ARPA funds used to fill city budget gaps, Brookings analysis finds

Spending American Rescue Plan Act funds on “revenue replacement” allowed localities to free up money for long-term priorities, such as economic development, a Brookings Metro researcher said.

By Kalena Thomhave • April 21, 2023

Cybersecurity best practices for smart cities issued by CISA

Smart city technologies are at risk “of exploitation for espionage and for financial or political gain by malicious threat actors,” according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

By Michael Brady • April 21, 2023

How an arts program supported Seattle public housing residents during redevelopment project

Public housing units nationwide need repairs and renovations. This arts program offers one way to ease the burden on residents during redevelopment, according to a Seattle Housing Authority report.

By Michael Brady • April 17, 2023

On infrastructure jobs, OSHA steps up workplace safety enforcement

As federal funds flood into construction projects thanks to the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is concerned about protecting workers in the infrastructure sector.

By Julie Strupp • April 12, 2023

NYC launches online portal for city services, benefits

Mayor Eric Adams said the online portal, dubbed MyCity, would make it easier for residents to apply for benefits by reducing bureaucracy and red tape.

By Michael Brady • March 31, 2023

Which US cities showed ‘inclusive growth’ during the pandemic?

Some of the largest cities were “tested” while slightly smaller cities were more resilient or emergent, according to measures of growth used in a new report.

By Kalena Thomhave • March 30, 2023

Building music ecosystems can strengthen local economies and tourism, advocates say

Efforts in Huntsville, Alabama, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrate “the external benefit of music on everything else,” said one speaker at a Brookings webinar on music’s role in transformative placemaking.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • March 29, 2023

Atlanta transit agency’s $2.7B expansion program will get city council-mandated audit

The “More MARTA Atlanta” program initially consisted of 17 projects with the first to be completed by 2025. The agency has since reduced the scope and extended the timeline.

By Dan Zukowski • March 22, 2023

E-scooter bans, restrictions can leave some riders behind

Micromobility companies like Lime and Bird urge cities to think beyond “blunt” policies that ban e-scooters.

By Maylin Tu • March 22, 2023

Cities see hyperlocal ‘activity centers’ as key to sustainable growth, less car dependency

Most metropolitan area residents live within three miles of an activity center, according to Brookings Institution research. Officials are planning around such centers to help residents meet their everyday needs while driving less.

By Gaby Galvin • March 21, 2023

Q&A

On climate change, this group of mayors thinks globally and acts locally

Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright discusses how the organization is helping mayors lead on climate policy and implement provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and 2021 infrastructure law.

By Michael Brady • March 17, 2023

California court defends independent contractor status for gig workers

A California court upheld the independent contractor provision of Prop 22 but struck down portions that would’ve made it almost impossible to amend the law. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 14, 2023

Can tech startups make delivery less of a headache for cities?

The proliferation of delivery services was a boon during the pandemic, but traffic, parking and labor concerns have followed. Tech and startup leaders spoke recently about how to reduce those impacts.

By Maylin Tu • March 13, 2023

More than $175B in housing investments in Biden budget proposal

One $10 billion mandatory measure would create incentives for state and local governments to eliminate barriers to affordable housing, such as restrictive zoning. 

By Michael Brady • March 10, 2023

National League of Cities calls for congressional action to improve rail safety

The letter calls for specific improvements to rail safety as legislators consider new bipartisan action in response to the Ohio train derailment in February.

By Dan Zukowski • March 6, 2023

White House releases national cyber strategy, shifting security burden

“We ask individuals, small businesses and local governments to shoulder a significant burden for defending us all. This isn’t just unfair, it’s ineffective,” said Kemba Walden, acting national cyber director, during a call with reporters.

By David Jones • March 3, 2023

Boston hires its first nightlife economy director

Boston’s nightlife economy director aims to help the city reimagine its late-night business scene, which has yet to recover since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, while placing equity at the fore.

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 28, 2023