Governance: Page 2

Chicago and other cities support outdoor dining expansions even as pandemic wanes

Expanded outdoor dining has been "a critical lifeline" for restaurants. As some cities aim to extend the changes or make them permanent, Chicago is awarding $2.3 million in grants for those and other community outdoor spaces. 

By Jason Plautz • June 01, 2021

Washington, DC, reclaims top spot as best city for parks

The Trust for Public Land's rankings measured park equity access for the first time in the index's 10-year history, noting that while many cities have made strides, plenty of work still lies ahead.  

By Chris Teale • May 27, 2021

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Trendline

The Smart Cities Dive Outlook on 2021

As government leaders continue to reflect on the challenges of 2020, the team at Smart Cities Dive has outlined key trends and technologies likely to take hold in the year ahead.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Predicting travel rebound, Airbnb rolls out major feature upgrades

The company is implementing a swath of changes, including to its City Portal, as CEO Brian Chesky said he anticipates the "biggest travel rebound in a century." 

By Chris Teale • May 25, 2021

Stimulus funds poised to magnify impact of Economic Development Administration's new equity focus

The EDA has for the first time prioritized equity in its strategy as it looks to invest in underserved communities and prepare them for the jobs of the future.

By Chris Teale • May 24, 2021

Sponsored by Comcast

College Park, Georgia turns to Comcast for smart city solutions

Learn how Comcast and College Park, GA partnered to design solutions that meet the city's unique needs.

Mayors 'reimagining public safety and policing' in wake of recent violence

One approach is to direct some 911 calls to mental health professionals rather than to police, said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, while other local leaders are eyeing stimulus funds for community violence intervention efforts.

By Cailin Crowe • May 21, 2021

New caucus brings local voices to halls of Congress

The Former Local Elected Officials Caucus hopes to improve cooperation among levels of government, providing support during and after COVID-19 recovery.

By Chris Teale • May 20, 2021

Increased road deaths prompt calls for improved vehicle tech

While some in Congress continue to talk up the promise of autonomous vehicles, others said existing technologies can help bring fatalities down now — and they warned of AVs' risks to safety and jobs.

By Chris Teale • May 19, 2021

City-led communications can help combat vaccine hesitancy, researchers find

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said it will take an "all hands on deck" approach to overcome vaccine hesitancy, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighted the role popular sports teams can play.

By Chris Teale • May 18, 2021

Cities navigate how to maximize incoming American Rescue Plan funds

Some of the $350 billion earmarked in the stimulus package is now being sent to strained state and local governments, tasked with making the most of the influx. "It's both exciting and terrifying," said Dayton, Ohio's city manager.

By Maria Rachal • May 18, 2021

3x more US residents lack broadband access than FCC estimates: report

Around 42 million people could not access high-speed internet in 2020, according to BroadbandNow, far above the 14.5 million estimated earlier this year by the Federal Communications Commission.

By Chris Teale • May 14, 2021

NJ lawmakers threaten new driving tax to fight NYC congestion pricing

A proposal would charge out-of-state drivers state sales tax on top of any tolls they pay traveling between the two states and use the revenue to alleviate costs for New Jersey commuters. "We'll fight fire with fire," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer.

By Chris Teale • May 12, 2021

Amid hyperloop, maglev hype, calls intensify to better fund Amtrak

Supporters of emerging rail technologies called for federal funding at a congressional hearing last week, but existing service providers argued they should get top budgeting priority.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2021

High-speed rail gets moment in congressional spotlight

At a congressional hearing Thursday, supporters of high-speed rail said it could cut congestion and connect communities, but troubled projects in California and Texas remain front of mind for cost-wary opponents.

By Chris Teale • May 07, 2021

'We are simply not ready' for EV charging at scale, House Republicans say, warning of China dependence

During a hearing Wednesday on major clean-transportation legislation — part of the Biden administration's $174 billion proposal to bolster electric vehicles — Republicans said the plan strips away consumer choice.

By Robert Walton • May 07, 2021

NYC removes EV exemption cap, blocking Revel ride-hailing service

The Taxi and Limousine Commission voted Tuesday to remove the EV exemption for new for-hire vehicle licenses, which could have allowed the company to put 50 Teslas on city streets.

By Chris Teale • UPDATED: June 24, 2021 at 10:16 a.m.

Lime taps user base for Complete Streets advocacy

The "People-First Cities" campaign encourages users to advocate for safe local infrastructure. The company said it hopes its presence in red states will push Republican lawmakers to support Biden's infrastructure package. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 30, 2021

New York lawmakers pass bill requiring all new vehicle sales be zero-emissions by 2035

The measure now awaits Gov. Andrew Cuomo's signature. His office says a decision has not been made yet, but the state is committed to electrifying its transportation sector.

By Robert Walton • April 30, 2021

NLC calls for engagement, proper training for facial recognition tech

The report urges cities to limit the scope of the technology and have rigorous data standards to protect privacy, but opponents say that's not enough.

By Chris Teale • April 29, 2021

Cleantech incubator part of Houston's goal to be 'energy transition capital'

One year after the city unveiled its Climate Action Plan, the incubator said it has 30 startups ready to move into its 40,000-square-foot Greentown Labs space.

By Chris Teale • April 23, 2021

3 key investments in LA Mayor Garcetti's proposed 'justice budget'

As the city recovers from the financial blows of the pandemic, the FY22 budget calls for record funding to address homelessness, a guaranteed basic income pilot and the exploration of a reparations commission. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 22, 2021

New York to revive curbside composting as city lags on zero waste goal

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Earth Day the city is reviving multiple programs cut during the pandemic. But the city is not yet taking the steps many elected officials and advocates believe are necessary to achieve a key 2030 target.

By Cole Rosengren • April 22, 2021

Transportation groups call for national VMT program

In a letter to House and Senate committee leaders, the coalition said a vehicle miles traveled program would be the best alternative to gas taxes, but others are reluctant due to potential impacts on rural drivers.

By Chris Teale • April 16, 2021

New York City announces winners of e-scooter pilot

The city's Department of Transportation awarded Veo, Lime and Bird coveted permits for a pilot program in a section of the East Bronx.

By Chris Teale , Cailin Crowe • April 14, 2021

Virginia launches statewide IoT cybersecurity contest

As some state and local governments look to actively bolster their IoT networks, Gov. Ralph Northam announced the competition to leverage in-state students and faculty at the Smart Cities Connect virtual conference Tuesday.

By Chris Teale • April 14, 2021