The state of smart city development in 7 charts

A survey of nearly 650 utility, municipal, commercial and community stakeholders from across the U.S. found significant trends and perspectives regarding smart city progress.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 18, 2018

Amazon unveils top 20 contenders for HQ2

Let the jockeying begin: Amazon will make a final decision this year after a deeper dive into each city's potential.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 18, 2018

Future of NYC plastic bag policy unclear after inconclusive state report

Supporters of the city's preempted $0.05 fee are crying foul after a state task force declined to take a position on the issue.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 18, 2018

Joining climate fight, Los Angeles considers suit against oil giants

This immediately follows New York City's decision to divest its pension funds and sue five major oil companies for their impacts on global warming.  

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 17, 2018

‘Textalyzers’ may help Chicago police reduce distracted driving

The devices would inform police if someone was using their phone when a crash occurred.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2018

Report: City planners should treat traffic deaths like a public health issue

Treating traffic fatalities like a preventable disease could cut down on the 1.25 million traffic deaths each year, according to the World Research Institute.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2018

Chicago learns from other cities’ experiences to develop CityKey

The all-in-one municipal ID card, designed for all Chicagoans, will be available this spring.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2018

Amazon could be leaning toward Boston for new HQ2

The company's leasing efforts in the seaport city mimic the first phase of its HQ2 plan.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 12, 2018

San Antonio develops committee to advance smart city goals

The committee will focus on enhancing cybersecurity, promoting digital inclusion, improving mobility, expanding municipal broadband and pursuing economic opportunity.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 11, 2018

Inside the mind of Silicon Valley’s chief privacy officer

Mike Shapiro, Santa Clara County's first CPO, discussed why the demand for privacy protection points to an emerging leadership opportunity in local governance.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 11, 2018

Cities expand borders through annexations

Sometimes cities outgrow their limits. Other times, they expand to accomplish specific economic development goals.

By Jason Axelrod • Jan. 10, 2018

To build an inclusive smart city, look through an age-friendly lens

As the aging population expands, some cities are implementing strategic plans to ensure the needs of seniors are met — especially in terms of mobility and housing.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 2018

Nashville to require more transparency from businesses seeking city incentives

Under a new ordinance, businesses will have to disclose hiring and operational practices in order to receive incentives.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 2018

DC CDO to serve as CTO on an interim basis

Effective today, the city's Chief Data Officer Barney Krucoff will fill the role of interim chief technology officer following Archana Vemulapalli's departure.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 8, 2018

Atlanta issues RFP to advance smart city ‘strategic infrastructure initiative’

Atlanta DPW Commissioner William Johnson said the city is looking to build its "backbone infrastructure" to support new technology advancements.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 4, 2018

California cities adjust to recreational marijuana legalization

The state's recreational marijuana market is forecast to be valued at $63.5 billion by 2024.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 3, 2018

6 trends that will define smart cities in 2018

From 5G to microtransit, cities will face significant tech, transportation and innovation advancements in the new year. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 3, 2018

Boston establishes $10M private donor fund to combat homelessness

The fund will be used to create 200 units of long-term housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 3, 2018

Trump disputes funding for $13B Hudson River tunnel project

Project officials say they received financial commitment for the New York-New Jersey tunnel from the Obama administration — an assertion the FTA said is not correct.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 3, 2018

NYC to install 1,500 sidewalk barriers to protect pedestrians

The permanent metal bollards are intended to address security threats, streamline pedestrian traffic and maintain safe public spaces.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 2, 2018

Hurricane Harvey recovery puts the squeeze on Houston’s training centers

Though the 2017 hurricane season resulted in job losses for some industries, demand for skilled construction workers is booming.

By Riia O'Donnell • Jan. 2, 2018

Arkansas commission calls for ‘sustainable’ P3 to advance data analytics

The commission was formed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson in March 2017 to study opportunities for economic growth in relation to computer science.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 29, 2017

10 additional cities sign Chicago Climate Charter

The international charter on climate change now represents 67 cities including Los Angeles, Vancouver and Boulder, CO. 

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 28, 2017

Crime in the 30 largest US cities declined in 2017

The average crime rate dropped 2.7% compared to 2016, while the murder rate declined by 5.6%

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 22, 2017

Sustainable sourcing is more cost-effective than you think

Cost reduction and a focus on social responsibility are driving sustainability in the supply chain.

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 22, 2017