility alliance and a signing coalition of nine mobility organizations are calling for more affordable and safe transportation access in the new reauthorization bill.

By Kristin Musulin • June 22, 2020

NYC requires more transparency on police use of surveillance tech

The POST Act requires the New York City Police Department to disclose the technology it uses, how it protects privacy and any disparate impacts on marginalized communities.

By Chris Teale • June 19, 2020

5 focal points needed to develop a smart city

Given the pace at which new technology is overtaking social infrastructure, cities must "up their game" with a greater sense of focus and urgency. 

By Clint Vince and Jennifer Morrissey • June 18, 2020

Chicago sustainability officer to marry racial equity, climate goals

Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Angela Tovar to help the city reach its 2025 climate goals through the prioritization of racial equity, environmental justice and economic inclusivity.

By Cailin Crowe • June 15, 2020

Monumental movement: The disposal of city statues

As cities face growing demands to remove controversial monuments amid protests against systemic racism, they must determine how to best take them down — and where to put them.

By Amanda Loudin • June 15, 2020

Securing critical infrastructure in the smart city

Smart cities are the future, but ensuring the safety of their citizens, data and access to services should be considered up front — not after the fact.

By Neil Correa • June 15, 2020

Knoxville, TN still quiet on details of cyberattack

While the city confirmed its cyber insurance to local press, it remains unclear if any ransom has been paid.

By Chris Teale • Updated June 25, 2020

Savannah, GA offers $2K to attract remote tech workers

The Savannah Technology Workforce Incentive aims to bolster the region's tech ecosystem by leveraging flexibilities of the telework community, especially amid relaxed telework limitations.

By Kristin Musulin • June 12, 2020

Smart cities require a balance of privacy and open data

Strategies to protect privacy as data becomes more ubiquitous are fundamental, while government capacity to manage data — technical and human — must be front and center. 

By Lilian Coral • June 12, 2020

Amazon, Microsoft announce moratoria on police using facial recognition tech

The pause from both companies comes after IBM announced it would end R&D on its own products as part of policy proposals designed to address responsible use of tech by law enforcement. 

By Chris Teale • June 12, 2020

CivStart reveals govtech inclusivity task force

The startup accelerator is turning experience into action by convening a network of public and private leaders to prioritize finding ways to influence diversity in govtech.

By Kristin Musulin • June 11, 2020

7 public data projects enhancing civic engagement

The Knight Foundation awarded $1 million to seven projects nationwide that work to hold governments accountable via creative uses of public data. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 11, 2020

Denver's trash, Houston's treasure: How a bike fleet deal saved a trip to the scrapyard

When Denver Bike Sharing shuttered its BCycle program in early 2020, Houston Bike Share saw an opportunity to expand its own fleet, saving thousands of dollars along the way.

By Kristin Musulin • June 10, 2020

US residents losing trust in government: survey

ICF and MFour Mobile Research polling found 57% of adults believe their state and local governments are reopening nonessential businesses too soon.

By Cailin Crowe • June 9, 2020

House transport bill proposes $250M in grants to reduce congestion

The INVEST in America Act would fund local projects to reduce gridlock at a time when city leaders fear congestion could worsen amid COVID-19 recovery.

By Chris Teale • June 9, 2020

The 10 cities with the highest unemployment rates: report

A recent WalletHub analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found many tourism hub workforces were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

By Cailin Crowe • June 9, 2020

Trump orders federal agencies to waive environmental regulations

The order does away with agencies' responsibility to abide by regulations established under laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act to speed up public works projects that will create jobs.

By Kim Slowey • June 9, 2020

San Luis Obispo, CA named best US city for biking

The third annual PeopleForBikes ratings celebrates the ridership, safety, network, reach and acceleration of bicycle programs — but indicates U.S. cities have a long way to go.

By Kristin Musulin • June 9, 2020

Minneapolis may end its police department. Will other cities follow suit?

The mayor of Rochester, NY said in a recent webinar that localities must reform departments as part of "everyday business," not just in "times of turmoil."

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2020

Cities face most coronavirus-related restaurant closures

More restaurants have closed in urban areas than other regions during the pandemic, according to Datassential. Now, restaurants may face short-term disruptions from protests.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 8, 2020

NYC launches Text-to-911 service after years of delays

The city avoided a splashy launch of the service due to concerns of an overwhelmed system amid the current protests for racial justice.

By Chris Teale • June 5, 2020