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

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards

Cities are using these levers to meet climate goals and address everything from data centers to building decarbonization.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

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

National Landing BID head explains 'most connected downtown' design

President and Executive Director Tracy Sayegh Gabriel said the Northern Virginia area, which is undergoing major transformations ahead of the arrival of Amazon's HQ2, has embraced people-centric and sustainable growth.

By Cailin Crowe • March 5, 2021

US infrastructure funding gap swells to $2.6 trillion: ASCE

A 'C-' rating across 17 areas of infrastructure is a slight jump from a 'D+' grade in 2017 given by the American Society of Civil Engineers. But leaders say more needs to be done at the federal level to close a 10-year investment lag.

By Chris Teale • March 4, 2021

Up to 20 cities to improve street safety by turning asphalt into art

Bloomberg Philanthropies' Asphalt Art Initiative, now in its second year, will provide each city with up to $25,000 to improve street safety and revitalize public spaces with murals.

By Chris Teale • March 3, 2021

Airbnb reports $3.89B loss, predicts digital nomads will spark recovery

In the company's first post-IPO earnings call, officials said Airbnb is resilient enough to weather COVID-19 and that flexible work arrangements will push more people onto the platform. 

By Chris Teale • March 2, 2021

Seattle mayor approves updated energy code

Mayor Jenny Durkan signed the updates into law, dubbing the city's building energy code as "among the strongest in the nation."

By Kristin Musulin • Updated Feb. 12, 2021

Amazon unveils plans for HQ2's second phase

The PenPlace project in Northern Virginia includes retail and outdoor spaces, and three office buildings surrounding a glass spiral tower adorned with trees.

By Zachary Phillips • Feb. 3, 2021

How COVID-19 will change office, hotel and mixed-use design

There are still unknowns as far as how the coronavirus pandemic will impact the look of new spaces, but flexibility in layouts will be key, design experts say.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 25, 2021

Amazon to construct 5 Detroit-area facilities in 2021

Although the Detroit centers mark the largest number of buildings recently announced in one area, Amazon has also made moves to construct facilities in cities across the country. 

By Zachary Phillips • Jan. 22, 2021

Cuomo announces $306B infrastructure plan for New York

Just one part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan, the redevelopment of Manhattan's Midtown West, is expected to create 196,000 jobs.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 20, 2021

$4B worth of transit projects coming to DC metro area

Northern Virginia, the site of Amazon's second U.S. headquarters, will see a flurry of transportation projects over the next decade in an effort to become the most "well-connected downtown in the country." 

By Zachary Phillips • Jan. 19, 2021

Amazon commits $2B to housing equity

The company's Housing Equity Fund will support 20,000 affordable homes near its headquarter locations, adding to a growing list of tech giants investing in affordable housing.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 7, 2021

7 urban construction projects to watch in 2021

Several high-profile jobs are scheduled for completion or are set to hit major milestones soon. Here are some that are sure to make headlines this year.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 7, 2021

7 mobility startups to watch in 2021

These startups offer compelling solutions to the range of challenges the pandemic has introduced to U.S. cities. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2021

The smart city news that shaped 2020

Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.

Jan. 4, 2021

Building the drone highways of the sky

UAS corridors or "sky lanes" can facilitate transformational opportunities for cities. Yet the road to integrated drone operation poses a host of challenges. 

By Nathan Eddy • Dec. 22, 2020

Seattle's $1B NHL venue to be first net-zero carbon arena

Mortenson is doubling the size of Climate Pledge Arena while keeping its original roof and facade in what the firm's vice president likens to "building a ship in a bottle."

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 21, 2020

5 ways smart infrastructure shapes communities for the better

From improved transportation to data-driven decisions, smart cities are using technology to raise the bar for the world of tomorrow.

By Forrest Senti • Dec. 18, 2020

5G health concerns sow uncertainty amid ongoing rollout

While deployment continues unabated across the U.S., a small coalition of groups and leaders are trying to put the brakes on 5G in a bid to learn more about the technology.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 14, 2020

Green buildings ‘unheralded hero’ in emissions fight, experts say

President-elect Joe Biden's plan to boost energy efficiency in the sector promises to create up to one million jobs and mitigate the effects of climate change, elected officials said during a U.S. Green Building Council webinar. 

By Chris Teale • Dec. 10, 2020

Cities play ‘key role’ in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 9, 2020

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2020

In a year where cities and local officials had to weather unprecedented crises, the following awardees stood out for their bold leadership.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

A preventative approach to pavement management

By focusing on preventative maintenance, local governments can unlock climate, economic and societal benefits while conserving time, money and manpower.

By Alison McGee & Samantha Stephan • Dec. 7, 2020