ACEEE: 32 cities improve energy efficiency score; Boston tops list

Boston, New York and Seattle topped the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's biannual scorecard that ranks 51 U.S. cities on energy-saving efforts.

By Kristin Musulin , Jackie Snow • May 16, 2017

New York’s Department of Sanitation bans polystyrene foam — again

The city announced a new ban that will start in November following a council hearing on recycling the material.

By Cole Rosengren • May 15, 2017

Detroit sets its sights on the next generation of tech workers

The changes in Motor City are a prime example of what certain companies are willing to do to attract tech talent to legacy brands.

By Tess Taylor • May 11, 2017

Pump the brakes: Cities aim to eliminate traffic fatalities with Vision Zero goals

Vision Zero, started in 1990s Sweden, is catching on across the US as cities look to make their roads safer.

By Jackie Snow • May 11, 2017

Secure communications for critical infrastructure? There’s a network for that

Private network service provider Full Spectrum recently announced plans to deploy a nationwide wireless data service for mission critical communications.

By Jackie Snow • May 11, 2017

Atlanta’s I-85 bridge replacement set to open May 15, a month ahead of schedule

Contractor C.W. Matthews will be eligible for an early-completion bonus of $3.1 million, bringing the total contract cost to $16.6 million.

By Kim Slowey • May 11, 2017

How architects and builders can combat sea level rise through design

Architects and engineers are taking the lead to come up with creative methods to tackle the looming threat facing waterfront properties.

By Kim Slowey • May 11, 2017

Survey: Smart cities ‘failing’ residents with disabilities

Fewer than one in five global experts surveyed for a new "smart cities for all" guidebook could name a city that uses ICT accessibility standards. 

By Jackie Snow • May 10, 2017

Draining the swamp: How DC is remaking its water treatment system

The nation's capital wants to eliminate combined sewer overflows with 18 miles of new tunnels and green infrastructure programs.

By Jackie Snow • May 10, 2017

Atlanta makes room for tiny houses with zoning change

Citing housing affordability concerns, City Council members voted to update zoning rules to allow for accessory dwelling units on lots already zoned for duplexes.

By Mary Tyler March • May 10, 2017

In Massachusetts, utilities take a collaborative approach to EV infrastructure

The state wants to see a 50-fold increase in electric vehicles, prompting a novel charging buildout approach from utilities.

By Robert Walton • May 10, 2017

The truth about law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology

Retired NYPD officer Roger Rodriguez, who helped establish the NYPD's first facial recognition technology (FRT) unit, discusses why FRT is a useful tool in law enforcement.

May 9, 2017

NRDC study finds tap water contaminants in all 50 states

There were more than 80,000 reported violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) by community water systems in 2015, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

By Jackie Snow • May 9, 2017

NYC encourages locals to ‘make the basket’ in anti-litter campaign

The Department teamed up with NYC Parks and the New York Knicks for the campaign, dubbed "Trash Talk New York."

By Kristin Musulin • May 9, 2017

NYC issues preliminary climate resiliency design guidelines

The guide aims to help city agencies, architects and engineers minimize the effects of climate change as they plan their construction projects. 

By Kim Slowey • May 9, 2017

When tech comes to town: How corporate hubs are driving community development

Tech companies bring more than direct employment benefits, as their presence can be a catalyst for new transportation, housing and entertainment options.

By Kim Slowey • May 9, 2017

New NOAA tool shows which US counties are at risk for future flooding

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Explorer can help builders decide where and how to build based on climate-change risks.

By Mary Tyler March • May 9, 2017

US mayors launch task force to shape Trump’s infrastructure plans

The group, led by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, will attempt to help align the administration's future proposal with the cities' priorities.

By Kim Slowey • May 9, 2017

Boulder plans to double EV charging ports by summer

The progressive Colorado city wants to use a $100,000 grant from a nonprofit to boost the number of electric vehicles on the road. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 8, 2017

UPDATE: Maryland Gov. Hogan signs 2 bills to increase focus on organics processing

Supporters believe the bills could put Maryland on a path to eventually passing an organics diversion requirement similar to existing laws in Northeast states.

By Cole Rosengren • May 7, 2017

All options on table in Boston’s new ‘zero waste’ planning process — even franchising

With every contract up for renewal in 2019, New England's biggest city will conduct a wholesale re-evaluation of solid waste policy.

By Cole Rosengren • May 5, 2017

California’s storage incentive program opens to strong battery demand

Tesla and AMS lead in allocations for large-scale storage in the first round of SGIP allocations. 

By Peter Maloney • May 5, 2017

Florida lawmakers pass bill to eliminate property taxes on solar panels

The legislation was part of a pro-solar ballot initiative that Florida voters overwhelmingly embraced last summer.

By Robert Walton • May 5, 2017

Highland Park, MI sets bold new course for its downtown district

Mayor Hubert Yopp knows where the city has been, and now he wants to know where it is going. 

By Joe Nickol • May 4, 2017

If it’s not smart, it’s broken: Kansas City’s Edison Award tells story of success and purpose

For cities contemplating the transition from broken to smart, let Kansas City be your guide.

By Deborah Barrington • May 4, 2017