Governance

Are federal AV investigations a first step toward federal regulation? Not necessarily, experts say

Even with growing pressure on the federal government to increase autonomous vehicle oversight, industry watchers don't consider new NHTSA investigations into Tesla's Autopilot and similar technologies a sign of impending change. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 07, 2021

Los Angeles approves 100% clean energy by 2035, moving original target up by a decade

The LA100 plan would see the city replace its natural gas electricity generation with wind, solar and battery storage, while also improving energy efficiency and transmission.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 02, 2021

Pittsburgh City Council approves unified fiber network for municipal buildings

The NetPGH initiative would lay the backbone that allows Pittsburgh to install connected infrastructure and launch smart cities projects.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 31, 2021

DC flexible housing subsidy shows promise for addressing homelessness, researchers say

Participants used 29% fewer homelessness services, and 88% of them remained in stable housing, in the program's first year, but more time and research will be key to determining the program's long-term effectiveness, said Urban Institute and DC government researchers.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2021

As heat island effects worsen due to climate change, cities try to adapt

Cities are adding cooling measures like trees and lighter pavement to reduce their urban heat island effects as record temperatures sweep the nation.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 17, 2021

San Francisco to require proof of full vaccinations for indoor dining and entertainment

The city's mandate will begin Aug. 20 for customers and Oct. 14 for employees. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 13, 2021

What's in the infrastructure bill for smart cities?

The Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant program would offer funds to governments for new tech demo projects pertaining to transportation, energy efficiency and connectivity.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 12, 2021

Hope renewed for Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail

A new Illinois commission could accelerate development of high-speed rail in the state, as U.S. passenger rail is poised to receive a $66 billion injection from the bipartisan infrastructure deal.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 12, 2021

NYC Meatpacking District to adopt open streets permanently

As U.S. cities have struggled to maintain the open streets programs they implemented during the pandemic, the Manhattan neighborhood has embraced the concept with plans to close six blocks to vehicle traffic.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 11, 2021

'An enormous lift': Biden's goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 will test supply chains, utilities, experts say

Biden's lofty goal will run in tandem to investments in EV infrastructure. But other supports, like to manufacturing supply chains, are needed as well.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2021

Postmates strikes nearly $1M deal with Seattle over gig worker claims

The city claims the company violated an ordinance requiring it provide its gig workers with paid sick and safe time. 

By Emilie Shumway • Aug. 10, 2021

Supreme Court ends CDC's eviction moratorium

The decision comes as new data shows that states and localities have distributed just 11% of the federal rent relief dollars, intended to prevent eviction for millions of U.S. residents.

By Katie Pyzyk • UPDATED: Aug. 27, 2021 at 12:27 p.m.

Ride-hailing companies gear up for Massachusetts ballot initiative fight

Like the successful Proposition 22 in California, a new effort backed by major gig economy leaders would classify workers as independent contractors, rather than employees.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 05, 2021

Q&A

It's 'unsexy' but effective when micromobility companies partner with cities, one CEO says

Drop Mobility CEO Qiming Weng discusses the company's approach to creating a sustainable transportation fleet for cities.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 05, 2021

Report: More than a third of US bridges are structurally deficient. It could take decades to fix them.

As the Senate advances a bipartisan infrastructure bill, bridges in urban areas continue to deteriorate. Here are three that exemplify the urgency.

By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 03, 2021

Deep Dive

10 ways the PRO Act could change the game for employers and organized labor

Currently being considered in the Senate, the bill would strengthen the ability of unions, including those of public sector workers, to form and collectively bargain.

By Emilie Shumway • Aug. 02, 2021

Deep Dive

California's first AV public passenger service could provide key industry and market data

General Motors-owned Cruise will operate the first-ever driverless car service in the state. Others in the space said they hope to learn a lot — including how the public reacts — from its efforts.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 02, 2021

Partnerships, sustained federal help key to ending 'digital redlining,' city leaders say

COVID-19 exacerbated inequitable access to high-speed internet, but long-term federal funding and partnering with telecommunications companies could help, speakers said at a Route Fifty virtual event last week.

By Chris Teale • July 30, 2021

Senate votes to advance bill with $550B for aging US infrastructure

Far smaller than Biden's American Jobs Plan, the bipartisan bill will next enter a phase of debates and amendments.

By Zachary Phillips • UPDATED: July 29, 2021 at 4:08 p.m.

Despite limited participation, advocates see potential for Northeast transportation cap-and-invest plan

Only four of the over a dozen original participants of the Transportation and Climate Initiative signed on to a final program to cut transportation emissions. Backers say there's still a bright future.

By Jason Plautz • July 29, 2021

'We have got to do something': Cities behind on climate goals as extreme weather worsens

Funding and staffing shortfalls and a lack of buy-in from city workers are impeding progress, a Bloomberg Associates report states. It calls for savvy messaging and regional collaborations.

By Danielle McLean • July 27, 2021

Queens is on a quest to become a 'smart borough'

A recently elected borough president aims to transform Queens. But one expert cautions the need for a "thoughtful, intentional and iterative" strategy, as smart city planning is "not for the faint of heart." 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2021

Resilience roles go mainstream, as cities seek more climate adaptation resources

"Chief resilience officer" was a novel title a decade ago but is now a fixture in many major local governments looking to coordinate preparedness and response in the face of increasingly common, and costly, extreme weather.

By Maria Rachal • UPDATED: Aug. 10, 2021 at 10:10 a.m.

Challenge to Berkeley gas regulation dismissed, a win for cities in carbon emissions fight

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged the city's restrictions on natural gas in new low-rise residential buildings, a major boost for local governments looking to follow suit.

By Chris Teale • July 16, 2021

Global cities still falling short on governance of smart city tech: report

As many localities adopt new technologies, they often lack basic governance policies around data privacy, accessibility and cybersecurity, according to a World Economic Forum report. 

By Jason Plautz • July 15, 2021