Bloomberg-backed accelerator to help cities meet renewable energy goals

The American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator looks to help cities generate 2.8 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 26, 2019

Seattle mayor signs affordable housing executive order

The order will combat displacement, support the city's Equitable Development Initiative and create a citywide plan to increase affordability. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 25, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Is New York's 2030 'zero waste' goal receding from reach?

Three key initiatives — single-stream recycling, curbside organics expansion and "save-as-you-throw" — are on hold indefinitely. Now, both skeptics and boosters are questioning whether it's practical or possible to hit the mark.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 21, 2019

'Resilient Chicago' strategy aims to strengthen neighborhoods, engage communities

Addressing crime and reducing racial disparities are two elements at the heart of the blueprint, which contains 12 goals and 50 actions the city can take.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2019

EastWest Institute releases municipal guide for developing safe, secure smart cities

The guide presents challenges and solutions in four areas: cybersecurity; cyber resilience; privacy and data protection; and collaboration and coordination.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 19, 2019

Collaborating on co-locating: Chicago's innovative approach to mixed-use facilities

Chicago Public Library and Chicago Housing Authority have partnered on the development of three city-owned facilities that serve as both libraries and public housing.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2019

Lyft, nonprofits partner with Oakland, CA for transportation equity program

The initiative to increase mobility options for underserved residents includes a free bike-lending library, free Lyft rides and subsidized transit passes.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2019

Bloomberg touts impact of American Cities Climate Challenge

The 25 participating cities are projected by the contest's organizer to collectively cut 40 million metric tons of carbon emissions by 2025.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 11, 2019

Federal report: Natural disasters cost US economy $91B in 2018

It is the fourth-highest total cost since record-keeping began in 1980, and only reflects disasters that cost more than $1 billion each.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 8, 2019

Green New Deal resolution calls for 100% zero-carbon power within 10 years

The plan would reportedly also call for a phase out of nuclear energy, which provides more than half of the zero-carbon electricity in the U.S. today.

By Gavin Bade • Feb. 8, 2019

Lyft introduces 'Green Mode' to put riders in EVs, hybrids

The platform, which is now live in Seattle, is part of the company's goal to get a billion rides per year in electric cars by 2025.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 7, 2019

Michigan governor cites extreme weather in signing clean energy order

Gretchen Whitmer, D, committed the state to the U.S. emissions reduction target under the Paris Climate Agreement, noting the urgency of her actions in the context of extreme weather events last week.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 6, 2019

Illinois tops 2018 USGBC ranking for LEED buildings

The Prairie State, which topped the list for the first time since 2015, certified 172 LEED projects for a total of 5.31 square feet of LEED-certified building per person.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 5, 2019

Volkswagen floats opening up EV platform to competitors

The company's chief strategist said it wants to standardize its MEB platform, and is already in advanced talks with interested parties.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 1, 2019

Los Angeles urges more construction of homeless-supportive housing

The city has the funds, but government processes and regulations have held up development. Now, the city is asking developers to submit new strategies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 31, 2019

New report lists steps for Boston to become carbon neutral

The strategies will influence updates to the city's climate action plan this year to include electrification, energy retrofits and a downtown congestion fee.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2019

Prague to offer free transit rides during smog emergencies

The measure in the Czech capital to encourage commuters not to drive was salvaged from last year's failed anti-smog regulations.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2019

Atlanta transit, public safety agencies brace for Super Bowl LIII

Despite looming concerns around congestion and security, the city says it's prepared for crowds to descend on its Mercedes-Benz Stadium and downtown.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 30, 2019

5 cities share lessons for increasing procurement inclusivity

The cities developed different strategies to boost access to government contracts for business owners of color.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2019

How small US cities are fighting to save recycling

Solutions to preserve access and reduce contamination are emerging from municipalities, partners and citizen-led efforts in states such as Oregon, Virginia and New Hampshire.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2019

NYC launches unit to combat harassment in the workplace

The Gender-Based Anti-Harassment Unit will offer more resources to tackle workplace harassment, which the city says has increased in the last three years.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2019

Fremont, CA pilots electric police vehicle to reduce emissions

The department has retrofitted a Tesla Model S for patrol operations, and will monitor performance, durability and costs throughout the pilot.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 28, 2019

California governor sues Huntington Beach over lack of affordable housing compliance

The first-of-its-kind lawsuit continues an ongoing battle between the city and the state over zoning and housing mandates.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2019

Survey: 73% of Americans believe global warming is happening

The survey from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication indicated Americans' concern about climate change is growing.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 24, 2019

Mayors fear federal shutdown's lasting effect on health, housing, transportation

As the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Winter Meeting kicked off, city leaders said they increasingly must fill in gaps left by lapsed federal programs.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 24, 2019