Governance
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Ryan McKnight
Mayors strikingly pessimistic about post-COVID cities: survey
The annual Menino Survey of Mayors found most city leaders are concerned about the future of small businesses, minority communities and municipal budgets, saying federal aid has so far been insufficient.
By Chris Teale • Dec. 03, 2020 -
Coalition urges renewed safety focus for AV legislation
If Congress tries again to regulate the technology, it should avoid the pitfalls of prior bills and ensure that all road users are properly protected, according to a coalition of over 55 industry groups.
By Chris Teale • Dec. 02, 2020 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Adobe Stock
TrendlineCitizen Engagement
In a time when connection is more important than ever, cities are tapping innovative tools and strategies to engage their citizens and keep communities healthy.
By Smart Cities Dive staff -
Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash
OpinionHow automation can alleviate law enforcement bias in transportation
Deploying automated traffic enforcement systems can free up law enforcement resources to be allocated in communities where they are needed most.
By Holly Cooper • Dec. 02, 2020 -
Pixabay
USDOT pushes swift implementation of first pedestrian safety plan
The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan details proposed actions around street infrastructure, training and Vision Zero policies, but falls short on a promise of Complete Streets.
By Chris Teale • Dec. 01, 2020 -
Light, Alan. (2015). "Chicago Skyline" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Chicago announces 15% delivery cap on heels of $10M restaurant grant program
The limit took effect Monday, and delivery platforms that violate the new standard will be fined between $1,000 and $2,000 per offense.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 25, 2020 -
Wikimedia Commons
California regulator approves fare-based AV services
The California Public Utilities Commission approved two programs that will allow companies to accept compensation on fare-based shared AV services.
By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 23, 2020 -
Andrew. (2011). "Los Angeles" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
LA unveils plans for transportation tech innovation zone
The zone will enable public-private collaboration on new tech, with the first pilot involving a last-mile, zero-emission delivery service via a fleet of robots.
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 19, 2020 -
Getty Images
G20 invites 2 US cities to adopt global policy roadmap
San Jose, CA and Chattanooga, TN are among 36 "pioneer cities" to test and offer feedback on the roadmap from the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance.
By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 19, 2020 -
Climate progress in 6 sectors too slow to limit global warming: report
The World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks said efforts to bolster electrification and renewable energy must accelerate, while deforestation and agricultural production raised red flags.
By Chris Teale • Nov. 19, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Cycling-friendly cities scramble to combat rising bike thefts
Bike Index found thefts increased 68% from March to September, running incongruous to cities' investments in cycling infrastructure and support.
By Amanda Loudin • Nov. 19, 2020 -
Retrieved from US Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA sets 2030 national recycling goal, stakeholders call for more federal action
Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a 50% recycling rate target for 2030, while the latest annual data showed a decline to 32.1% and multiple financial pressures continue for the sector.
By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 19, 2020 -
André Gustavo Stumpf. (2015). "NYPD" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
NYC to pilot mental health teams as 'default response' to related 911 calls
The pilot — based off a successful program in Eugene, OR — will begin this winter in two neighborhoods, but concerns about the program's ability to meet mental health needs persist.
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 17, 2020 -
Biden unveils DOT transition team
Phillip Washington, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will lead the president-elect's team of experts focused on the Department of Transportation.
By Jenn Goodman • Nov. 16, 2020 -
Prayitno. (2019). "Las Vegas, Nevada" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Las Vegas targets SF, Seattle remote workers in relocation campaign
The multi-media marketing campaign is the first of similar remote work relocation programs to not offer a cash incentive. Instead, the city touts affordable living and ample sunshine.
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 16, 2020 -
25 US cities land on CDP 2020 'A List'
Despite the unprecedented obstacles of COVID-19, CDP identified 88 global cities that have continued to make progress on climate action, with 34% of those cities new to the list this year.
By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 16, 2020 -
Mayors unveil $60B plan to support Midwest energy transition
The Marshall Plan for Middle America aims to address the Ohio Valley region's projected 100,000 job losses triggered by a shift away from fossil fuels.
By Chris Teale • Nov. 16, 2020 -
Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
Northwest Arkansas to lure remote workers with $10K — and a bike
The region, home to major retailers like Walmart and Tyson Foods, is leveraging the urban migration trend to build its talent pipeline and spur economic growth.
By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 13, 2020 -
Cryptocurrency listed for rapper's 'Akon City' in Senegal
The Akoin cryptocurrency was listed for purchase on bitcoin exchange Bittrex Global, marking a significant step forward for rapper Akon's planned smart city.
By Chris Teale • Nov. 12, 2020 -
Esurance
OpinionCities are only 'smart' when IoT works in real time
Despite the hoopla, smart cities are failing to accomplish most of what's being promised because of lagging software technology.
By Marty Sprinzen • Nov. 11, 2020 -
Press conference screenshot
Ohio cities sue state AG in an effort to curb gun violence
The Cities of Dayton and Columbus allege that the state attorney general has failed to update the background check system used to inform gun purchases and maintain public safety.
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 11, 2020 -
Biden expected to spur growth of smart city tech market
"Under a Biden administration, efforts around smart cities can be expected to accelerate," one analyst said, noting potential growth in smart water systems and transportation electrification.
By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 10, 2020 -
Uber
Ride-hailing could have a 'deterrent effect' on sexual assault: study
Researchers found a 1% increase in pickups by Uber in New York City led to a decrease of 48 reported cases. Despite this, concerns loom over incidents involving drivers.
By Chris Teale • UPDATED: Nov. 9, 2020 at 4:01 p.m. -
Seattle Parks. (2020). "Fritz Hedges Waterway Park" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Seattle Parks.
Seattle's $5.6M plan to address trash-collection woes
The "Clean Cities Initiative" aims to tackle an influx of trash in parks, particularly as they have become a refuge during the pandemic, according to Mayor Jenny Durkan.
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 09, 2020 -
The image by Elvert Barnes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Voters nationwide favor city police reform
At least 10 jurisdictions saw police reform measures pass with large majorities of the vote, indicating the country is "moving in the right direction" toward equitable and fair municipal policing.
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 06, 2020 -
Incumbents largely maintain leadership in US mayoral races
Of the 100 largest cities, 19 held general elections for mayor this week. Phoenix and Portland, OR are among those that will maintain incumbent mayors, while Baltimore and Honolulu will welcome new leadership.
By Kristin Musulin • UPDATED: Nov. 18, 2020 at 11:55 a.m.
