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Sanctuary from what? Abortion, gun rights, other measures test the limits of local sanctuary policies.

As cities adopt protections for trans people, reproductive care, the unborn, gun owners and even bears, questions about enforcement, legal stakes and the cost of defying higher governments remain.

US House releases ROAD to Housing bill without build-to-rent sale mandate

The bill is “the most significant legislation to increase housing supply in years” and could provide “more housing affordability in communities across the country,” housing industry advocates say.

Cities sound alarm on crumbling water infrastructure

Aging assets, stricter regulations, climate risks and fiscal restraints are contributing to problems long hidden underground, a new National League of Cities report finds.

Dallas suburb exits regional transit agency

Highland Park, Texas, lost bus, paratransit and on-demand services after voters chose to withdraw from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system.

California governor proposes $500M to address homelessness — with new strings

Localities seeking Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention funding would have to demonstrate efforts to address homeless encampments in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget proposal.

Smart meters have saved Austin, Texas, more than a billion of gallons of water, utility says

The meters, which detect leaks and provide daily water-use reports, are helping to build “a more sustainable water future for generations to come,” the city’s water chief says.

Air taxis and urban air mobility: The latest developments

Hyundai air mobility subsidiary Supernal and Korea Aerospace Industries announce plans to jointly develop air taxis.

Updated May 14, 2026

Fire stations are more than facilities. They’re 50-year operational bets.

Outdated station design is driving up costs, slowing response and increasing long-term liability for cities. Local leaders need to rethink design frameworks to improve performance outcomes.

How AI is helping municipal clerks speed up public records reporting

In Long View, North Carolina, AI-powered “clerkware” has reduced transcription time from hours to minutes, reduced errors and improved public access to meeting minutes, the town clerk says.

Aging infrastructure, climate risks shake water sector confidence: report

Century-old systems, extreme weather, cyberthreats and regulatory inconsistencies threaten future water supply and resilience, the American Water Works Association found.

Updated May 14, 2026

Maryland enacts oversight boards for transit and commuter services

The state’s six-year, $22.1 billion transportation plan includes completion of a light rail line connecting two counties bordering Washington, D.C.

3 cities making strides in housing affordability

Ivory Innovations recognized a housing finance program in Boston and housing policies in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and New Rochelle, New York, for their ingenuity.

Archer, Joby expect to begin commercial air taxi flights in US cities this year

“The goal is to have half a million people in the biggest cities in the country start to see these aircraft as part of your everyday commute,” Archer Aviation’s CEO said.

These 12 cities are leading on environmental health, African American Mayors Association says

AAMA and the Community Data Health Initiative are highlighting municipalities using data, partnerships and targeted infrastructure strategies to address heat, pollution and lead risks.

Updated May 15, 2026

HUD trims environmental reviews for multifamily projects

Streamlined standards could help ease affordability pressures nationwide, federal officials and housing industry leaders say.

Illinois cities push back on state proposal to bypass local zoning

After Gov. JB Pritzker proposed sweeping statewide housing measures, municipal groups say they’re expanding housing options on their own terms.

DOJ targets ‘sanctuary’ rules in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico, joins a growing list of cities facing federal lawsuits over immigration enforcement policies. “We are ready to defend our community,” the city’s mayor said.

FEMA Review Council pushes disaster responsibility to cities, states

The council’s final report recommends streamlining aid programs, accelerating funding delivery and giving local governments greater operational and financial obligation for emergency management.

Public-sector AI translation has saved taxpayers more than $30 million, Wordly says

In San José, California, translation costs have dropped by nearly 80% and resident participation at public meetings has increased since the city began using the service, a city clerk said.

Providence, Rhode Island, updates recycling, organics with $3.6M in grants

Free commercial recycling service, residential recycling carts and organics infrastructure are among the changes the city has made with the help of EPA and USDA funding.

HUD continues shift away from ‘housing first,’ harm reduction in homelessness funding

Transitional housing, childcare, job training and addiction treatment are priorities for its Continuum of Care funding opportunity to be published June 1.

‘Supplemental’ municipal utility begins solar-and-storage installations in Ann Arbor, Michigan

The Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility will use locally sited solar, batteries and other resources to improve reliability and lower costs for subscribers, city officials say.

Governments should help finance infrastructure — not construct and run it

When delays and cost escalations carry no financial consequence, they become routine. To prevent this, project governance structures must align capital with performance.

Surface transportation legislation in 2026: What we know so far

Congress has begun work that will determine the next five years of funding and policies for highways, mass transit and other transportation modes.

DOJ sues Minnesota to block climate lawsuit against oil companies

Only the federal government can regulate greenhouse gas emissions, the suit argues, escalating a legal fight over whether state and local governments can pursue damages tied to climate change.