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

Bucking Trump, US cities press ahead on clean energy, climate goals

More than two dozen cities now have renewable energy commitments, putting them on the front lines of climate action in the Trump era. 

By Jackie Snow • May 4, 2017

OR tiny house bill moves to state Senate

Lawmakers cited the housing shortage as a primary motivator for the building code change, which applies to prefab and site-built homes of less than 400 square feet.  

By Katy Tomasulo • May 4, 2017

US mayors urge cities to transition to renewable energy sources

The new Mayors for 100% Clean Energy national initiative encourages municipalities to make the pledge ahead of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in June.

By Mary Tyler March • May 3, 2017

Trump tax plan leaves infrastructure out

Some lawmakers were expecting President Donald Trump to earmark tax revenue from the repatriation of corporate earnings for infrastructure spending.

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2017

Thousands of businesses, groups lobby for defense of EPA Energy Star program

Organized by the Alliance to Save Energy, the groups argue the voluntary efficiency program is among the most successful public-private partnerships in U.S. history.

By Robert Walton • April 27, 2017

Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood bears the brunt of Norfolk Southern’s expansion

A tight, highly congested rail passenger vehicle route highlights an outdated infrastructure and the rift between railroad interests and those of their home-owning neighbors.

By Jennifer McKevitt • April 27, 2017

Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit among winners of Knight Foundation smart city grants

Six cities won $200,000 grants last week to develop strategic smart city plans and improve access to municipal data. 

By Jackie Snow • April 26, 2017

New autonomous vehicle guide helps cities prepare for a driverless future

The National League of Cities says planners should start planning infrastructure upgrades for AVs today, regardless of where they are in trials and testing.

By Jackie Snow • April 25, 2017

Missouri utility regulators say they do not have jurisdiction over EV chargers

The decision could mean less investment by utilities in electric vehicle infrastructure, advocates say. 

By Robert Walton • April 25, 2017

New York council member calls for stronger ‘zero waste’ plan

Ben Kallos' bills would mandate 100% diversion by 2030 and the placement of recycling and composting cans in public spaces.

By Cole Rosengren • April 24, 2017

Streamlining smart: Cleantech San Diego’s CEO on building the city of tomorrow

By linking city officials with its members, Jason Anderson's trade group is facilitating San Diego's integration of smart technologies and transition to 100% renewable energy.

By Jackie Snow • April 24, 2017

Park paths are paved with material made of recycled tires

Park visitors in Florida walk through the parks on sturdy 8-foot-wide paths. The paths were installed with Porous Pave XL, a pour-in-place permeable paving material.

By Michael Keating • April 24, 2017

Study: Berkeley soda tax reduced sales of sugary drinks 10%

In its first year, the California city's tax raised $1.4 million for child nutrition and community health programs, researchers found.

By Keith Loria • April 24, 2017

Rising sea levels start to take a toll on coastal housing

Zillow analysis found that 300 cities would lose half or more of their housing stock by 2100; 36 coastal cities could be completely submerged.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 24, 2017

A look at 2017’s greenest states — and how they’re pushing cities toward a smart future

A study from WalletHub details the states with the best (and worst) environmental policies, highlighting everything from air quality to waste diversion rates.

By Jackie Snow • April 20, 2017

Wal-Mart launches ambitious project to cut emissions from supply chain

The retail giant's effort, dubbed “Project Gigaton,” aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by one billion tons by 2030.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2017

Virginia launches nation’s first business accelerator for smart city development

The program consists of a 90-day boot camp for chosen startups that will be mentored and given resources to test ideas.

By Jackie Snow • April 19, 2017