The latest front for smart city tech? Rat control

Somerville, Massachusetts, is piloting new rodent control technology. “We wanted to look into ways we could automate the system, collect more data and target our efforts a little more efficiently," the city's "rat czar" said.

By Cailin Crowe • March 8, 2022

Citizens want authentic engagement opportunities, not just notifications

It's up to governments to build digital on-ramps to help citizens overcome community engagement barriers. With modern solutions and professional support, digital engagement can become an everyday event for any community.

By Andrea Facini • March 7, 2022

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

New York rolls out statewide cyber command center amid Russian attacks in Ukraine

The invasion should be a "wake-up call" to local government leaders, as critical infrastructures like traffic and emergency alert systems could be targeted for cyberattacks, a University of California at Berkeley professor said.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 25, 2022

Philadelphia maps out its first-ever digital equity plan

The five-year plan aims to target the digital divide with certain smart city solutions, including piloting the use of city assets like transportation infrastructure and street furniture to enable new fixed wireless networks.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 23, 2022

Orlando emphasizes 'wow factor' in digital twin project

Unlike many other cities' digital twins, the project will map the entire 40-square-mile metro region. It will be updated with real-time data to help inform infrastructure policies and act as a marketing tool for the metro region.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 22, 2022

Rail transit vulnerable to cyberattacks, experts say

Criminals and state actors have attacked transit computer networks and could soon attack operations systems, with potentially dangerous consequences, cybersecurity experts say.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 18, 2022

Strategies that make universal broadband access a reality are needed

As the federal government readies $65 billion for broadband adoption, local leaders should make thoughtful, culturally-responsive strategies that connect all of our communities, writes the CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.  

By Antonio Tijerino • Feb. 16, 2022

Replica CEO talks data privacy and lessons learned from Portland Metro project

As the world nears the two-year anniversary of pandemic lockdowns, Nick Bowden discusses how COVID-19 has impacted urban planning and offers advice for city leaders to respond with privacy-friendly data practices. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 14, 2022

Sidewalk detection and safety monitoring are creating 'watershed moment' for micromobility

As transportation robotics company Superpedestrian comes off a $125 million funding round, Development and Public Affairs Director Paul White says cities are "setting the bar" for safety as scooters and other small vehicles proliferate.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 8, 2022

San Francisco mayor proposes loosening landmark surveillance ordinance

The proposal aims to provide law enforcement with real-time access to camera footage in a bid to address increased rates of crime. But privacy experts caution it would result in significant civil liberties consequences. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 4, 2022

These local governments are blazing the trail for cryptocurrency adoption

From New York to Williston, North Dakota, some municipalities aim to integrate crypto into their operations, in part to attract tech-savvy businesses. But obstacles like fluctuating regulatory environments stand in the way.

By Karen Kroll • Feb. 2, 2022

Smart Cities Dive 2022 Outlook

In the year ahead, city leaders will continue preparing for the electrification of cars, buses and buildings, while also tackling the complex challenges of crime, growing inequities, labor shortages and extreme weather.

Feb. 2, 2022

Open Mobility Foundation approves its Curb Data Specification tool

The group’s board of directors this week approved the initiative designed to improve the use and safety of city curbs, “one of the most high-demand public assets,” LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds said in a statement.  

By Jason Plautz • Updated May 6, 2022

In the push for equitable and transparent governance, more cities turn to data

The proportion of cities using data to monitor and analyze progress on key goals has more than doubled in the past six years, a marked difference from almost a decade ago, when the push began for more data-informed decisions.

By Danielle McLean • Jan. 28, 2022

8 trends shaping cities in 2022

Cities continue to confront challenges surrounding the pandemic, the climate crisis, rising inequality and public safety this year.

By Cailin Crowe, Danielle McLean, Maria Rachal, Dan Zukowski and Jason Plautz • Jan. 26, 2022

Philadelphia's smart streetlight pilot aims to emphasize transparency

After learning in part from San Diego's controversial smart streetlight program, Philadelphia's year-long pilot includes a number of measures to protect resident privacy while building trust about how the data will be used.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 21, 2022

The mobility RollerCovid ride of 2021

With more and more forms of mobility and delivery devices hitting the streets and sidewalks, the need for data is simply getting greater and greater.

Jan. 18, 2022

Ahead of annual nationwide homelessness count, cities are turning to an app for help

Houston and Kansas City, Missouri, are among the cities using the Counting Us app to help tally their unsheltered and sheltered homeless populations this month.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 12, 2022

Las Vegas unveils digital twin at CES as part of sustainability push

The digital model of the city's downtown will help officials set policies and priorities for addressing energy use, emissions, traffic, parking, noise and emergency management.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 11, 2022

At last, an infrastructure bill that gives people a reason to get out of their cars

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could bring tech-enabled mobility to urban ‘transit deserts,' expanding economic opportunities while reducing emissions and traffic congestion, writes Via's head of public policy. 

By Andrei Greenawalt • Jan. 6, 2022

The road ahead: How legacy auto brands will level the EV playing field in 2022

After setting the stage at CES with lofty product announcements, carmakers will focus on value, range and brand heritage to close the gap with disrupters like Tesla.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022

12 predictions about the trends that will shape smart cities in 2022

As local leaders continue to adapt to the tremendous changes that the past year brought, industry players share how they anticipate cities will evolve.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2022

Older adults turn to technology during an ‘epidemic of loneliness’

The pandemic kick-started local efforts to get more older adults online with the help of federal broadband investments to bridge the digital divide.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 4, 2022

Q&A's from 2021 that spotlight 13 smart cities voices

Revisit the year's one-on-one conversations, including with tech and climate leaders in Honolulu, Phoenix and San Diego and with execs at Revel, Veo and Drop Mobility.

Dec. 23, 2021

How an app connects Phoenix youth with life-changing jobs

A unique partnership at the ASU Smart City Cloud Innovation Center takes flight.

Dec. 20, 2021