Colorado DOT schedules first work-zone autonomous vehicle tests

This is the first live U.S. work-zone test of such technology, which aims to protect road maintenance and construction workers from passing vehicles.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 21, 2017

Oklahoma DOT to use new tech to assess bridges after earthquakes

The agency will use the U.S. Geological Survey's ShakeCast situational analysis tool to determine which bridges need inspections after a seismic event.

By Hallie Busta • Aug. 16, 2017

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

San Diego ramps up erosion-control efforts

The crackdown on job-site practices is the result of a lengthy investigation by state officials into the city's enforcement practices.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 16, 2017

Report: Paving roads with cigarette butts could reduce waste, thermal conductivity

RMIT researchers found that mixing the immense amount of global cigarette litter with asphalt could help reduce the "urban heat island" effect in cities.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 15, 2017

At this NYC summer camp, kids build dream cities from scratch

New York University's Science of Smart Cities program encourages students to observe the city around them — and develop solutions to improve it.

By Jackie Snow • Aug. 9, 2017

Tesla installs first Solar Roof systems — on employees’ homes

Co-founder Elon Musk says he has already outfitted his roof with the system and plans to roll out the product to more employees for testing and observation.

By Mary Tyler March • Aug. 9, 2017

Q&A: TreeHouse CEO Jason Ballard on greening the home-improvement supply chain

You can call it the “Home Depot for hipsters," but the Texas-based retailer is charting new territory in building product sales and services.

By Hallie Busta • Aug. 9, 2017

Connecticut congressman proposes carbon tax for infrastructure funding

Rep. John Larson plans to introduce the legislation when Congress returns from its August recess, as more lawmakers put forth ideas to fund a national rebuilding program.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 9, 2017

South Dakota tests advance warning tech along I-29 during road work

Construction companies and government agencies are turning to new tech, standby gear and even alternative construction methods to keep workers safe.

By Hallie Busta • July 26, 2017

Q&A: How Cary, NC, proves size is not a limitation of smart development

With a population of 160,000, Cary may not be the first "smart city" location that comes to mind — but members of its government are working to change that impression.

By Jackie Snow • July 20, 2017

As smart tech grows, builders are pre-wiring homes for Wi-Fi

From mobile phones to digital doorbells, the rise of smart devices is seeing wireless internet service brought into home setup packages just like another utility.

By Joe Dyton • July 19, 2017

South Miami mandates rooftop solar for new homes

The Florida city is the fifth nationwide to require private homes to include photovoltaic technology.

By Mary Tyler March • July 19, 2017

Going green: What’s in it for sports venue owners?

Athletics facilities are used for a few hours each week, yet the ability to reduce energy use and costs is clear. However, the bottom line isn't the only driver.

By Kim Slowey • July 18, 2017

Connecticut leads US states in highest home energy bills

Meanwhile, states in the South reported the highest energy consumption per user, according to a WalletHub analysis of monthly energy use across the country.

By Mary Tyler March • July 14, 2017

How Philips Lighting, Cree are illuminating the future of smart buildings

By placing sensors in light fixtures and deploying "lighting as a service," buildings and cities could collect massive amounts of practical data.

By Cody Boteler • July 13, 2017

What it would take for an 80-story wood tower to rise in Chicago

A research project to explore mass-timber at new heights is raising plenty of questions — including if, and when, the high-rise might come to fruition.

By Hallie Busta • July 13, 2017

Solar installation faces challenges ahead of projected growth

The rooftop solar market will contract for the first time in 16 years as installers adapt business models, driving a rebound that will see more owners adopt PVs.

By Joe Dyton • July 13, 2017

Lack of affordable housing hampering Bay Area growth

Something will need to give if the San Francisco area economy is to remain robust — whether that’s renewed growth in hiring or more housing options.

By Joe Dyton • July 13, 2017

3 ways new technology will impact homebuilding

Reducing reliance on skilled labor and amplifying home sales pitches are just a few of the ways industry leaders say digitization could change the way we build.

By Hallie Busta • July 11, 2017

Report: Chicago has the most green office space in the US

The city boosted its percentage of LEED- and Energy Star-certified office space by 6.5% in the last year, ousting San Francisco from the top spot on the list.

By Kim Slowey • July 7, 2017

Alphabet lab turns out new geothermal company for residential heating, cooling

Dandelion will operate as a standalone company outside of Google's parent company Alphabet, offering geothermal heating and cooling to residential customers. 

By Robert Walton • July 7, 2017

Study: Clean city design, park proximity boosts trust in local government

Vacant lots with moderate upkeep, litter reduction and proximity to parks all show an increase in civic pride and trust. 

By Cody Boteler • July 6, 2017

How data analytics is adding value in the smart home

As the concept of a smart, connected home gains traction, stakeholders are increasingly exploring analytics solutions to push this vision forward.

By Paige Leuschner • July 6, 2017

US Ignite adds 5 cities to network of Smart Gigabit Communities

By entering the network, each city will develop two gigabit applications per year to advance technology solutions and provide support for other SGCs.

By Kristin Musulin • July 6, 2017

Q&A: ASU’s Design School director on putting the ‘art’ in smart city

Jason Schupbach of Arizona State University's Design School weighed in on how artists can play a role in creative placemaking to help cities better integrate new technologies.

By Jackie Snow • July 6, 2017