Salesforce debuts AI agents for city services

The tool joins a growing field of AI products intended to increase local government efficiency and responsiveness.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 21, 2025

City and county leaders urge Congress to reinstate ‘critical’ cybersecurity funding

The federal government canceled funding for a cybersecurity resource credited for detecting more than 43,000 potential state and local government cyberattacks last year.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 20, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Smart Cities Technology and Data

Cities are increasingly looking to technology and data to address real-world issues from traffic safety to law enforcement.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Ohio mandate requires local governments to establish cybersecurity programs

The regulation comes amid increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks but offers no new funding to implement the procedures.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 14, 2025

Tacoma tests AI-enabled curbside recycling cameras

With EPA grant funding, the city is using Prairie Robotics’ truck-mounted system to detect contamination at the curb and tailor resident outreach. More cities will follow.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 14, 2025

Justice Department, Greystar reach proposed settlement on algorithmic pricing for rental housing

Under the terms of the agreement, the nation’s largest apartment provider would be barred from using nonpublic competitor data in rent-setting software.

By Mary Salmonsen • Aug. 13, 2025

Dallas says it’s the first major Texas city to use AI for procurement

The city’s partnership with Hazel AI aims to cut costs, boost transparency and expand access for small and local businesses. 

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 13, 2025

How Louisville boosted recycling—and what other cities can learn

With misinformation and contamination on the rise, Louisville, KY partnered with Recycle Coach to optimize education and equip residents with the tools to recycle right.

Aug. 11, 2025

Microsoft Copilot just got its biggest U.S. city client yet: San Francisco

The city is looking to “set the standard” for how AI can be employed for local government, Mayor Daniel Lurie said.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 8, 2025

‘RoboCops’ may be headed to the US

After years of development in Dubai, AI-powered police robots are moving toward deployment in New York and Florida, Micropolis founder says.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Aug. 5, 2025

6 U.S. cities will get data analytics, AI support via international alliance

The Bloomberg-backed City Data Alliance aims to equip city leaders with tools and coaching to modernize services and meet evolving resident needs.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 4, 2025

Cities and waste facility operators turn to AI for recycling education revamp

As recycling rates stagnate, cities are testing smarter ways to help residents sort waste — from tamales to chopsticks — right at the bin.

By Leslie Nemo • July 31, 2025

Cost-savings (finally) within everyone’s reach: Proactive, whole-person care

Proactive care saves money & lives. See how one Ohio county saved $3M in one year.

July 29, 2025

North Carolina installs 2,500 AI-based traffic signals

The largest live statewide deployment of AI-based traffic signal software in the U.S. will help traffic engineers improve signal operations, according to Flow Labs.

By Dan Zukowski • July 29, 2025

Paper-based payments are gone for good: What state and local governments need to know

Adopting digital payment methods such as digital wallets can have time and cost-saving benefits for resource-constrained local governments.

By Jamie Rosenberg • July 28, 2025

The Municipal Cost Index is now on Smart Cities Dive. Here’s what you need to know.

Since 1978, American City & County’s proprietary tool has helped local governments determine the cost of providing services to their residents.

By Michelle Havich • July 28, 2025

Bill looks to expand AI, cybersecurity resources for local governments

House lawmakers this week reintroduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act, which would allocate $1.1 billion for technology, but similar proposals have struggled to advance in the past. 

By Ryan Kushner • July 25, 2025

More than 30K warnings issued in first weeks of San Francisco speed cameras

Mayor Daniel Lurie sees automated traffic enforcement tools as a critical addition in the face of an understaffed police department.

By Dan Zukowski • July 18, 2025

Why web accessibility is good policy, regardless of mandates or deadlines

Making sure your website and digital services are accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of ability, builds trust and greater engagement with local government and civic life.

By Brenden Elwood • July 14, 2025

Detroit deploys drones and AI to target building efficiency improvements

The city has partnered with startups and a tech incubator to test drone and AI technology that guides energy retrofits, saving time and money compared with traditional assessments.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated July 8, 2025

Building a resilient government starts with developing people

Local governments are often where policy meets execution. That front-line responsibility requires skilled, adaptable teams ready to navigate change. That’s why investing in employee learning and development is essential.

By Ray Resendez • July 2, 2025

Archetype AI is helping this Washington city monitor pedestrian safety in real time

The AI tool, trained on sensors, can adjust traffic signals and enables “instant incident detection and response.”

By Ryan Kushner • July 2, 2025

Mobility data creates traffic modeling opportunities, privacy challenges: MIT panel

Panelists from TomTom and StreetLight Data described the benefits of abundant data as well as some shortcomings and gaps.

By Benton Graham • July 1, 2025

Matching cyber programs and partnerships with the pace of modern threats

To effectively safeguard our digital infrastructure, state and local cybersecurity grants must be deployed more swiftly and with a greater sense of urgency.

By Gary Barlet • June 30, 2025

Engaging and informing residents with AI and automation

Residents are harder than ever to engage, but AI is helping cities deliver impactful communications.

June 30, 2025

AI could hold the key to help cities solve traffic issues

By harnessing AI to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, cities are finding themselves in a far more advantageous position to create and maintain efficient and sustainable urban environments.

By Wes Guckert • June 27, 2025