Governance

Senate sends bill avoiding rail shutdown to Biden’s desk

The divided chamber shot down an amendment to give workers seven days of paid sick leave.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 2, 2022

Hidden assets: With reskilling programs, cities are turning existing employees into tech workers

City employees’ eagerness to learn technology skills and take on new roles has far exceeded expectations, say tech managers that have offered reskilling programs.

By Adina Solomon • Dec. 1, 2022

New York transit riders may face steep fare increases, service cuts: state comptroller

With ridership stuck well below pre-pandemic levels, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority could struggle to maintain service without steep fare hikes.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 30, 2022

How Shreveport, Louisiana, used blockchain technology to build a low-cost public WiFi network

The city has spent about $500,000 on its public WiFi network, a cost that would have ballooned had it partnered with a traditional internet service provider, said the city’s chief technology officer.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 29, 2022

California unveils 7 guaranteed income pilot projects

Aiming to support basic needs, the California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program will provide regular, unconditional cash payments to nearly 2,000 pregnant people and former foster youth.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 29, 2022

FAA to lay out air taxi plans by May

The Federal Aviation Administration’s acting administrator said the agency will present implementation plans for eVTOL or air taxi operations by May 2023. 

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 28, 2022

Cities adapt hiring, work practices to address tech worker shortage

Local governments aim to hire smarter, provide the right benefits, and build a pipeline of talent both internally and externally to support their technology worker needs.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 22, 2022

Drone-based advertising poses opportunities, challenges for cities

After hundreds of drones lit up the New York City skyline with an ad for an online game earlier this month, cities' role in regulating such displays is in question.  

By Gaby Galvin • Nov. 21, 2022

The tech worker shortage is hitting local governments hard. Here’s what some are doing about it.

Cities are updating job descriptions, offering workers more flexibility, investing in workforce development and partnering with universities to overcome their tech talent shortage, according to local officials.

By Adina Solomon • Nov. 18, 2022

Why local governments struggle to hire tech workers in 5 charts

A sense of social purpose, job security and generous retirement benefits are what many local officials hope will attract skilled tech workers when they can’t offer higher salaries, but that might not be enough, one consultant said.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 17, 2022

Public pressure at meetings affects rezoning application approval: study

An Urban Institute study found that Louisville, Kentucky, approved fewer rezoning applications in wealthy neighborhoods, even though developers submit more applications there, which was related to the level of public opposition.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 17, 2022

5 ways to cut waste in cloud spending: McKinsey

Companies will probably increase cloud computing budgets by more than 20% next year even as they waste as much as 32% of their spending, according to surveys and analysts’ estimates.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 17, 2022

How leaders can identify their city’s next big industry

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said cities should “look at existing strengths and try to build on them” when deciding how to invest in economic development. A new tool could help.

By Karen Kroll • Nov. 16, 2022

The 10 most future-ready cities in North America: report

Cities must invest more in digital and physical infrastructure to address today’s challenges but face several barriers, including a lack of public trust, a new report finds.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 15, 2022

EV buyer education campaign launches in Colorado

Transportation and energy regulators hope a website and educational materials will help bridge the information gap for residents curious about buying, owning and driving an electric vehicle.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 14, 2022

What Bird’s recent shake-up says about shared scooters in small cities

Indianola, Iowa, began its partnership with scooter operator Bird last year before learning this fall that it would fold operations there and in dozens of other small and midsized cities.

By Kalena Thomhave • Nov. 11, 2022

New gun-control laws forge ahead in Columbus, Ohio

Some cities have recently restricted the use and possession of guns. Columbus is targeting large-capacity magazines and unsafe handling while eyeing universal background checks and an assault weapon ban.

By Danielle McLean • Nov. 11, 2022

State, local transit ballot measures won over voters

Which party controls the House and Senate could determine future funding for many infrastructure and transportation programs, but observers are optimistic that major cuts aren’t likely.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 11, 2022

Election results: How housing, transit, environmental issues fared on state and local ballots

California’s millionaire tax for EV incentives was defeated, while several affordable housing and climate funding initiatives passed nationwide.

Nov. 10, 2022

California’s millionaire tax for electric vehicle incentives defeated

Voters had mixed responses to higher taxes to fund transportation projects. While some ballot measure results are pending, other high-profile initiatives were defeated.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 9, 2022

With control of Congress unknown, clean energy advocates cheer state wins and press for climate action

So far, it appears Republicans failed to pull off an anticipated “red wave” and Democrats outperformed expectations, analysts say.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 9, 2022

NYC launches abortion care hotline

Dubbed a first-of-its-kind program, New York City’s Abortion Access Hub confidentially connects callers to licensed abortion care providers that operate within the city’s five boroughs.

By Danielle McLean • Nov. 4, 2022

Taxpayer-funded football stadiums rarely pay off. So why do cities keep footing the bill?

Sports economists warn U.S cities don’t reap enough economic benefits when stadiums are built with taxpayer money. Some city officials say community pride and shared identity are worth the investment.

By Gaby Galvin • Nov. 3, 2022

Shared mobility key to urban climate action, city leaders say

As 200 nations gather for the COP27 international climate summit, city leaders see shared mobility as the path to “making our communities healthier and more livable for everyone.” 

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 2, 2022

Housing, transit, environmental issues on state and local ballots

Residents in 37 states will vote on 132 statewide ballot measures on Nov. 8, according to Ballotpedia. Read our coverage on measures addressing top smart city concerns.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 31, 2022