150 cities tested guaranteed income. Here’s what worked — and what didn’t.

Direct cash payments effectively addressed housing, food and mental health needs, but administrators are grappling with questions about employment outcomes and program sustainability.

By Danielle McLean • Dec. 4, 2025

There was no place for his family to sit. Now the ‘Bench Mench’ has installed 22 benches in Indianapolis.

Anderson York calls his DIY project “a little bit of good mischief.” 

By Vicky Uhland • Nov. 20, 2025

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

Package delivery has taken a toll on New York City, comptroller says. He’s urging action in response.

Increased traffic collisions, workplace injuries and air pollution are tied to last-mile delivery operations, the comptroller’s report says.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 17, 2025

SNAP funding restored through September 2026

The funding bill President Donald Trump signed Wednesday includes $107.5 billion for SNAP and $8.2 billion for WIC.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 13, 2025

Trump called the Digital Equity Act ‘racist and illegal.’ This nonprofit is pushing back.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is suing the Trump administration after its $25.7 million grant to bridge the digital divide was terminated.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 13, 2025

USDA reverses course on SNAP

The agency that runs the food aid program said Saturday that states are not authorized to load full November benefits.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 10, 2025

USDA will fully cover SNAP benefits for November

The department said Friday it has started issuing funds to states in order to comply with a Rhode Island court order.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Updated Nov. 7, 2025

As ICE raids rage on, Chicago is faced with a question: Should evictions be paused?

Tenant advocates are asking the city for relief reminiscent of the pandemic era as “Operation Midway Blitz” upends daily life for many.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 7, 2025

Trump administration fights court order to fully fund SNAP

The Justice Department is appealing a Rhode Island federal judge’s ruling, further complicating the chaotic suspension of federal food assistance benefits.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 7, 2025

Washington, D.C.’s answer to public sector brain drain: 2024 Crown Communities winner

Facing a “silver tsunami” of retirements and inequities in hiring, the District of Columbia is using paid internships to bring in young, diverse talent that’s ready to lead.

By Lori Tobias • Nov. 4, 2025

Keeping people in their homes as evictions surge: 2024 Crown Communities Award winner

A Harris County, Texas, court is educating tenants about the eviction process and connecting them with legal aid.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 31, 2025

5 ways local governments can prepare for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s effects on social services

Medicaid and SNAP recipients will face more stringent eligibility requirements and more frequent verification. Communication, technology and partnerships can help governments adjust.  

By Juan Cole • Oct. 31, 2025

Millions face hunger as SNAP funding ends — and cities race to respond

Cities are creating emergency nutrition funds, reopening COVID-era aid programs and pleading with federal officials as the government shutdown threatens to cut off food assistance this weekend.

By Vicky Uhland • Updated Oct. 31, 2025

A model for multilingual public health campaigns: 2024 Crown Communities Award

In Frederick County, Maryland, a Spanish-language stroke-awareness program is saving lives and inspiring a broader approach to health care education.

By Lori Tobias • Oct. 24, 2025

The Olympics are headed to LA. So is free Wi-Fi.

Free public Wi-Fi is now available via streetlights in South Los Angeles as the city prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 23, 2025

Chicago Housing Authority files lawsuit over HUD’s anti-DEI funding stipulations

The country’s third-largest public housing authority says at least 13% of its budget is at stake.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 21, 2025

How Southwest DC helped residents and visitors get around the neighborhood

Businesses and the Washington, D.C., government formed a Mobility Innovation District to launch a pilot shuttle service.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 16, 2025

Top smart city conferences in 2026

Technology, housing, climate action, transportation, public safety and more take center stage at events for local government leaders in 2026.

By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Oct. 1, 2025

Free and low-fare transit programs fail to reach many in need: report

More outreach programs and automatic enrollment could make these programs accessible to more people, says a report from the Regional Plan Association, a New York nonprofit.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 29, 2025

New Orleans’ economic recovery since Katrina is divided along racial lines

New Orleans has gained a more diversified economy and stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. But Black households have not benefited as much as White ones.

By Adina Solomon • Aug. 26, 2025

Judge dismisses cities’ lawsuit over termination of climate justice grants

The ruling creates uncertainty for air, water and resilience programs. “We will continue to fight for communities across the country,” an Earthjustice attorney said.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated Sept. 3, 2025

Complete streets policy scores show gains

With Biden administration support, small and large cities developed better policies for safer street designs, the latest report found, but future support is uncertain.

By Dan Zukowski • June 27, 2025

House bill would rescind $3.1B from transportation equity grants

If enacted, some 78 projects funded by the Neighborhood Access and Equity program would be at risk of losing grants previously awarded.

By Dan Zukowski • May 5, 2025

Nearly half of US residents breathe unhealthy air: report

American Lung Association officials call for city leaders to speak up for federal support of air quality research amid record pollution levels.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 23, 2025

$100K won’t cover basic costs for a family in 25 of the top metros, report finds

The “magic number” salary that ensures financial stability is changing, the authors wrote.

By Ginger Christ • April 18, 2025