NYC fare-free bus experiment to end

Although funding to continue the program was not included in the recently passed state budget, two lawmakers are looking to expand the program with new legislation.

By Dan Zukowski • April 26, 2024

A first-in-the-nation home repair program sees overwhelming demand

A "gaping need" exists nationwide for programs that improve housing quality, said a senior research analyst at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

By Kalena Thomhave • April 25, 2024

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 in 2024.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

To increase job access, try dedicated bus lanes, this study says

Urban Institute researchers found that well-enforced bus lanes could reduce costs for transit agencies and help provide equitable access to employment opportunities.

By Dan Zukowski • April 25, 2024

DOL’s ‘unprecedented,’ two-pronged overtime rule adds new HR wrinkles

Employers must decide whether to incrementally comply with the rule’s salary threshold updates or move straight to compliance with the higher 2025 threshold, attorneys said.

By Ryan Golden • April 25, 2024

Labor Department will raise overtime salary threshold to $44K in July, $59K next year

The final rule expands overtime pay eligibility to millions of U.S. workers, the department said.

By Ryan Golden • April 25, 2024

EPA awards $7B to 60 low-income solar access programs

The funds will support community solar programs as well as initiatives to provide loans and grants to low-income households looking to install rooftop solar, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

By Emma Penrod • April 24, 2024

California’s clean-truck rules: a fleet owner’s view

Although the state’s rules face legal pushback from trucking interests and 19 states, one pioneering fleet owner found surprising benefits as he began buying heavy-duty electric trucks.

By Dan Zukowski • April 23, 2024

Transit riders with disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area to see accessibility improvements

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District settled a lawsuit brought by disability rights advocates and agreed to repair, renovate and clean station elevators and escalators.

By Dan Zukowski • April 22, 2024

Air quality data is now widely available, but what should communities do with it?

With air quality sensors now costing as little as $100, some communities are hoping for more federal guidance on how to use them to support decision-making and regulation. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 19, 2024

You’ve heard of the Peace Corps? Meet the Economic Recovery Corps.

The first 65 fellows are bringing planning, development, entrepreneurship, public administration and other relevant experience to projects in U.S. host communities.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 17, 2024

5 ways cities can accelerate EV charger deployments equitably

Seek community input, learn from other cities, reduce regulatory barriers and other ideas from participants in the DOE’s Clean Energy to Communities Program.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • April 12, 2024

Biden has proposed ‘the boldest housing plan in a generation,’ his economic advisor says

The plan would expand tax credits for affordable housing developers, a proven way to boost supply, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard said.

By Kalena Thomhave • April 10, 2024

These 8 nonprofits got $20B from the Biden administration for local clean energy financing. Now what?

The “green bank” funds must be obligated by September 2024 amid efforts by Republican lawmakers to repeal the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 5, 2024

Federal affordable housing financing program gets extended

The White House expects the move to generate 38,000 rental units over the next 10 years.

By Danielle McLean • April 1, 2024

Housing subsidy for community college students launches in Maryland county

“Stable and affordable housing is a significant determinant of academic success and economic mobility,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in support of the effort.

By Danielle McLean • March 28, 2024

Phoenix passes worker heat safety ordinance amid rising deaths

The measure is the result of labor demands and record high temperatures in the city in 2023.

By Ginger Christ • March 28, 2024

What’s stifling city climate action? Municipal finance practices, one report says

The Boston University researchers highlight how city funding approaches make emissions reduction projects easier to move forward than climate adaptation projects.

By Ysabelle Kempe • March 27, 2024

Local government climate coalitions are delivering state policy results

Environmental justice legislation in Colorado and energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in Wisconsin are two recent coalition accomplishments.

By Lindsay Ex and Erick Shambarger • March 26, 2024

To chart its path away from gas, Massachusetts launches energy transformation office

Headed by a former utility executive, the office will convene a task force with representatives from utilities, municipalities, business, labor and the supply chain industry.

By Ysabelle Kempe • March 25, 2024

Minimum-wage delivery drivers must be 100% reimbursed for using their own vehicles, 6th Cir. says

Given the pandemic-led explosion of delivery services over the past few years, the reimbursement issue is likely a concern for many businesses.

By Laurel Kalser • March 21, 2024

Communities hoping to build disaster resilience request record $8B in FEMA grants

The requested amount is more than quadruple the amount the agency is offering, continuing what FEMA said is an ongoing trend of applications exceeding available funds.

By Ysabelle Kempe • March 21, 2024

Recycling brings environmental justice communities opportunities — and potential costs

As local groups strive for federal grants, efforts to recycle solar panels and EV batteries could exacerbate problems in already overburdened communities, National Recycling Congress participants said.

By Megan Quinn • March 15, 2024

Chicago’s novel idea for paying off affordable housing, development bond

The city plans to cut back a program that critics said kept property tax revenue in wealthier neighborhoods and diverted it from public services.

By Danielle McLean • March 8, 2024

Study on delivery worker conditions, pay mandated in DC

The study could be the first legislative step toward a citywide effort to regulate the pay and conditions of delivery drivers. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 8, 2024

NYC subways get National Guard, state police patrols after high-profile assaults

While New York City Mayor Eric Adams and transit workers applaud the move, others express concerns about racial profiling.

By Dan Zukowski • March 7, 2024