Seattle outlines 7 priorities for autonomous vehicle adoption

Robotaxi policies should factor in equity, workforce training, safety and environmental concerns, diverse city residents said.

By Dan Zukowski • June 11, 2025

5 takeaways from Trump’s proposed 2026 budget for rail and public transit

Amtrak would be spared budget cuts, while public transit could get a 1.5% funding boost.

By Dan Zukowski • June 6, 2025

Can California high-speed rail survive without federal funds?

While the California High-Speed Rail Authority looks for a path forward, some believe additional state or private funding will be hard to find.

By Dan Zukowski • June 5, 2025

[Podcast] Key trends in urban mobility transformation

In this podcast series, explore trending topics related to the larger theme of urban mobility transformation challenges and opportunities.

By Smart Cities Dive's studioID • June 4, 2025

Chicago-area public transit faces up to 40% service cuts

The Illinois General Assembly ended its legislative session without resolving a $770 million budget gap affecting train, bus and commuter service across Northern Illinois.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated June 13, 2025

Californians leap at state e-bike voucher offer

The popular program offsets e-bike costs for low-income residents and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • May 30, 2025

California high-speed rail project seeks outside investors

Facing possible loss of federal grants, the authority leading the $128 billion project looks for new funding sources.

By Dan Zukowski • May 22, 2025

Federal grantees reckon with loss of ‘generational’ recycling funding under Trump

The administration has canceled or limited grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding, changing how plastics and organics recyclers view the federal government.

By Jacob Wallace • May 22, 2025

DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments

Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 22, 2025

DOJ opens investigation after Chicago mayor touts Black hires

The department took issue with comments the mayor made at a public event Sunday, in which he identified six high-level positions held by Black workers.

By Emilie Shumway • May 21, 2025

Judge stops DOT action against New York congestion pricing

A federal court judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Department of Transportation from imposing punitive actions as a deadline passed for New York to end its tolling program.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated May 28, 2025

Washington governor signs laws regulating landfills, expanding organics service and more

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed five laws, including ones that affected renewable natural gas, PFAS in biosolids and plastic bags.

By Cole Rosengren , Jacob Wallace • May 20, 2025

Republican budget squeezes out of House committee, but deeper IRA cuts could come

Deficit hawks voted to advance the legislation for now but said they negotiated for more cuts to clean energy incentives.

By Diana DiGangi • May 20, 2025

How states are thinking about organic waste policy

Panelists from Divert, CalRecycle and NRDC discussed lessons that can be learned from a rising number of state organic waste policies in California and elsewhere.

By Jacob Wallace • May 19, 2025

Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases

In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 19, 2025

EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards

The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.

By Megan Quinn • May 15, 2025

NYC launches ‘microhub’ pilot to reduce truck delivery congestion, pollution

Dedicated spaces for delivery trucks allow last-mile deliveries to be made by cargo bikes, pushcarts and zero-emission vehicles.

By Danielle McLean • May 15, 2025

Federal safety agency asks Tesla for details of its planned robotaxis

Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously announced plans to launch driverless ride-hailing services in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area this year.

By Dan Zukowski • May 15, 2025

Congress could soon revoke California’s vehicle emissions standards

State and local authority over air quality will be jeopardized if Congress revokes California’s auto emissions limits, experts say.

By Dan Zukowski • May 14, 2025

Washington governor signs rent control into law

The new measure sets a 7% plus interest limit on rent increases, capped at 10%.

By Mary Salmonsen • May 14, 2025

Mayors flag Medicaid cuts as a public safety issue

The U.S. Conference of Mayors warns Congress that benefit cuts can increase mental health crises and substance abuse, diverting police from violent crime.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 13, 2025

Mayors call arrest of Newark, N.J., mayor ‘deeply troubling’

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest during his attempt to inspect a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility raised concerns about federal overreach.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 12, 2025

How LA hoteliers can prepare for Olympics, World Cup amid a complex operating environment

Hotel employers, labor unions, city officials and industry associations will need to work together to ensure Los Angeles offers a world-class experience to visitors, writes attorney Lara Shortz.

By Lara Shortz • May 9, 2025

Trump’s second 50 days: The impact on local governments

President Donald Trump, his cabinet and the Department of Government Efficiency are changing federal policy and funding streams, creating wide-ranging implications for local governments.

By Smart Cities Dive Staff • May 9, 2025

NOAA stops tracking cost of extreme weather and climate disasters

The data can't be replicated by city and state governments, scientists say.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 9, 2025