Governance

  • Eviction notice on door of house with brass door knob.
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    Bill Oxford via Getty Images

    7 ways cities and states can protect renters from eviction and housing discrimination

    Carl Gershenson of The Eviction Lab at Princeton University shares how local leaders could assist low-income renters who are facing eviction or denied housing, even in the absence of new federal funds.

    By • Aug. 12, 2022
  • A view of homes in San Francisco, California.
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    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images

    California to conduct unprecedented review of San Francisco’s housing approval processes

    While long and complex approval processes that up the cost of housing are common in the U.S., building in San Francisco is especially arduous, the California Department of Housing and Community Development stated.

    By • Aug. 11, 2022
  • Explore the Trendline➔
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
    Trendline

    Vehicle Electrification

    Cities and states are trying to harness the growing electric vehicle market to meet decarbonization goals while ensuring the rollout of these vehicles is being done equitably. Their efforts are aided by an influx of federal support.

    By Smart Cities Dive staff
  • People line up to enter a low building with a sign identifying it as a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. A white car is parked under an awning in front of the building.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

    EV adoption might be hindered by DMV fees: report

    Some of the same states that incentivize EV purchases charge additional fees to EV owners, but they could restructure those fees to align with emissions goals, according to a July RMI report.

    By • Aug. 10, 2022
  • Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) gives the thumbs up as he leaves the Senate Chamber after passage of the Inflation Reduction Act at the U.S. Capitol August 7, 2022 in Washington, DC.
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    Drew Angerer/Getty Images via Getty Images

    Mayors and city leaders voice support for Inflation Reduction Act

    The bill, which passed the Senate on Sunday, represents the largest climate investment in U.S. history and has garnered support from cities seeking to lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost resilience.

    By • Aug. 9, 2022
  • San Francisco's Pit Stop public restroom.
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    Permission granted by San Francisco Public Works
    Deep Dive

    Two cities’ approaches to increasing public bathrooms

    After officials were confronted with problems linked to the lack of public restrooms, San Francisco committed to improving access. In Seattle, a nonprofit is taking the lead.

    By Adina Solomon • Aug. 2, 2022
  • Five white TGV high-speed trains are lined up at a large train station in Paris.
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    Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
    Q&A

    Congressman Seth Moulton looks to bring true high-speed rail to American cities

    A longtime high-speed rail advocate, Moulton wants Congress and the private sector to pave the way for bullet trains across the U.S., saying federal dollars favor highways and development in coastal cities.

    By • Aug. 1, 2022
  • Tulsa skyline with a park, pond, and fountains in the foreground.
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    Davel5957 via Getty Images

    Incentive programs have lured thousands of remote workers from major metro areas to small cities

    Nearly four years have passed since Tulsa Remote began promising $10,000 to workers who’d relocate to the Oklahoma city for at least one year. Here’s where that program and similar efforts stand today.

    By Austyn Gaffney • Aug. 1, 2022
  • A woman in a wheelchair at a train station with several other people walking by, with a train behind them.
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images

    Cities can soon tap into rail station accessibility improvement grants

    The Federal Transit Administration is releasing $343 million in competitive grants through its All Stations Accessibility Program to help bring older rail transit stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    By • July 28, 2022
  • West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is standing, holding a cell phone with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer alongside.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images

    EV tax credits revived in Schumer, Manchin agreement on proposed reconciliation package

    The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 would eliminate the 200,000-unit phase-out of credits for manufacturers, a key concern for automakers and EV buyers. The Senate is expected to vote on it next week as part of a reconciliation package.

    By • July 28, 2022
  • An installed Portland Loo public toilet. Philadelphia plans to install six Portland Loos starting this fall.
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    Permission granted by The Portland Loo
    Deep Dive

    The struggle to find a public toilet

    U.S. cities don't have enough public toilets. Coupled with a homelessness crisis, the shortage brings health and safety concerns. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., are among the cities working toward equitable hygiene.

    By Adina Solomon • July 27, 2022
  • The Bond Air Guardian drone flying in the sky.
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    Permission granted by Bond

    Coral Gables, Florida, deploys drones designed to respond to emergencies sooner than police

    Bond's Air Guardian surveils for threats during large events, identifies suspects during ongoing criminal activity and assesses fires or natural disasters before first responders can arrive. 

    By • July 26, 2022
  • Asbury Park, New Jersey
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    DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images

    Pop-up bike lanes assessed with high-tech and low-tech strategies in New Jersey

    Virtual reality-capture technology, traffic cameras and lidar footage — plus chalk, stencils, and a pool noodle — helped Rutgers University researchers evaluate temporary bike lanes in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

    By Charles Pekow • July 25, 2022
  • A north-facing view of Miami Beach's Ocean Drive with the ocean and condominiums.
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    felixmizioznikov via Getty Images

    Miami Beach pilot aims to address loud cars with noise-detecting cameras

    Following implementation in Knoxville, Tennessee, and New York City, the Florida city is looking to use technology to help crack down on noise violations from vehicles.

    By • July 22, 2022
  • People stand at a subway station identified as 42nd Street in New York City by a large sign on a concrete pillar. A silver train is arriving or departing.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images

    New York state comptroller warns MTA will face 'hard choices' unless ridership and revenue improve

    The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is “facing stark options,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, which could include cuts to subway, bus and train service, and the need for greater attention to capital projects.

    By • July 22, 2022
  • A U.S. Postal Service van on the road.
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    Emma Cosgrove/Smart Cities Dive

    USPS to purchase 40% electric vehicles, expanding previous commitments

    A previous decision to purchase 10% electric vehicles as part of an update to its aging delivery fleet led to pushback, scrutiny and lawsuits.

    By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022
  • The dome of U.S. Capitol is seen framed by trees.
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    Dan Zukowski/Smart Cities Dive

    $84B in transportation law grants awarded so far: Buttigieg says during House hearing

    Amtrak expansion plans, high-speed rail projects, and the nation’s readiness for anticipated EV sales growth were among the topics on which Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg faced questioning.

    By • July 20, 2022
  • A Boston subway train is seen arriving at an elevated station with skyscrapers in the background.
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    Maddie Meyer via Getty Images

    Boston-area transit agency grilled by state legislators on safety lapses

    “A pattern of safety incidents” — including derailments, train collisions and grade crossing fatalities — prompted the Federal Transit Administration to assume safety oversight of the fourth-largest U.S. transit system.

    By • July 19, 2022
  • Abortion-rights demonstrators protest in front of the Supreme Court building following the announcement to the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling on June 25, 2022 in Washington, DC.
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    Brandon Bell/ Getty Images via Getty Images

    Some cities are trying to secure abortion access. Can they succeed?

    City leaders and prosecutors are vowing to protect those seeking an abortion as multiple states implement restrictions. Experts say the effectiveness of their methods is unclear.

    By Karen Kroll • July 18, 2022
  • Motion blurred pedestrians crossing street at dusk in Georgetown, District of Columbia.
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    Bim via Getty Images

    Washington, DC, among cities piloting transparency standard for digital tech

    Cities implementing the Digital Trust for Places and Routines communications standard incorporate signs with visual icons and QR codes that inform the public of nearby technology like sensors and cameras.

    By Austyn Gaffney • July 15, 2022
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images

    NYC seeks to cut gun crime-related testing time in half with dedicated DNA unit

    The science-driven unit aims to accelerate testing on gun crime evidence to 30 days or less, which the city says will expedite cases.

    By • July 12, 2022
  • A woman pushes a baby in a stroller across a street in traffic wihout a crosswalk.
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    Courtesy of Smart Growth America

    Pedestrian deaths continue to rise, with Sun Belt cities the most dangerous: report

    Between 2010 and 2020, 81 of the top 100 metropolitan areas grew deadlier for pedestrians, with Sun Belt cities having some of the worst track records, according to the latest Dangerous by Design report, released today.

    By • July 12, 2022
  • A view showing the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles with a freeway full of traffic in the foreground.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images

    City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration

    The Transportation Department wants to require state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel on National Highway System roads in their regions. 

    By • July 8, 2022
  • Green algae blooms are seen at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam on Lake Okeechobee on July 10, 2018 in Port Mayaca, Florida.
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    Joe Raedle/Getty Images via Getty Images

    GAO urges EPA, NOAA to do more about harmful algal blooms

    The growing issue causes economic harm to communities when it closes lakes and deters tourism activity, and hurts health when it leads to toxins in water supplies or respiratory issues.

    By • July 5, 2022
  • Business concept with hundred dollar bills on top of downtown buildings
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    skodonnell via Getty Images
    Opinion

    The vast, untapped potential of city procurement

    The procurement process — often governed by complex regulations and overworked staff — typically occurs outside public view. That needs to change if it's to help the community meet its environmental and social goals.

    By Sascha Haselmayer • June 27, 2022
  • Heavy machinery and workers working on the construction of a new viaduct along the north of downtown Miami, where new luxury housing complexes are being developed.
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    CHUYN via Getty Images

    Mayors' top 4 priorities in 2022: NLC's State of the Cities report

    With federal dollars on the way, infrastructure reigned supreme for the second year in a row, according to the National League of Cities’ annual analysis of U.S. state of the city addresses.

    By • June 24, 2022