Governance & Finance
-
Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
California High-Speed Rail Authority’s ‘wasteful’ spending criticized by its inspector general
The watchdog questioned over $2 million in expenses the authority paid for consultants while facing a financial crisis.
By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 23, 2026 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
As AI threats grow, governors propose more guardrails — including a ‘kill switch’
California, New York and Illinois governors unveiled AI oversight initiatives. President Donald Trump has pledged not to hinder the industry’s momentum.
By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 23, 2026 -
Alex Wong via Getty Images
US DOT’s new road safety plan emphasizes reducing congestion, national AV strategy
The 2026 National Roadway Safety Strategy gives priority to rural and tribal communities while relying on advanced technology to reduce preventable crashes.
By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 21, 2026 -
Andrew Harnik/Getty via Getty Images
OpenAI, GSA extend discounted AI services to local governments
A multiyear agreement removes a $15 monthly licensing fee for governments. The federal arrangement with the AI provider will extend to local governments for the first time.
By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 21, 2026 -
Jon Cherry via Getty Images
Local water projects on path to federal support as WRDA 2026 clears House
The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 targets flood protection, ports, waterways and water supply while giving communities more tools to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 18, 2026 -
Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
OpinionWhy the U.S. can’t build high-speed rail — and how to change that
A national railroad infrastructure bank could bring federal, state and private-sector interests together to build and operate HSR corridors, a Commuter Rail Coalition board member writes.
By Jonathan McDonald • Sept. 17, 2026 -
Ethan Miller via Getty Images
Las Vegas high-speed rail project may hinge on $6B federal loan
Brightline’s passenger rail projects in Florida and California haven’t made required equity and bond payments. Can they continue without new financing?
By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 16, 2026 -
Getty Images
Utility costs could put pressure on cities’ finances, S&P experts warn
S&P Global analysts see a “simmering risk” from high electricity and water costs but momentum in affordable housing and sustainable debt.
By Vicky Uhland • Sept. 16, 2026 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Cities, states sue DHS over plan to deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits
The change would shift costs to local governments and discourage eligible residents from accessing benefits, the lawsuits allege.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 15, 2026 -
John M. Chase via Getty Images
To speed development, Prince William County, Virginia, is nixing a ‘waiting period’ for legal review
Residential and commercial developers can receive a conditional approval stamp for projects moving through pre-construction processes while legal reviews are still underway.
By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 14, 2026 -
Permission granted by Hourcar
2026 Smart Cities Dive Community Project Award Winners: Solving real community needs
Addressing energy costs, housing, transportation and community engagement, these initiatives exemplify the innovation that helps cities and counties improve residents’ lives.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 10, 2026 -
Permission granted by City of Durham
The Smart Cities Dive Awards
To highlight notable people and projects in U.S. city, county and regional government, Smart Cities Dive presents the Public Service Awards and the Community Project Awards.
By Rachel H. Pollack • Sept. 10, 2026 -
Steven Kriemadis via Getty Images
Tariff uncertainty shaking border city ‘to the core,’ mayor says
The U.S. trade fight with Canada is causing businesses to cut back on investment and hiring, Rochester Hills, Michigan, Mayor Bryan Barnett says.
By Vicky Uhland • Sept. 9, 2026 -
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
Homeless services contracts to get a ‘reset’ in San Francisco
The city plans to reissue more than $500 million in annual grants and contracts, with an emphasis on outcomes.
By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 8, 2026 -
Retrieved from Flickr.
Financing climate resilience: 3 ways cities are pivoting as federal funding dwindles
Local leaders are turning to layered programs, new financing tools and deeper community engagement to prepare for extreme weather.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 4, 2026 -
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via Getty Images
AI oversight still lacking in NYC despite city progress: state audit
The city has “partially implemented” state recommendations to bolster AI governance, the New York State comptroller found.
By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Getty Images
For affordable housing fund, Cleveland embraces private partnerships
The city launched a fund to build up to 3,000 affordable housing units using leftover American Rescue Plan Act money.
By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 2, 2026 -
Getty Images
DOT proposes streamlining land leases along roads, railroads for utility use
Revenues from the leases could fund repairs and upgrades for roads, bridges, tunnels and railroads along the corridors, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation proposal.
By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 28, 2026 -
Getty Images
10 best cities for work, according to a job search site
Indeed’s new report looks beyond salaries, highlighting how cities can balance wages and career opportunities with job access, flexibility and economic opportunity to attract workers.
By Stephanie Kanowitz • Aug. 26, 2026 -
Permission granted by Center for Internet Security
NLC program offers AI to assist local governments with cybersecurity efforts
The National League of Cities is partnering with CyberAlliance to offer an AI-powered platform that provides risk assessments and guidance.
By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 24, 2026 -
The image by Insightwm is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
125-mph passenger trains could connect San Antonio and Austin, Texas, in about an hour: HNTB study
The trains would run on a dedicated rail line and cost about $13.5 billion, according to a feasibility study commissioned by Travis County.
By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 21, 2026 -
Retrieved from Altoona Now.
As states move to cut property taxes, cities brace for fallout
Florida and Oklahoma voters could soon weigh major property tax cuts, and Iowa has capped local revenue growth. The reforms will squeeze local budgets, municipal leaders say.
By Vicky Uhland • Aug. 20, 2026 -
Andrea Booher via Getty Images
FEMA public safety grant policy challenged in city, county lawsuit
Four local governments sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over new requirements that would withhold $200 million in funding unless they verify voter citizenship and switch to paper ballots.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated Aug. 19, 2026 -
Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
Amtrak, cities and states get $5.3B in federal rail grants
Using funds from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded grants to 41 projects across 23 states.
By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 17, 2026 -
Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
California high-speed rail project could run out of money by end of 2027, inspector general says
State infusions of $1 billion a year over 20 years won’t come fast enough to keep construction on track, the authority’s Office of Inspector General said.
By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 14, 2026
