Governance: Page 2

The 2020 census is here. Is your city ready?

In this six-part series, Smart Cities Dive spoke with officials and organizations at the center of the count to assess the impacts the 2020 census will have on program funding, representation and local-level governance.

Deep Dive

How census data will impact $1.5 trillion in funds

To receive the appropriate allocation of federal funds, local governments are investing millions in recording an accurate count.

By Chris Teale • March 09, 2020

Deep Dive

The first majority-online census raises novel concerns

Responses to this year's census will be primarily issued online, though some are worried privacy and the digital divide will depress turnout.

By Chris Teale • March 09, 2020

Opinion

This census is unlike any before — and we have reason to worry

Kenneth Prewitt, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau from 1998 to 2001, warns of fearmongering, political manipulation and mistrust threatening the validity of the 2020 count.

By Kenneth Prewitt • March 09, 2020

Deep Dive

Fear is a main barrier in counting homeless populations

The census has long yielded an undercount of people experiencing homelessness. This year's count might not be any different.

By Cailin Crowe • March 09, 2020

Lessons from 2010: The importance of census messaging

Congressional representation, data to assist economic growth and federal funding is all on the line this spring as cities gear up for the most important civic engagement effort of the decade.

By Kristin Musulin • March 09, 2020

Deep Dive

Tracking the impact of coronavirus on US cities

Today: Las Vegas officials face criticism for turning a parking lot into a homeless shelter, while COVID-19 places a "unique burden" on Detroit.

By Nami Sumida • UPDATED: March 31, 2020 at 9:59 a.m.

NASA partners with 17 companies on Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge

The challenge will test airborne transportation and management systems in various urban simulations to inform future regulations.

By Chris Teale • March 05, 2020

YIMBY Act receives bipartisan support in the House

The U.S. has a shortage of up to 10 million housing units. This federal bill intends to fill that gap by reducing barriers to construction.

By Cailin Crowe • March 04, 2020

Deep Dive

Police tech can foster (or foil) public trust

While some police departments work to squash skepticism around tools like facial recognition, others are adopting new tech to gauge public sentiment.

By Amanda Loudin • March 03, 2020

NYC launches mental health, tenant rights challenges

The NYCx Co-Labs challenges are designed to improve the accessibility of mental health services and information regarding housing rights in two predominately Latinx neighborhoods. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 03, 2020

Dallas expands GoPass transit app to Tulsa, OK

Dallas Area Rapid Transit plans to license its mobile platform in another state for the first time, having already completed local deals in Texas.

By Chris Teale • March 03, 2020

RapidSOS enhances ability to pinpoint wireless 911 calls

The company's new tool will give public safety agencies more precise location data to track calls from mobile phones, connected vehicles, buildings and even medical devices. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 27, 2020

Virginia legislature clears way for Amazon delivery robots

The legislature approved a bill that would allow electric personal delivery robots of up to 500 pounds to operate on sidewalks and road shoulders.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 27, 2020

NHTSA suspends EasyMile autonomous shuttles in 10 cities

The administration paused the service after a Smart Columbus pilot vehicle braked for an unknown reason, causing a woman to fall from her seat. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 27, 2020

Dallas creates task force to study Airbnb regulations

The group will evaluate how the city regulates short-term rentals in an effort to mitigate impacts on "neighborhood quality of life."

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 25, 2020

White House: Cities impose 'excessive regulatory barriers' on housing

The annual report of the Council of Economic Advisers calls out 11 cities where housing is "particularly difficult to build" due to measures such as zoning controls and energy efficiency mandates.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 25, 2020

Charlotte, NC's green tariff solar deal could spark wider trend in cities

The city council approved a 35-megawatt project to generate 24% of its municipal electricity, making it the most populous U.S. city to acquire large-scale solar through a green tariff.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 25, 2020

Buffalo, NY mayor pledges to become 'nation's leading intelligent smart city'

The mid-sized city will tap public-private partnerships and bolster initiatives like smart sewers, an open data portal and connected street lights.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 24, 2020

Spin deploys first public charging hubs in Phoenix

The Spin Hubs, powered by Swiftmile, are available in the public rights-of-way of two locations that are popular start and end points for scooter rides.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 24, 2020

3 keys to creating behavioral change in cities: report

Effective relationships, parallel strategies and communication with target audiences are all crucial for systemic behavioral change, according to a new report from Meeting of the Minds.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 20, 2020

Deep Dive

Outpacing an outbreak: How tech helps cities handle public health threats

AI, analytics and drones are among the technologies used to respond to health crises like coronavirus, though regulatory and privacy concerns have posed obstacles for cities.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2020

LADOT wins appeal in data-sharing dispute with Uber

A hearing officer said LADOT was right to suspend Jump bikes and scooters over Uber's lack of compliance with the city's Mobility Data Specifications, but the battle is far from over.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 13, 2020

Officials: Federal AV law should not stop cities from regulating tech

At a House hearing, speakers opposed new federal AV legislation that would preempt state and local AV laws, with many sharing concerns regarding safety provisions.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 12, 2020

Deep Dive

How hyperloop could stand apart from existing transit modes

Hyperloop has the potential to naturally compete in the marketplace while offering something new — as long as companies can overcome regulatory and financing challenges.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 12, 2020