Governance


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    Scott Olson/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    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
  • A woman in a blue jacket at a podium holding up a letter surrounded by several people.
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    (2025). [Video]. Retrieved from New York State.
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    DOT could halt highway funding to New York May 28

    If the state fails to comply with today’s deadline to end congestion pricing, the U.S. Transportation Department may take action by next Wednesday.

    By May 21, 2025
  • Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson poses with a crowd of people in Olympia after signing a bill
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    Cole Rosengren/Smart Cities Dive, data from TVW
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    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
  • A man exits the front of the U.S. Capitol at dawn.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    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
  • Four people sit on a small stage in front of a banner with the "Waste 360 - Waste Expo" logo and the words "Food Recovery Forum"
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    Jacob Wallace/Smart Cities Dive
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    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
  • A police officer walks a dog in front of steps of columned building with scaffolding on it.
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    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 May 19, 2025
  • The flag outside the United States Environmental Protection Agency building is seen on August 21, 2024 in Washington, DC.
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    Tierney L. Cross via Getty Images
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    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
  • Workers wearing reflective vests pull hand carts with large boxes on the side of a city street.
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    Courtesy of New York City Department of Transportation
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    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
  • Man in red hat with a ball cap reading "Trump is right about everything" seated at a table with other men and women.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    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 May 15, 2025
  • Tall buildings seen at a distance shrouded in smog.
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    David McNew via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    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 May 14, 2025
  • The Washington state capitol building.
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    halbergman via Getty Images
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    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
  • Person holding a yellow sign that says "I AM MEDICAID, Don't Cut Me!"
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    Leigh Vogel via Getty Images
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    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 May 13, 2025
  • A crowd of protesters with signs. Sign reads "ICE out of our cities."
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    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 May 12, 2025
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    Yongyuan via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    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
  • Men in suits around a table with red ballcaps on the table.
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    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
  • President Trump standing with a group of men and pointing his finger in front of a pile of rubble.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    NOAA stops tracking cost of extreme weather and climate disasters

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

    By May 9, 2025
  • A hand holding a carbon monoxide alarm in front of a gas stove
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    Ralf Geithe via Getty Images
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    Report ranks states’ efforts to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

    UL Standards & Engagement officials recommend cities and states mandate indoor carbon monoxide alarms, conduct public awareness campaigns and train first responders.

    By May 8, 2025
  • NYPD crest on the jacket of a New York City police officer
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    tillsonburg via Getty Images
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    Lawsuit challenges NYPD “gang database”

    Plaintiffs claim Blacks and Latinos who have tattoos and wear gang-affiliated colors are being added to the database, which NYPD says is a crucial tool in stopping gang-related shootings.

    By May 6, 2025
  • Russell Vought speaking at a cabinet meeting
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    Trump budget proposal slashes climate funding

    Renewable energy, environmental justice and Superfund cleanup are among programs that would be eliminated.

    By Updated May 5, 2025
  • The Vandalia Justice Center courthouse building
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    Permission granted by City of Vandalia / Darren Davey
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    Sponsored by Energy Systems Group

    Vandalia leads bold infrastructure overhaul to modernize city facilities and prepare for the future

    Learn how the City of Vandalia turned an urgent repair into a smart city transformation.

    May 5, 2025
  • A woman holds up a sign in front of the U.S. Capitol
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    3 cities join lawsuit challenging mass layoffs of federal workers

    Unions, nonprofits and local governments allege the staff reductions threaten vital services and public safety.

    By May 2, 2025
  • President Trump shaking hands on a stage in front of flag
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    Grant Baldwin via Getty Images
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    Trump directs Justice Department, military to support local law enforcement

    The National Police Association applauds the order as providing needed support, while civil liberties groups warn of federal overreach and the danger of escalating tensions.

    By May 1, 2025
  • A wide view of a hearing room in the U.S. Capitol with members of Congress and staffers.
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    (2025). "https://www.youtube.com/live/XhheK2197-8?si=FLXzFrXpEFreLvHx" [Video]. Retrieved from T&I Committee Republicans/YouTube.
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    House committee proposes annual $250 fee for EVs

    Shoring up the Highway Trust Fund with annual federal registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles is part of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s budget reconciliation proposal.

    By Updated May 1, 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a blue suit and tie, gestures from a podium.
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    DOT will cut funds to transportation projects with DEI: Duffy

    The U.S. transportation secretary also told funding recipients that they need to cooperate with immigration officers or potentially face civil or criminal prosecution.

    By Julie Strupp • April 30, 2025
  • Brandon Johnson and two men at hearing
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    Mayors push back against Trump’s new ‘sanctuary cities’ order

    Forcing local police departments to enforce immigration policy will make cities less safe, they say.

    By April 29, 2025