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

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

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

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 19, 2025

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 It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.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

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

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 Dan Zukowski • May 15, 2025

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 Dan Zukowski • May 14, 2025

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

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 13, 2025

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 12, 2025

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

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

NOAA stops tracking cost of extreme weather and climate disasters

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

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 9, 2025

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 8, 2025

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 6, 2025

Trump budget proposal slashes climate funding

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

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated May 5, 2025

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

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 2, 2025

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 1, 2025

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 Dan Zukowski • Updated May 1, 2025

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

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 29, 2025

Jacksonville, Florida, city council members launch their own DOGE committee

Some residents question the motivation behind the effort to cut $50 million from the city budget and make local government more efficient.

By Danielle McLean • April 25, 2025

Justice Department cancels hundreds of public safety grants

The move will impede progress that’s been made on deterring crime, the U.S. Conference of Mayors says, calling for the grants’ reinstatement.  

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 24, 2025