DOT revives $5B EV charging program, hands states more control

New federal guidance cuts planning requirements and unfreezes funds, but critics note the changes eliminate consumer and environmental protections.

Cities brace for legal battles as Bondi’s ‘sanctuary’ deadline looms

Local leaders say they’re prepared to defend protections limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement even as the Trump administration threatens to revoke funding and bring criminal charges.

This small Oregon city voted to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water. It’s part of a larger trend.

Sweet Home, Oregon, joins a growing number of states and cities in voting to end the practice that major dental organizations have recommended for 75 years.

NYC unveils master plan to expand pedestrian, bicycle paths

The plan envisions over 100 projects the city says can connect underserved communities, spur economic development and provide environmental benefits.

State Farm homeowners insurance rates to surge 27% in Illinois

The move is part of a nationwide trend of premium hikes that’s making housing even less affordable. 

2028 Olympics security plan tests LA-federal partnership

Trump’s executive order puts the federal government in the driver’s seat for Olympics security. Experts wonder if cooperation — or confrontation — will be the result.

Updated Aug. 18, 2025

A path with purpose: Encouraging students to explore public service roles

Local government is the front line of public service. Though they play a crucial role connecting communities with essential support, state and local agencies are often chronically under-resourced, especially when it comes to supporting tech talent. 

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.

Michigan acts to grow advanced air mobility industry in the state

Michigan’s chief mobility officer says the state is “taking the same approach we took with the auto revolution” as it works with startups and established companies on projects such as drone delivery. 

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.

Texas city pioneers tech that uses waste heat to generate drinking water

AirJoule’s first U.S. field deployment will tap into a geothermal well to turn air into distilled water for the municipal supply.

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. 

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.

Federal legislation aims to counteract surge of local laws criminalizing homelessness

The Housing Not Handcuffs Act would prevent federal agencies from arresting or ticketing unhoused people for living on public land.

After federal job cuts, initiative aims to redirect talent to local government roles

Kansas City, Missouri, is the first city to pilot a Spotlight Cities program that matches laid-off federal workers with local government jobs.

What NEPA rollbacks mean for local projects

The Trump administration’s elimination of environmental regulations based on the 1970 law could mean faster permitting but reduce cities’ recourse for weighing in on federally funded projects in their communities, experts say.

California cities, Nevada State University join forces on climate resilience

Seven public agencies are partnering with Urban Land Institute to develop strategies for extreme heat, disaster preparedness and resilient housing.

CEQA reform opens new era for urban development in California, developer says

Sweeping overhaul of environmental reviews eliminates “the major impediment to getting new housing built in the state,” says Sean Burton, CEO of LA-based apartment developer Cityview.

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to overturn ban on ICE enforcement methods in LA

The move escalates a legal battle over acceptable tactics for immigration enforcement within city boundaries.

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.

5 cities with congestion pricing

In 2025, New York City joined other major global cities that have implemented tolling programs to reduce traffic in select areas. Other U.S. cities are considering similar plans.

Uber and Lyft CEOs want to add more robotaxis

The ride-hailing companies are partnering with several robotaxi and technology companies to bring more AVs to more cities.

LA County sees second year of homelessness declines, ends longtime partnership with city of LA

A 4% drop in homelessness signals momentum, but Los Angeles city leaders warn the county’s plan to launch its own homeless services department could threaten progress across the region.

EPA considers terminating $7B Solar For All program

If the Trump administration moves forward to claw back the funding, “we will see them in court,” said Kym Meyer, litigation director at the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Waymo readies its robotaxis for winter weather

The company has tested its autonomous ride-hailing vehicles in Boston, New York City and Philadelphia. Can they handle snow, ice and winter storms?