Governance

  • A stylish Japanese businessman in glasses reading a notebook and watching news on augmented reality screen while sitting in an autonomous self-driving zero-emissions car.
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    gorodenkoff via Getty Images

    Self-driving cars’ benefits, perils outlined in new report

    Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve equity and safety but need regulation at all levels to ensure those outcomes, an Urban Institute report concludes.

    By • Sept. 22, 2022
  • Homeless young man sitting on sidewalk and begging alone. He is wearing protective face mask.
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    urbazon via Getty Images

    To curb homelessness, Denver commits $2M for basic income pilot

    Households will receive up to $12,000 in direct cash payments over the course of the year. The Denver Basic Income Project is among a flurry of cash assistance programs being piloted or supported by U.S. cities.

    By Kalena Thomhave • Sept. 21, 2022
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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
  • Overhead view of highway with cars and trucks with lines drawn among them implying connected vehicles using intelligent transportation systems.
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    metamorworks/iStock via Getty Images

    To break an impasse in connected vehicle tech, transportation leaders call for a federal policy framework

    A national framework could address the chicken-and-egg problem of who should invest in the technology first, carmakers or communities, transportation experts say. Without such guidance, each is hesitant to move forward.

    By • Sept. 19, 2022
  • Concept rendering of the proposed City of Telosa.
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    Permission granted by BIG and Bucharest Studio

    Can a billionaire’s planned city be equitable?

    Existing planned communities impart lessons about maintaining economic and racial diversity, but doubts remain about whether a city planned by private interests like Telosa can truly achieve equity.

    By Adina Solomon • Sept. 13, 2022
  • Close-up image of cash and credit cards
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    bernie_photo via Getty Images

    Basic income pilots gain momentum across US cities

    At least a dozen U.S. cities have implemented unconditional direct cash payment programs over the past year, as advocates seek to build evidence and experts debate the most effective structures.

    By Gaby Galvin • Sept. 8, 2022
  • A white Lincoln MKZ self-driving vehicle is driving around a circle at the University of Michigan test facility.
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    Courtesy of University of Michigan

    With autonomous vehicle caucus, Congress members aim to advance technology for self-driving cars

    The bipartisan group looks to educate fellow members of Congress and have them experience riding in a self-driving car while pushing legislation intended to spur the development of AVs in the U.S.

    By • Sept. 8, 2022
  • A rendering of Denver's 16th Street Mall renovation project.
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    Permission granted by City and County of Denver

    Denver wants to return its downtown to pre-pandemic vibrancy

    The Mile High City is using federal COVID-19 recovery funds to aid its efforts in transforming the busy business district into a neighborhood. 

    By • Sept. 1, 2022
  • Boston MBTA train to Braintree at an outdoor station in foggy, wet weather
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    Maddie Meyer via Getty Images

    FTA reprimands Boston-area transit system management for safety failures

    Poor decisions and lax attention to safety were among the Federal Transit Administration’s criticisms in its 90-page report.

    By • Sept. 1, 2022
  • Close-up of front hood of a gray car from the right side, with an electric vehicle charging cable plugged in to the front of the hood.
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images

    California sets road map to complete ban on gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035

    Under the Clean Air Act, 17 states and D.C. can now follow this lead. Massachusetts established a trigger law this month to adopt the regs once California does. Automakers are worried about their ability to meet the timeline.

    By • Aug. 26, 2022
  • Homeless young man sitting on sidewalk and begging alone. He is wearing protective face mask.
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    urbazon via Getty Images

    Cities slow to distribute federal homelessness relief funds, HUD OIG finds

    City and state staffing shortages and challenges coordinating other funding sources have hampered the fast impact of $4 billion from the CARES Act. It takes time for cities to build capacity, experts say.

    By • Aug. 25, 2022
  • E-bikes in a city.
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    ABBPhoto via Getty Images

    California seeks public input in crafting e-bike incentives

    In its bid to cut carbon emissions, the California Air Resources Board is holding working group meetings as it determines how to run the program aimed at helping people afford the vehicles.

    By Charles Pekow • Updated Aug. 24, 2022
  • Construction workers work on an infrastructure project.
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    Construction workers work on an infrastructure project. via Getty Images

    ‘Boot camps’ open to help small cities compete for infrastructure grants

    Free technical assistance through the Local Infrastructure Hub aims to help leaders leverage data in grant requests and convey how grants would address federal priorities. Participants will also get one-on-one help, organizers say.

    By Charles Pekow • Updated Aug. 19, 2022
  • Empty parking stalls are equipped with electric vehicle chargers, under a canopy that contains solar panels.
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    Aranga87 via Getty Images

    Inflation Reduction Act concerns, shortfalls seen by EV, clean energy, environmental leaders

    Strict requirements for making EVs and content sourcing for critical minerals could challenge manufacturers, experts say, and climate progress depends on governments using funds from the climate and infrastructure laws wisely.

    By • Aug. 18, 2022
  • An Indian man wearing headset talking at virtual meeting
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    insta_photos via Getty Images

    Telework has improved team performance for government workers, research finds

    Government workers that telework report improved team performance and manager trust, research released from Eagle Hill Consulting showed.

    By Laurel Kalser • Aug. 17, 2022
  • 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
  • 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