Deep Dive: Page 2
Industry insights from our journalists
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Houston’s housing-first model is reducing homelessness. Here’s how it works and the obstacles it faces.
Over 90% housed under Houston’s housing-first program have remained housed for over two years, city officials say. But further progress is challenged by a housing shortage and other factors.
Danielle McLean • Dec. 5, 2022 -
How Black-owned grocers are filling industry gaps
From a cashierless store in Atlanta to health-focused pop-up markets in Los Angeles and Chicago, grocery concepts from Black entrepreneurs are making the changes they want to see in food landscapes.
Catherine Douglas Moran • Sept. 15, 2022 -
Two cities’ approaches to increasing public bathrooms
After officials were confronted with problems linked to the lack of public restrooms, San Francisco committed to improving access. In Seattle, a nonprofit is taking the lead.
Adina Solomon • Aug. 2, 2022 -
The struggle to find a public toilet
U.S. cities don't have enough public toilets. Coupled with a homelessness crisis, the shortage brings health and safety concerns. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., are among the cities working toward equitable hygiene.
Adina Solomon • July 27, 2022 -
As more cities declare crises around climate and affordability, does change follow?
Declaring emergencies can unlock some new capabilities and foster accountability, but substantial government follow-through is necessary to separate them from mere speech, city leaders say.
Adina Solomon • June 7, 2022 -
Inside Ithaca's plan to electrify 6,000 buildings and grow a regional green workforce using private equity funds
The city has mustered $105 million in private funds to support low-cost loans for businesses and residents to install heat pumps.
Robert Walton • June 3, 2022 -
Transit-oriented development catches on as cities need to boost ridership and housing supply
Cities are opting to build mixed-use developments near public transportation, but experts in Seattle, Atlanta and elsewhere say getting it right is a big challenge.
Adina Solomon • April 1, 2022 -
More electric buses join transit fleets as costs and technology improve
As zero-emission buses are added to more transit fleets, officials and bus manufacturers are optimistic about their potential, but they caution that planning, training and learning from other cities are needed.
Dan Zukowski • Jan. 31, 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.
Peter Adams • 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.
Cailin Crowe • Jan. 4, 2022 -
Living wage ordinances' greatest effect may be on public opinion
The living wage movement fought to boost pay for city contractor employees. These efforts had limited community effects, but they likely laid the groundwork for today’s movement toward higher minimum wages, researchers said.
Adina Solomon • Dec. 13, 2021 -
'A long way to go': How utilities are helping 6 cities meet big EV goals
From New York City to Los Angeles, cities and utilities face cost, land and grid challenges in their efforts to electrify transportation systems.
Robert Walton, Emma Penrod, Jason Plautz and Scott Van Voorhis • Nov. 30, 2021 -
Flying taxis, hyperloops and driverless cars: Is it too early to start planning for future mobility?
Miami, Orlando and Pittsburgh are planning for air mobility and other novel modes of transport decades ahead. Critics say focusing on flashy, futuristic technologies distracts from simpler solutions for today.
Jason Plautz • Nov. 19, 2021 -
The future of smart cities: Leaders forecast more digitally just governance
Over the next five years, smart cities will emphasize digital justice, community trust and data-led decisions, city leaders say. But roadblocks — like funding and a public sector aversion to risk — could stand in the way.
Cailin Crowe • Nov. 17, 2021 -
Flooding risk complicates cities' push to legalize basement apartments
In the age of extreme weather, amid the deaths of 11 New Yorkers living in basement units following heavy rainfall from remnants of Hurricane Ida, cities aim to balance safety with affordable housing accessibility.
Jason Plautz • Nov. 11, 2021 -
Smart city evolution: How cities have stepped back from a 'tech arms race'
Following the 'first wave' of the smart cities movement, local leaders describe how they have largely shifted from a tech-first to a resident-first approach.
Danielle McLean, Maria Rachal and Dan Zukowski • Nov. 9, 2021 -
As Tesla, Ford and others invest billions in EVs, will the power system be ready?
The new White House zero emission vehicle target of 50% of new car sales by 2030 has a long way to go, a short time to get there, and big challenges ahead.
Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2021 -
15 city leaders define a ‘smart city’
Smart Cities Dive asked major U.S. cities to weigh in on the past, present and future of their smart city efforts. In the first story of a multipart series, we highlight how city leaders define the term today.
Danielle McLean • Nov. 2, 2021 -
Are digital twins the future of urban planning?
Digital 3D models can help city leaders plan for the future, but their value will depend on the data.
Adina Solomon • Nov. 1, 2021 -
Amtrak plans major expansion by 2035 if infrastructure bill passes
Amtrak's expansion plans could connect small towns and reduce inequalities, while boosting development, housing and jobs in cities. However, those ambitions face some hurdles.
Dan Zukowski • Oct. 20, 2021 -
The pandemic changed car ownership. How can cities adapt?
Car buyers are thinking about protection from the coronavirus rather than convenience or traffic. That could be bad news for cities looking to get cars off the road for good.
Jason Plautz • Aug. 9, 2021 -
10 ways the PRO Act could change the game for employers and organized labor
Currently being considered in the Senate, the bill would strengthen the ability of unions, including those of public sector workers, to form and collectively bargain.
Emilie Shumway • Aug. 2, 2021 -
California's first AV public passenger service could provide key industry and market data
General Motors-owned Cruise will operate the first-ever driverless car service in the state. Others in the space said they hope to learn a lot — including how the public reacts — from its efforts.
Chris Teale • Aug. 2, 2021 -
Philadelphia's eviction diversion program is a 'lifeline' for tenants
The "nation's largest poor city" has adopted one of the most aggressive eviction diversion efforts in the U.S., in an effort one city council member said she hopes will remain post-pandemic.
Amanda Loudin • June 16, 2021 -
Automakers and universities team up to fix AV industry's talent gap
Schools are evolving their courses to keep pace with autonomous vehicle technology changes and build the industry's pipeline of workers.
Chris Teale • May 3, 2021