Can a city solve homelessness with an app?

As cities deploy community-facing apps to alleviate homelessness, questions linger around who the tech is intended to benefit.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 21, 2019

Postmates to deploy autonomous delivery robots in San Francisco

After the vehicles were banned in 2017, Postmates worked with San Francisco on regulations that would allow the vehicles to re-enter city streets. 

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 19, 2019

Can incentives pull talent away from dominant metro areas?

As U.S. workers increasingly gravitate toward a select few cities, other localities hope extra perks can give them an edge.

By Ryan Golden • Aug. 16, 2019

NLC calls on cities to consider congestion pricing

A new guide suggests that cities of all sizes should be proactive and consider congestion pricing as a way to ease traffic and improve quality of life.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 15, 2019

FAA grants approval for drone food delivery pilot in North Carolina

The drones will travel along a single fixed route from a distribution center to an outdoor recreational area over mostly unpopulated areas. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 15, 2019

Decreasing federal investment in public transit is threatening mobility options

Public transportation is a key part of our nation's infrastructure, but without increased and committed investment, it risks falling into disrepair.

By Paul Skoutelas and Jim Tymon • Aug. 14, 2019

New Orleans passes restrictions on short-term housing rentals

Short-term rentals through Airbnb, Homeaway and other companies will be banned in two of the city's most popular tourist zones and restricted elsewhere. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 13, 2019

'Free roads are not really free': Can cities make congestion pricing equitable?

Some suggest toll exemptions, others support rebate-based systems. But questions remain about who should be charged and how much they should pay.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 12, 2019

Appeals court ruling undercuts FCC's plan for speedy 5G rollout

A three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals’ D.C. Circuit said it cannot bypass historical and environmental reviews of small cell sites.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 12, 2019

Amazon applies for waiver with FAA to allow drone delivery

Amazon Prime Air would use drones to deliver packages of up to five-pounds to customers in 30 minutes or less, according to the application.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 12, 2019

How to prioritize people over tech when planning smart cities

Deploying innovations is difficult, but community involvement can be key to efficiency, says smart cities research specialist John Harlow.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 9, 2019

Uber sues NYC over deadheading, licensing caps

The company is seeking to void rules passed last month that would limit "cruising" time and extend a cap on the issuance of new licenses.

By Chris Teale • Updated Sept. 23, 2019

Alexandria, VA joins growing list of dementia-friendly cities

More than 200 cities nationwide are planning dementia-friendly action strategies to help growing aging populations, which involve a combination of communications training and infrastructure development. 

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 5, 2019

Former Maryland Gov. O'Malley debunks 'fear of failure' in government

Cities must "lift up the leaders" by encouraging more risk-taking, he said in a keynote at the Dentons Smart Cities and Communities Summit.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 2, 2019

Leaders should 'own the work,' not the result, in city planning

While a desire for short-terms wins is strong among officials looking to get re-elected, effective leaders prioritize long-term planning, said speakers at the Dentons Smart Cities and Communities Summit.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 1, 2019

Outside US, central governments urged to boost smart city initiatives

Budgetary pressures and "incoherent" policy can create friction, said speakers at the Dentons Smart Cities and Communities Summit.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 1, 2019

Can US cities get smart about tourism before it's too late?

The travel and tourism sector is booming, accounting for 10.4% of global GDP last year. To prevent overtourism, U.S. cities can turn to data and analytics. 

By Cailin Crowe • July 30, 2019

How AI and data turn city water management from an art to a science

Cities are looking to drones and other equipment for preventive maintenance, but it is uphill work as the sector traditionally resists change.

By Chris Teale • July 29, 2019

DOJ settlement on Sprint/T-Mobile deal pledges fast 5G buildout

The planned merger cleared another major regulatory hurdle, with the companies and Dish pledging fast roll out of 5G service to U.S. customers.

By Chris Teale • July 29, 2019

New York to study AI, automation regulation

As technology rapidly advances, some governments fail to keep up. New York is creating a commission to stay ahead of the curve and understand the “capabilities and potential pitfalls” of the changes.

By Jason Plautz • July 26, 2019

Ride-hailing tax set for San Francisco ballot this fall

If approved by two-thirds of city voters, individual rides would have a 3.25% surcharge, while shared rides and EV rides would have a 1.5% bump.

By Chris Teale • July 25, 2019

'We're as weak as the weakest link': Virginia looks to a statewide data governance policy

As cities battle increased ransomware attacks, the commonwealth hopes to get ahead of the curve and protect its network with a data privacy framework.

By Kira Barrett • July 24, 2019

Senators propose bills to improve cybersecurity for cars, planes

The legislation would provide transparency and protection of consumer privacy data in light of increasingly connected transportation devices. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 24, 2019

NYC bill would ban unauthorized sale of cellphone location data

Councilman Justin Brannan told Smart Cities Dive that the legislation follows the federal government's unwillingness to step in over privacy concerns. 

By Chris Teale • July 24, 2019

Cities need 'all hands on deck' approach to build census trust

Panelists at a National League of Cities event said that schools, religious organizations and nonprofits should be engaged ahead of the March count.

By Chris Teale • July 22, 2019