Governance
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New bill would tax polluters, redirect funds to impacted communities
The Save Our Future Act would invest millions in emissions reduction programs and help areas reliant on fossil fuels transition away from them through direct payments, career training, business development and other programs.
By Chris Teale • June 18, 2021 -
Permission granted by Smart Columbus
At challenge's conclusion, Smart Columbus to continue its work
With the four-year federal grant funding period at an end, the Ohio organization said it will stay focused on how technology can address societal issues and maintain many of its initiatives.
By Chris Teale • June 15, 2021 -
Trendline
The Smart Cities Dive Outlook on 2021
As government leaders continue to reflect on the challenges of 2020, the team at Smart Cities Dive has outlined key trends and technologies likely to take hold in the year ahead.
By Smart Cities Dive staff -
Getty Images
3 takeaways from NLC's 'State of the Cities' report
Mayors nationwide are prioritizing investing in infrastructure, but they remain concerned about budget shortfalls after the coronavirus pandemic even with federal help on the way.
By Chris Teale • June 11, 2021 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
NYC bill would have single agency lead smart city tech implementation
The legislation would bring together oversight of a variety of "smart" tech, including streetlights, trash and recycling receptacles, and water, power and gas meters.
By Chris Teale • June 09, 2021 -
Getty Images
Transit funding a flashpoint in surface transportation debate
Should the U.S. government fund more public transportation or less? FAST Act reauthorization proposals take opposing positions on the issue.
By Chris Teale • June 08, 2021 -
Steffi Loos via Getty Images
Seattle-area county say it's first US county to pass facial recognition ban
Tech hub King County, Washington, has joined a growing number of jurisdictions in restricting government use of the software, as additional city, state and federal policies move through legislatures.
By Maria Rachal • June 07, 2021 -
Nevada passes clean energy bill requiring state to join RTO, accelerating $2B transmission project
The bill also requires utilities to forecast a path to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.
By Jason Plautz • June 04, 2021 -
Tampa, Florida, creates resilience plan to prepare for next crisis
The road map, which officials say is the first to be released during or after the coronavirus pandemic, calls for more affordable housing and broadband access in addition to climate-ready infrastructure.
By Chris Teale • June 03, 2021 -
Mark Makela via Getty Images
Biden proposes more than $2B for clean energy infrastructure, $14B+ increase in climate spending
The administration's first proposed budget includes sizable increases in spending for climate mitigation, research, EVs and clean energy infrastructure.
By Emma Penrod • June 01, 2021 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Chicago and other cities support outdoor dining expansions even as pandemic wanes
Expanded outdoor dining has been "a critical lifeline" for restaurants. As some cities aim to extend the changes or make them permanent, Chicago is awarding $2.3 million in grants for those and other community outdoor spaces.
By Jason Plautz • June 01, 2021 -
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
Washington, DC, reclaims top spot as best city for parks
The Trust for Public Land's rankings measured park equity access for the first time in the index's 10-year history, noting that while many cities have made strides, plenty of work still lies ahead.
By Chris Teale • May 27, 2021 -
Courtesy of Airbnb
Predicting travel rebound, Airbnb rolls out major feature upgrades
The company is implementing a swath of changes, including to its City Portal, as CEO Brian Chesky said he anticipates the "biggest travel rebound in a century."
By Chris Teale • May 25, 2021 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Stimulus funds poised to magnify impact of Economic Development Administration's new equity focus
The EDA has for the first time prioritized equity in its strategy as it looks to invest in underserved communities and prepare them for the jobs of the future.
By Chris Teale • May 24, 2021 -
Permission granted by Comcast
Sponsored by ComcastCollege Park, Georgia turns to Comcast for smart city solutions
Learn how Comcast and College Park, GA partnered to design solutions that meet the city's unique needs.
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Screenshot: https://www.usmayors.org/meetings/reimagining-public-safety/
Mayors 'reimagining public safety and policing' in wake of recent violence
One approach is to direct some 911 calls to mental health professionals rather than to police, said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, while other local leaders are eyeing stimulus funds for community violence intervention efforts.
By Cailin Crowe • May 21, 2021 -
Stefani Reynolds / Stringer via Getty Images
New caucus brings local voices to halls of Congress
The Former Local Elected Officials Caucus hopes to improve cooperation among levels of government, providing support during and after COVID-19 recovery.
By Chris Teale • May 20, 2021 -
Alexander Koerner via Getty Images
Increased road deaths prompt calls for improved vehicle tech
While some in Congress continue to talk up the promise of autonomous vehicles, others said existing technologies can help bring fatalities down now — and they warned of AVs' risks to safety and jobs.
By Chris Teale • May 19, 2021 -
Courtesy of Foster Farms
City-led communications can help combat vaccine hesitancy, researchers find
Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said it will take an "all hands on deck" approach to overcome vaccine hesitancy, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighted the role popular sports teams can play.
By Chris Teale • May 18, 2021 -
Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images
Cities navigate how to maximize incoming American Rescue Plan funds
Some of the $350 billion earmarked in the stimulus package is now being sent to strained state and local governments, tasked with making the most of the influx. "It's both exciting and terrifying," said Dayton, Ohio's city manager.
By Maria Rachal • May 18, 2021 -
Taylor McKnight/Smart Cities Dive
3x more US residents lack broadband access than FCC estimates: report
Around 42 million people could not access high-speed internet in 2020, according to BroadbandNow, far above the 14.5 million estimated earlier this year by the Federal Communications Commission.
By Chris Teale • May 14, 2021 -
Ford Media Center
NJ lawmakers threaten new driving tax to fight NYC congestion pricing
A proposal would charge out-of-state drivers state sales tax on top of any tolls they pay traveling between the two states and use the revenue to alleviate costs for New Jersey commuters. "We'll fight fire with fire," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
By Chris Teale • May 12, 2021 -
Courtesy of Virgin Hyperloop
Amid hyperloop, maglev hype, calls intensify to better fund Amtrak
Supporters of emerging rail technologies called for federal funding at a congressional hearing last week, but existing service providers argued they should get top budgeting priority.
By Chris Teale • May 11, 2021 -
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno via Getty Images
High-speed rail gets moment in congressional spotlight
At a congressional hearing Thursday, supporters of high-speed rail said it could cut congestion and connect communities, but troubled projects in California and Texas remain front of mind for cost-wary opponents.
By Chris Teale • May 07, 2021 -
'We are simply not ready' for EV charging at scale, House Republicans say, warning of China dependence
During a hearing Wednesday on major clean-transportation legislation — part of the Biden administration's $174 billion proposal to bolster electric vehicles — Republicans said the plan strips away consumer choice.
By Robert Walton • May 07, 2021 -
Courtesy of Revel
Revel plans all-electric NYC ride-hail service, regulators say it's unlicensed
The company aims to launch a fleet of 50 Teslas, but the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission says the effort skirts rules intended to prevent market saturation.
By Chris Teale • May 04, 2021
