The latest front for smart city tech? Rat control

Somerville, Massachusetts, is piloting new rodent control technology. “We wanted to look into ways we could automate the system, collect more data and target our efforts a little more efficiently," the city's "rat czar" said.

By Cailin Crowe • March 8, 2022

Local governments must be proactive to save dying shopping centers

American shopping centers may soon see more foot traffic than they have in years.

By Wes Guckert, PTP • March 7, 2022

Fullerton, California, to fund smart city projects with energy savings

The $8.4 million energy efficiency project is expected to save the city $12.1 million and support the implementation of technology like LED streetlights. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 7, 2022

Citizens want authentic engagement opportunities, not just notifications

It's up to governments to build digital on-ramps to help citizens overcome community engagement barriers. With modern solutions and professional support, digital engagement can become an everyday event for any community.

By Andrea Facini • March 7, 2022

5 ways job order contracting shortens the construction procurement timeline

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.According ...

By Ana-Maria Dimand, Ph.D., Randy Horn • March 3, 2022

Public pension funds moving to divest from Russian markets

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.With sweep...

By Andy Castillo • March 2, 2022

Six ways states could help cities and towns implement climate solutions

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Cities, to...

By Dr. Elizabeth Sawin • March 2, 2022

DC cash payment program improved mental health, food security: report

The effort distributed $5,500 in direct cash payments to nearly 600 low-income D.C. residents. It highlights the benefits of unrestricted cash payment or guaranteed income programs, an Urban Institute report concluded. 

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 28, 2022

California’s $15 minimum wage begins this year. Debate on the next increase has already begun.

Advocates say the change is needed to keep up with living costs, but one management-side attorney said municipal governments may struggle to adapt.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 25, 2022

Philadelphia maps out its first-ever digital equity plan

The five-year plan aims to target the digital divide with certain smart city solutions, including piloting the use of city assets like transportation infrastructure and street furniture to enable new fixed wireless networks.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 23, 2022

Telework is here to stay, but what does that mean for wage tax revenue?

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.It’s been ...

By Andy Castillo • Feb. 22, 2022

Global sustainability network helps local governments share green procurement practices

Global sustainability network helps local governments share green procurement practices

By Michael Keating • Feb. 22, 2022

Procurement + legislation: Maximizing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

In just more than a year since its passing, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has provided $185 billion to thousands of infrastructure projects across the United States.

By Jarrod McAdoo • Feb. 22, 2022

States can reduce the cost of tax compliance for businesses with uniformity and tech

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Whether it...

By Scott Peterson • Feb. 21, 2022

Oh, the times are a-changing: A comprehensive look at some of the government trends of the future

The expression “there is no constant, except for change” has been a truism for government and educational teams as ever-changing challenges have been thrust upon them in an unprecedented manner.

By Tammy Rimes, MPA • Feb. 20, 2022

Small cities seek to compete for historic infrastructure funds

Under new White House guidance, smaller communities, like Mount Vernon, Washington, may have an easier time applying for grant funding.

By Austyn Gaffney • Feb. 17, 2022

Strategies that make universal broadband access a reality are needed

As the federal government readies $65 billion for broadband adoption, local leaders should make thoughtful, culturally-responsive strategies that connect all of our communities, writes the CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.  

By Antonio Tijerino • Feb. 16, 2022

Sheltered homelessness down 8% amid COVID emergency measures: HUD report

Advocates say the decrease in people experiencing homelessness shows the need for permanent government aid. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 15, 2022

Two years out, transportation leaders reflect on pandemic changes

Faced with a drastic loss of riders and revenues in early 2020, transit executives refocused their planning around equity, economics and community engagement, they said in a recent webinar.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 15, 2022

Local leaders offer incentives to boost public engagement in city planning

Cities are offering gift cards, checks, food and services to residents to achieve more equitable participation in planning. But true engagement needs to be more than transactional, community organizers say.

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 15, 2022

Replica CEO talks data privacy and lessons learned from Portland Metro project

As the world nears the two-year anniversary of pandemic lockdowns, Nick Bowden discusses how COVID-19 has impacted urban planning and offers advice for city leaders to respond with privacy-friendly data practices. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 14, 2022

To confront gun violence, San Jose, California, tries requiring insurance

The city, which has seen three mass shootings in three years, is one of several localities to try new approaches to prevent gun violence with the help of new funding from the Biden administration. 

By Austyn Gaffney • Feb. 10, 2022

To prevent evictions, cities should take a multifaceted approach, NLC report says

A new National League of Cities report says cities can tailor eviction policies to meet the unique needs of their communities with interventions such as legal and financial assistance, hotlines, and resources.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 7, 2022

Report: Government work might not always pay as well as the private sector, but the benefits are better

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Local gove...

By Andy Castillo • Feb. 7, 2022

San Francisco mayor proposes loosening landmark surveillance ordinance

The proposal aims to provide law enforcement with real-time access to camera footage in a bid to address increased rates of crime. But privacy experts caution it would result in significant civil liberties consequences. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 4, 2022