10 conversations in 2022 on the future of mobility, high-speed rail, resilience and more

Smart Cities Dive caught up with executives from businesses including GM and Replica; officials from Austin, Oakland and other cities; and leaders from the U.S. Congress and Ukraine.

Jan. 3, 2023

As e-bike fires rise, calls grow for education and regulation

Some point to cheap aftermarket batteries as the primary factor in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires and worry that micromobility device storage bans will set back transportation decarbonization efforts.

By Dan Rosenbaum • Dec. 22, 2022

Jersey City to fund community projects based on resident feedback

Local officials said the New Jersey city’s first participatory budgeting pilot worked better than expected, allowing them to understand residents’ priorities.

By Michael Brady • Dec. 20, 2022

Minneapolis creates working group to revitalize downtown storefronts

The working group aims to bring vibrancy back to downtown retailers after many businesses switched to remote or hybrid work models at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Danielle McLean • Dec. 16, 2022

Remote work, quality of life lure tech workers away from traditional hubs

Digital transformation means a more dispersed workforce and the rise of burgeoning tech hubs.

By Matt Ashare • Dec. 16, 2022

Boston city council approves reparation commission

Boston joins a growing number of cities and states that are exploring reparation payments. The panel will research the city’s historical ties to slavery and recommend how it can make amends for its past.

By Danielle McLean • Dec. 15, 2022

Successful micromobility programs require long-term partnerships, panelists say

Cities are increasingly working on more collaborative, long-term operating agreements that are flexible but hold operators to a high standard, one panelist said during a webinar hosted by the Eno Center for Transportation.

By Charles Pekow • Dec. 14, 2022

NYC launching citywide office to coordinate and improve community engagement

The office is tasked with using community engagement to inform policy and program decisions and supporting “community-driven solutions,” the city said.

By Michael Brady • Dec. 14, 2022

Are owner-occupancy requirements driving up housing costs?

Rules that require property owners to live in the homes they purchase can reduce the availability of rental housing and result in more racial and economic segregation, say affordable housing advocates and researchers.

By Karen Kroll • Dec. 12, 2022

Chicago transit users could see fare hikes, service cuts without new funding sources

In a newly-released draft strategic plan, the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois lays out ways to reduce transit’s reliance on fares.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 9, 2022

Los Angeles and San Diego ban polystyrene foam, other plastic products, on same day

The policies fit into broader state and local laws limiting plastic products, completing an effort in San Diego that a lawsuit previously blocked. Los Angeles will also look to limit waste at city facilities and events.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 8, 2022

The states with the biggest influx of new renters

Millions of people are eager to move. Here’s where they’re headed, according to a new analysis.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 7, 2022

Smart cities in 2022 - what you need to know

Rail expansion, emerging technologies such as digital twins and air taxis and new approaches to transit and housing have driven the news this year. Catch up with highlights from Smart Cities Dive.

By Danielle McLean • Dec. 2, 2022

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