Houston wants to become a top city ‘for startups and imaginative endeavors’

The city recently announced plans for a 9.4-acre innovation district, combining commercial properties, "iconic" public space and leading infrastructure.

By Kristin Musulin • April 17, 2018

Netherlands' 3-D printed bridge gets installation date

MX3D used in-house software and four industrial robots to print the bridge over a six-month period.

By Mary Tyler March • April 12, 2018

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

California state senator amends controversial housing bill

Senator Scott Wiener eased a number of the measures following widespread pushback from California cities, including San Francisco, the city he represents.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 12, 2018

Sidewalk Labs to start testing Toronto ‘smart city’ this summer

Construction could begin as early as 2020, the company's CEO told Reuters, with residents able to move in as early as 2022.

By Chris Teale • April 10, 2018

Cities are 3D printing their way to more sustainable futures

The disruptive, fascinating technology could revolutionize the construction industry and make cities' infrastructure more resilient and affordable.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 5, 2018

Seattle City Council revamps parking rules

The ordinance loosens and eliminates parking requirements for some developments, which could lower housing costs.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 4, 2018

Houston agency proposes new floodplain construction standards

The cost of building to these new standards is expected to range from $11,000 to $32,000 per structure.

By Kim Slowey • April 4, 2018

UK government searches for a 5G test city

The chosen city will test 5G tech in areas such as health, mobility and manufacturing to determine how it can make urban areas more livable.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 3, 2018

'Smart' streetlights mean more than 'sexy' tech, panelists say

While connecting to Wi-Fi is appealing, some experts warn that the costs outweigh the benefits and there should be more focus on monitoring infrastructure.

By Chris Teale • March 29, 2018

Elon Musk's Boring Company makes final cut for Chicago's O'Hare Express

The Chicago Express transit project could be the proving ground for Musk's The Boring Company.

By Kim Slowey • March 27, 2018

Why P3s can be a project delivery method worth the risk

When executed properly, public-private partnerships can be a win-win for those on both sides of the aisle.

By Mary Tyler March • March 27, 2018

The significant challenges (and opportunities) AVs will present to city infrastructure

Optimizing intersections, streetscapes, parking and land-use are some of the issues urban leaders must tackle as more AVs hit the streets.

By Chris Teale • March 22, 2018

Moody's: Trump's infrastructure plan could grow P3 market

To take advantage of P3s, some state and local governments will have to consider politically challenging revenue sources like tolling. 

By Kim Slowey • March 21, 2018

Seattle temporarily bans rent bidding apps to investigate legality

The city will evaluate if the apps contribute to its affordable housing crisis.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 21, 2018

Los Angeles hired its first chief design officer. Will other cities follow suit?

After 13 years as an architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times, Christopher Hawthorne will take on a new role to help the city enhance its urban design.

By Kristin Musulin • March 19, 2018

Zero-energy buildings see big boost

Solar panels, efficient heat pumps, radiant cooling systems and techniques that improve building envelopes all contribute to green building's continuing rise.

By Laurie Cowin • March 15, 2018

Smart intersections may be prone to 'congestion attacks'

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan found traffic lights can be tricked into thinking an intersection is full by just one connected vehicle.

By Chris Teale • March 8, 2018

DC welcomes first Affordable Housing Preservation Officer

Ana Lopez Van Balen will be responsible for preserving the city's existing affordable housing stock.

By Kristin Musulin • March 8, 2018

Los Angeles mayor promotes mandatory earthquake safeguards for buildings

A report says steel buildings constructed from the early 1970s through 1994 are susceptible to earthquake damage. 

By Kim Slowey • March 7, 2018

Spokane, WA moves to waive fees for solar panels, EV charging stations

City Council President Ben Stuckart said the cuts to building and construction permit fees are "one step in the right direction.”

By Chris Teale • Feb. 28, 2018

Automated parking garage opens in Oakland, CA

The Hive Parking Structure, which uses automated transporters and conveyor belts to park cars, is the first of its kind in Northern California.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 27, 2018

Smart Fusion Poles to shine light on connectivity in Huntington Beach, CA

The LED poles are optimized for small cell deployment and will enable the city to support 5G connectivity and various IoT applications.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 27, 2018

San Francisco to study potential $15B transportation tube under bay

San Francisco is losing transit riders, but officials say a new tube would accommodate twice the maximum ridership — although there is no funding for the project. 

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 27, 2018

Denver adopts affordable, inclusive housing plan

The five-year plan aims to create or preserve 3,000 affordable units by 2023.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 23, 2018

Resilient floating mixed-use complex proposed for New York City's Pier 40

DFA is designing the project to accommodate the anticipated sea level rise surrounding the city. Developers of waterfront buildings in other areas are planning for rising tides, too.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 20, 2018