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

City leaders ‘disappointed’ in lack of progress on Trump infrastructure plan

Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC, said more must be done, such as a raise in the federal gas tax to provide more funding.

By Chris Teale • May 16, 2018

Search ongoing in Nashville, TN for driver who hit 2 Bird scooter riders

This latest incident brings more attention to the proliferation of dockless bike-share and scooter companies in U.S. cities and the lack of infrastructure to keep up with their growth.

By Chris Teale • May 15, 2018

Johns Hopkins University opens government employee training center

The Center for Government Excellence will offer online and in-person courses on data analytics and community engagement for government employees and residents.

By Chris Teale • May 15, 2018

Cities urged to create ‘atmosphere for success’ for vulnerable communities

At a panel discussion at the Smart Cities New York conference, leaders said poorer neighborhoods must not be further left behind by private industry and governments.

By Chris Teale • May 14, 2018

Top 5 takeaways from Smart Cities New York 2018

Cities must now lead where states and the federal government are not was a key lesson from the two-day conference.

By Chris Teale • May 14, 2018

Bloomberg Philanthropies to invest $43M in arts program across 7 cities

Invitation-only applications to the Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) program close in June, with selected recipients to be awarded in August.

By Jason Plautz • May 14, 2018

Canada infrastructure minister touts diversity as strength in smart city projects

Amarjeet Sohi said the 130 applications in the Smart Cities Challenge will be compiled and released publicly so jurisdictions can try and learn from each other.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2018

NYC Mayor de Blasio urges cities to understand, utilize their power

At the start of the Smart Cities New York conference, de Blasio said the onus is on cities to lead whenever the federal government fails to provide leadership.

By Chris Teale • May 10, 2018

More delivery robots could soon hit DC streets

City Council approved a bill that would expand the pilot program citywide and allow more than five on the street at once.

By Chris Teale • May 9, 2018

Trust between government, citizens key in ensuring all benefit from new developments

At a panel discussion at The Aspen Institute, speakers said officials must manage expectations while acknowledging they will not make everybody happy.

By Chris Teale • May 8, 2018

Oakland, CA bill would heavily regulate city’s use of surveillance technology

Among the provisions, departments must submit a “technology impacts report” to the city’s civilian-led Privacy Advisory Commission.

By Chris Teale • May 8, 2018