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

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

States sue FEMA over new grant rules

A 12-state coalition claims recent changes unlawfully tie funding to population data they can’t access and shorten timelines so drastically that cities can’t use the money.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Nov. 6, 2025

What to know about federal requests for voter data

The Justice Department is asking states and counties for access to voter rolls. Local officials should pause before sharing the information, legal experts say.

By Danielle McLean • Nov. 5, 2025

Neither rain nor snow nor digitization have stopped local governments from accepting payments by mail

A recent Euna Solutions survey found 83% of local governments still accept payments through the post.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 4, 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

Illinois legislature passes transit-friendly bill

The legislation averts proposed service cuts and fare hikes with $1.5 billion in funding for Chicago’s public transit network.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 3, 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

How Charlottesville, Virginia, is getting its zoning back

The city is settling a lawsuit that left it without a zoning ordinance since this summer.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 29, 2025

California high-speed rail CEO has a plan to get the project back on track

A construction engineer by trade, Ian Choudri hired a new team, reworked the project plan and says it’s time to “build more and go forward.”

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 29, 2025

Steep insurance cost increases loom for commuter rail

With liability insurance costs expected to rise nearly 24% next year, a bipartisan bill would give Amtrak, Brightline and commuter rail operators more time to obtain it.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 20, 2025

As stadium boom resumes, ‘private funding’ often comes with public strings

Cities eager to tout privately financed sports stadiums are still spending big through tax breaks, land deals and public financing that shift costs back to taxpayers.

By Vicky Uhland • Oct. 20, 2025

Great leadership builds more than facilities: Exemplary Public Servant Cory Tobin

The Thomasville, North Carolina, parks and recreation director led development and construction of a state-of-the-art community center that delivers long-term community benefits without raising costs.

By Lori Tobias • Oct. 16, 2025

Chicago transit agencies propose fare hikes, restate 2026 budgets

Hope now rides with the Illinois General Assembly to provide state funding that could prevent rail and bus service cuts.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 15, 2025

How the government shutdown is (and isn’t) impacting housing funds for cities

Previously approved federal housing funding streams remain available, but staff reductions could threaten core functions.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 8, 2025

Florida leaders used state DOGE effort to call out ‘wasteful spending.’ Communities are pushing back.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state CFO primarily criticized funding used for equity and LGBT-related initiatives as wasteful.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 7, 2025

Guiding a small but growing city: Exemplary Public Servant John Noblitt

The Sanger, Texas, city manager obtained more reliable electricity, worked toward a larger wastewater treatment plant and helped attract the city’s first supermarket.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 7, 2025

Trump blocks Chicago funding as Illinois moves forward with $50.6B infrastructure plan

The White House froze $2.1 billion in funding for a transit rail line and a viaduct project as federal and local officials battle over diversity and inclusion.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 7, 2025

Municipalities join forces to conserve more than 2,000 acres of diverse Arizona landscape

The land is on its way to becoming a shared regional park with connected hiking and biking trails.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 3, 2025

Trump administration freezes $18B for NY-NJ region transportation projects

The Transportation Department said a review of the projects would take more time because of the government shutdown.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 2, 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

Horse-drawn carts? High-tech manufacturing? Lancaster County wants to be known for both.

With urban redevelopment, public-private partnerships and diversified manufacturing, the county wants to become a destination for opportunity and growth while honoring its Amish and agrarian roots.

By Michelle Havich • Sept. 15, 2025

Balancing business taxes: A better approach to local tax collections for cities and counties

Budget-strapped cities turn to local business taxes—but are they prepared to manage them effectively?

Sept. 15, 2025

[Podcast] Key trends in urban mobility transformation

In this podcast series, explore trending topics related to the larger theme of urban mobility transformation challenges and opportunities.

By Smart Cities Dive's studioID • Updated July 10, 2025

How one firm uses digital twins to develop large transportation infrastructure projects

The technology can help build buy-in, minimize costly errors and facilitate monitoring and maintenance, a Bentley Systems senior director says.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 9, 2025