​How construction in 5 'mini megacities' fared during the pandemic

The coronavirus couldn't dampen development in these small but mighty construction boomtowns. Here's where they stand today.

By Kim Slowey • April 19, 2021

Sacramento to transform historic train station into people-first mobility hub

The city council approved the 31-acre Sacramento Valley Station Area plan, which will prioritize people over cars and is designed to be one of the state's most sustainable public places.  

By Cailin Crowe • April 19, 2021

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.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

The 12 most expensive US cities for construction

Analysis also shows that previously high-volume sectors like retail and offices are being replaced by demand for data centers and mission critical facilities, according to a spokesperson from construction management firm Cumming.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 16, 2021

California wildfire plans limit development, builders say

A $536 million measure from Gov. Gavin Newsom and a state Senate bill target where and how contractors can build, two construction advocacy groups said.

By Joe Bousquin • April 13, 2021

Businesses urge Biden admin to set ambitious federal climate target

Apple, Lime and hundreds of other businesses and investors signed a letter calling for the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.

By Cailin Crowe • April 13, 2021

‘Failing’ US infrastructure needs new purpose beyond shovel-ready efforts: report

The Brookings Institution said federal investment should prioritize outcomes like equity over financing specific projects, supporting an overall mindset shift about the role of infrastructure.

By Chris Teale • April 13, 2021

NYC e-cargo bikes lay groundwork for future of grocery delivery

The URB-E fleet vehicles tow cargo carts holding up to 800 pounds through New York City and Pasadena, CA, with more cities in its sights. "Last mile has to be electric," the company's CEO said.

By Sam Silverstein • April 13, 2021

Accessible city planning starts with unbiased data insight

New tech in cities can sometimes do more harm than good. Considering inclusive datasets is an essential part of the process for cities to realize benefits, writes Humanising Autonomy CEO Maya Pindeus.

By Maya Pindeus • April 9, 2021

What's behind the California bullet train project's latest woes?

Two contracting teams said the state rail authority's inability to secure land is creating delays. Here's a look into what that means for the $100 billion project.

By Kim Slowey • April 9, 2021

It’s time to ‘redefine what infrastructure is,’ says USCM president

Louisville, KY Mayor Greg Fischer said in a webinar that President Biden's American Jobs Plan will ready the U.S. for the future and "unleash" innovation.

By Chris Teale • April 8, 2021

US building codes need a major retrofit to meet climate goals and spare consumers

The International Code Council, which recently rolled back local governments' say in energy efficiency regulations for buildings, needs to adapt to the times or step aside, writes Energy Innovation's Sara Baldwin.

By Sara Baldwin • April 7, 2021

$9.5B Los Angeles-area rail project awards 2 pre-development agreements

By working with competing concept teams, LA County Metro hopes to get the best options — and increase the likelihood of success — to connect the San Fernando Valley with LA's Westside.   

By Joe Bousquin • April 6, 2021

Washington, DC zero waste bill is now law, though funding remains uncertain

The legislation aims to help DC reach its goal to divert 80% of waste from landfills and incinerators by 2032, following efforts in other major cities like New York, Seattle and San Francisco.

By Maria Rachal • April 5, 2021

How the American Jobs Plan aims to shape 4 pillars of city infrastructure

The administration's package looks to inject billions of dollars into the country's digital infrastructure, water, transportation and housing needs, with emphasis on racial equity and climate resilience.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • April 1, 2021

Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan has something for everyone. And that's its biggest risk.

While some groups praised the proposal, others found issues with its pitch of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, as well as raising taxes on businesses to pay for it. 

By Joe Bousquin • March 31, 2021

Satellite internet: digital divide solution or ‘science experiment’?

SpaceX and Amazon have said the technology can help rural America get online, but opponents say it's unproven and not worthy of federal investment.

By Chris Teale • March 30, 2021

Miami mayor seeks federal funds for Boring Co. project

Mayor Francis Suarez wants Elon Musk's company to build a transit loop similar to those underway in Las Vegas and Chicago, Bloomberg reports.

By Zachary Phillips • March 29, 2021

Build Back Better plan reportedly includes $1 trillion for roads, bridges, electric grid and more

More details are slated to emerge as President Joe Biden is set to speak on the plan in Pittsburgh next week, the White House announced Wednesday.

By Joe Bousquin • March 25, 2021

Cities face new roadblock in quest to decarbonize buildings

The International Code Council removed the rights of local governments to vote on energy-efficient building codes, a move with major implications for cities as they seek to dramatically reduce emissions. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 24, 2021

Community-led design of public spaces could have ‘ripple effect’ in COVID recovery: report

Analysis of public spaces in Detroit; Philadelphia; San Jose, CA; and Akron, OH by the Knight Foundation and design firm Gehl found successful and resilient programming could have long-term effects after the pandemic.

By Chris Teale • March 24, 2021

Climate-driven water infrastructure failures risk becoming ‘business as usual’

Monday's World Water Day comes one month after extreme weather wreaked havoc on Texas' water supply, an event that experts warn could become the new normal if leaders fail to invest in resiliency. 

By Chris Teale • March 22, 2021

$20B Chicago megaproject reaches deal with transit system

As part of the agreement, Landmark Development would build a $3.8 billion transit connection for the Chicago Transit Authority and Amtrak that the state would eventually buy, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. 

By Zachary Phillips • March 19, 2021

Waterfront Toronto to design ‘complete community’ after Sidewalk Labs split

The group launched a competition to find a new development partner, seeking a plan that includes affordable housing and support for aging in place.

By Cailin Crowe • March 17, 2021

Crisis in Texas, then a C- grade: America's infrastructure needs a bottom-up fix

Although the Biden administration is expected to pursue a major infrastructure plan, we must allow localities to lead, write former mayors of San Antonio and Ventura, CA. 

By Henry Cisneros and William Fulton • March 15, 2021

Pittsburgh applies equity lens amid push to plant 100K trees

The "Equitable Street Tree Investment Strategy" aims to improve tree maintenance in low-income and Black neighborhoods, as the city also works to increase its canopy to 60% by 2030. 

By Maria Rachal • March 8, 2021