Great Recession erased 30 years of rising homeownership rates: GAO

The U.S. Government Accountability Office examined historical homeownership trends in nine major cities following the financial crisis — and hinted at trends to come in a post-COVID world.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 3, 2020

6 steps for mitigating elevator-related health concerns

Paradoxically, in the COVID-19 era, a technology that contributed so much to the physical composition of cities has become its Achilles' heel. 

By Rachel Keeney & Eamon Welch • July 30, 2020

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

DOE releases blueprint for national quantum internet

Increased speed and security could present vast benefits to cities, including the production of more sensitive sensors to monitor for traffic and pollution levels.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2020

Construction begins on Pittsburgh International Airport microgrid

The microgrid will completely power PIT by next summer, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative among major U.S. airports.

By Chris Teale • July 23, 2020

Architecture firm reimagines NYC without cars

The Practice for Architecture and Urbanism unveiled a proposal for Manhattan to re-purpose its roadways, which make up 30% of the borough. 

By Cailin Crowe • July 22, 2020

High-income homes responsible for 25% more GHG: study

The carbon footprint of wealthy neighborhoods can be up to 15 times higher than lower-income areas, according to a new University of Michigan study.

By Jason Plautz • July 21, 2020

4 things to know before taking on an infrastructure project

Deciding to bid on an infrastructure project involves evaluating internal and external factors. Experts say make sure you consider these four.

By Kim Slowey • July 21, 2020

3 steps to optimize buildings for the safe return of employees

The time has come to lean into smart technologies, get employees back at their desks and begin the process of rebuilding economies.

By Glenn Lurie • July 16, 2020

Apple invests $400M in California housing as US faces ‘tidal wave of evictions’

The company's $2.5 billion pledge toward the state's affordable housing crisis comes as California grapples with record-breaking unemployment.

By Cailin Crowe • July 14, 2020

Boston residents of color more likely to live by high-polluting roads

Fifty-four percent of Latino residents, 45% of Black residents and 47% of Asian residents live in high-polluted areas, exacerbating health issues that can increase COVID-19 vulnerability.

By Cailin Crowe • July 10, 2020

Chicago office building constructed with coronavirus-fighting features

The $26 million Fulton East is the first in what experts say will be a trend of projects designed to maximize tenants' health and social distancing.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 10, 2020

The case for smart building investments amid economic resurgence

Healthy buildings are now the catapult for a rapid market adoption of IoT-driven solutions as businesses weigh strategies to support employees' return to work. 

By Casey Talon • July 6, 2020

To rebuild life after COVID, start with infrastructure

As leaders in government consider additional phases of the COVID-19 response stimulus, they have an opportunity to mobilize an unprecedented investment in building our infrastructure. 

By Carlo Scissura • July 1, 2020

Playbook urges ‘overhaul’ in infrastructure financing, planning

A bevy of groups called for a more equitable and resilient post-coronavirus rebuild that gives local governments more autonomy and scope to innovate.

By Chris Teale • June 24, 2020

House passes $1.5T infrastructure bill

The expanded Moving Forward Act includes $500 billion in green measures and $100 billion for both affordable housing and broadband internet, among other funding.

By Kim Slowey • Updated July 2, 2020

10 examples of building performance standards: ACEEE

A white paper from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy calls on jurisdictions globally to explore mandatory building performance standards to effectively meet long-term climate goals.

By Kristin Musulin • June 23, 2020

5 focal points needed to develop a smart city

Given the pace at which new technology is overtaking social infrastructure, cities must "up their game" with a greater sense of focus and urgency. 

By Clint Vince and Jennifer Morrissey • June 18, 2020

California crafts pilot program to reduce building emissions

The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development program will be rolled out in the second quarter of 2021, with the first two years of incentives reserved for developers of low-income residential housing. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 16, 2020

7 public data projects enhancing civic engagement

The Knight Foundation awarded $1 million to seven projects nationwide that work to hold governments accountable via creative uses of public data. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 11, 2020

Prop tech, property managers and the at-home workforce

Maintaining profitability and tenant satisfaction throughout the pandemic will require help from readily available property management technologies. 

By Brad Pilgrim • June 1, 2020

A sneak peek at San Francisco’s new low-carbon neighborhood

The city unanimously approved plans to build a 29-acre sustainable, transportation-efficient community on the site of a former century-old fossil fuel power plant. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 29, 2020

Powering EVs is cheaper than diesel, gas in most metro hubs

A report found powering electric vehicles could save fleet operators costs in 21 of the largest 25 U.S. cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

By Guy Burdick • May 28, 2020

Columbus, OH exceeds EV adoption goal

Local residents have purchased more than 3,300 electric vehicles over the past three years as part of its $10 million Paul G. Allen Family Foundation grant. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 27, 2020

Stay-at-home orders shine light on ‘amplified’ digital divide

Just as the Great Depression highlighted a need for ubiquitous electricity, advocates are urging leaders to seize COVID-19 as a turning point for ubiquitous internet.

By Chris Teale • May 26, 2020

The ‘new normal’: City sectors confront post-coronavirus realities

With costs of the pandemic coming into focus as recovery efforts persist, Smart Cities Dive analyzed how leaders across various departments can use lessons from the COVID-19 crisis to rebuild.

By Chris Teale • May 26, 2020