NYC seeks proposals to add banking chips to municipal ID cards

Such a plan can help ensure that vulnerable citizens are not left behind as cities move to increasingly cash-less economies. 

By Jason Plautz • June 4, 2018

Finalists announced in Canada Smart Cities Challenge

The 20 on the shortlist, whittled down from more than 130 applications, emphasized economic opportunity, empowerment and inclusion.

By Chris Teale • June 1, 2018

NLC: Mayors have a ‘hopeful vibe’ on economic development

The "State of Cities 2018" report found city leaders are concerned about workforce development and want better partners at the state and federal levels.

By Chris Teale • May 31, 2018

San Francisco subpoenas Uber, Lyft for driver wage information

The request comes after a California Supreme Court ruling that set new requirements for companies using independent contractors, including that they provide fair wages and benefits.

By Jason Plautz • May 31, 2018

Recent floods overshadow ongoing mitigation projects in Ellicott City, MD

After significant investment following 2016 floods where only 30% of recovery efforts had been completed, the city has once again been devastated by the latest storms. 

By Chris Teale • May 30, 2018

Supreme Court rules that police must obtain warrant to search vehicles on private property

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that police must have a warrant to search a vehicle that is parked on private property.

By Jason Axelrod • May 29, 2018

San Francisco opens applications for yearlong dockless scooter pilot

The pilot will give five companies permits to operate up to 500 scooters each, but those who do not comply with the new requirements will face hefty fines and even rejection of permit applications.

By Kristin Musulin • May 29, 2018

DC partners with Nextdoor to improve election turnout

Nextdoor hopes to solve an information gap around elections that city officials say hinder turnout, a problem even more pronounced during midterm elections.

By Jason Plautz • May 29, 2018

Report: Most large US cities earn high marks for public health policies

The CityHealth initiative explored nine policy areas, including affordable housing, Complete Streets and pre-K, in the 40 largest U.S. cities.

By Chris Teale • May 25, 2018

Spin makes ‘partnership promise’ to get permission from cities before launches

After missteps in several jurisdictions by their competitors, the dockless bike-share company pledged to "respect the rule of law."

By Jason Plautz • May 25, 2018

US Census: Texas is home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities

Outside of Texas, the top population gains were in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle and Charlotte, NC.

By Jason Plautz • May 25, 2018

NYC launches regional data mapping website

The Metro Region Explorer has information on population, economics and housing on the city’s five boroughs, upstate New York, Long Island and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.

By Chris Teale • May 25, 2018

San Diego works to give its employers a leg up in recruiting

The city joins a growing list of governments offering employers free resources to aid them in the war for talent.

By Riia O'Donnell • May 24, 2018

New Orleans zoning proposal would end some short-term home rentals

The zoning change could lead to a permanent ban on homeowners using platforms such as Airbnb.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2018

Report: Spending on urban parks increased in 2018, but more access needed

The Trust For Public Land found that cities spent $7.5 billion on parks in 2018, while 70% of U.S. residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

By Chris Teale • May 23, 2018

US House bill would direct Commerce Department to study IoT devices

The SMART IoT Act would be the "first step" toward formalizing the federal government's relationship with the burgeoning industry.

By Chris Teale • May 23, 2018

Amazon offering facial recognition tech to police, sparking civil rights debate

The availability of big data and surveillance technology means police departments can take innovative approaches to public safety — a move that also carries warnings of "Big Brother."

By Jason Plautz • May 23, 2018

Seattle repeals head tax amid heavy opposition

The 7-2 vote to overturn the tax came as the city council faced significant opposition from businesses and voters.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated June 13, 2018

Minneapolis unveils plan to ‘undo’ history of housing segregation

Mayor Jacob Frey released a $50 million proposal to preserve affordable housing units and build new ones — a key campaign pledge.

By Chris Teale • May 22, 2018

Community pushes back on plans for 1st transit-oriented district in Nashville, TN

The Donelson suburb would have new apartments, condos and retail around an existing train stop, but community members worry about the impacts on affordable housing.

By Chris Teale • May 21, 2018

Transit leaders: Lack of funding leads to negative economic consequences

A report found that there is a $90 billion backlog in restoration and modernization, while businesses lose almost $60 billion a year in revenue from unreliable public transportation.

By Chris Teale • May 18, 2018

Report urges local governments to organize the ‘chaos’ of dockless bike-share

ITDP highlighted success stories in Dublin and Guangzhou, China, where both issued guidelines and a code of conduct to control dockless bike-share. 

By Chris Teale • May 18, 2018

Paris starts study on free public transportation for all

Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced the ambitious proposal as part of wider efforts to curb emissions and improve the environment in the French capital.

By Chris Teale • May 17, 2018

Siemens: Los Angeles must transform energy, transit systems to hit sustainability goals

The report calls for the city to move to 100% renewable electricity and 45% passenger travel by transit and active transport by 2050.

By Kristin Musulin • May 17, 2018

DC Mayor Bowser calls for tiered ride-hailing tax system

Bowser and the city council have gone head-to-head since the council proposed raising the tax on Uber, Lyft and Via services from 1% to 6%.

By Kristin Musulin • Updated May 24, 2018