Challenge to Berkeley gas regulation dismissed, a win for cities in carbon emissions fight

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged the city's restrictions on natural gas in new low-rise residential buildings, a major boost for local governments looking to follow suit.

By Chris Teale • July 16, 2021

Bay Area launches five pilot programs targeting region’s housing challenges

Bay Area launches five pilot programs targeting region’s housing challenges

By Andy Castillo • July 15, 2021

Global cities still falling short on governance of smart city tech: report

As many localities adopt new technologies, they often lack basic governance policies around data privacy, accessibility and cybersecurity, according to a World Economic Forum report. 

By Jason Plautz • July 15, 2021

What Works Cities awards 4 cities top honors for data usage

The Bloomberg Philanthropies nonprofit arm recognized 16 cities total for improving city services and promoting civic engagement with data, key factors for a strong COVID-19 response. 

By Chris Teale • July 14, 2021

Too few companies advocate for climate-friendly policies despite lofty goals: report

Only around 40% of the country's top 100 firms lobby for green legislation, according to sustainability nonprofit Ceres. We have "run out of time to waste," a spokesperson said.

By Chris Teale • July 13, 2021

Transit workers risk ‘great ambush’ without federal investment in training, labor leaders say

The INVEST in America Act provides funding for the first national training center for transportation workers, which leaders say will be crucial in addressing a skills gap and a shrinking worker pipeline.

By Chris Teale • July 6, 2021

3 smart-city groups across Arizona, Texas form multistate collaboration

The three regional cooperatives, the North Texas Innovation Alliance, the Connective and the Southern Arizona Smart Region, will work together to advance funding models and promote new technology. 

By Jason Plautz • July 1, 2021

Final eviction moratorium extension provides ‘breathing room’ for cities

The extension comes as millions are behind on rent. The White House followed it with actions to help state and local governments avoid a wave of evictions, an issue discussed at a recent Eviction Lab and Pew Charitable Trusts event. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 30, 2021

How a ‘Digital City Hall’ helped Santa Monica, California, work through COVID-19

Once "drowning under paper," CIO Joseph Cevetello said the city government's strategic planning around technology prepared it for the sharp transition to remote work, even with a 30% workforce reduction.

By Chris Teale • June 25, 2021

Local governments can expand and enhance access to health care

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.Editor’s n...

By Larry Morrissey • June 25, 2021

Ames, Iowa, to host rural broadband research site

Iowa State University and nonprofit US Ignite are among the partners that will explore ways to enhance agriculture and close the digital divide.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2021

Autonomous shuttles still face tech, regulatory barriers to permanent adoption

Low-speed shuttle pilot projects have had some success, including innovative adaptations during the pandemic, but AVs are still years from wide adoption.

By Chris Teale • June 22, 2021

New bill would tax polluters, redirect funds to impacted communities

The Save Our Future Act would invest millions in emissions reduction programs and help areas reliant on fossil fuels transition away from them through direct payments, career training, business development and other programs.

By Chris Teale • June 18, 2021

Why state and local governments need to future-proof their sales tax processes with technology

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.Just over ...

By Liz Armbruester, Scott Peterson • June 17, 2021

Procurement methods go to the head of the class in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

Procurement methods go to the head of the class in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

By David Yarkin • June 15, 2021

A call to action: Moving procurement past its pre-pandemic mindset

A year ago, we were in the midst of an international emergency.

By Marcheta Gillespie • June 15, 2021

At challenge’s conclusion, Smart Columbus to continue its work

With the four-year federal grant funding period at an end, the Ohio organization said it will stay focused on how technology can address societal issues and maintain many of its initiatives.

By Chris Teale • June 15, 2021

Making deals: Cooperative agreements can help governments achieve supplier diversity goals

Making deals: Cooperative agreements can help governments achieve supplier diversity goals

By Michael Keating • June 15, 2021

How local governments can improve bridge projects through strategic engagement

The United States is home to more than 46,000 structurally deficient bridges, according to the latest infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Two out of five bridges are at least 50 years old.

By Michael Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Vincent • June 14, 2021

3 takeaways from NLC’s ‘State of the Cities’ report

Mayors nationwide are prioritizing investing in infrastructure, but they remain concerned about budget shortfalls after the coronavirus pandemic even with federal help on the way.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2021

Lessons from your friendly neighborhood public service employees

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.Much has b...

By Dick Bucci • June 11, 2021

Harris County deploys next-generation security in 150 public buildings

Harris County deploys next-generation security in 150 public buildings

By Michelle Havich • June 10, 2021

NYC bill would have single agency lead smart city tech implementation

The legislation would bring together oversight of a variety of "smart" tech, including streetlights, trash and recycling receptacles, and water, power and gas meters.

By Chris Teale • June 9, 2021

Public procurement can be transformative for stakeholders in a community

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.“Procureme...

By Michael Keating • June 9, 2021

How local governments can get ahead of the infrastructure wave: Strategies to mitigate risk

How local governments can get ahead of the infrastructure wave: Strategies to mitigate risk

By Kenneth M. Roberts, Christina K. Brunka • June 8, 2021