Governance: Page 2

Landlords bear the burden of gun safety in their communities

Most states leave tough decisions about the complicated issue of firearm restrictions to multifamily property owners.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Oct. 12, 2022

City leaders say they’re balancing budgets now but less confident about the future

Equipped with federal relief money and bolstered by tax revenue from a strong housing market, nearly 90% of finance officers say they’ve been able to meet their city’s financial needs, according to an annual National League of Cities report. 

By Danielle McLean • Oct. 12, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Vehicle Electrification

Cities and states are trying to harness the growing electric vehicle market to meet decarbonization goals while ensuring the rollout of these vehicles is being done equitably. Their efforts are aided by an influx of federal support.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

DOL proposes new test for independent contractors

The ruling could have major implications for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, which rely on independent contractors for drivers.

By Ryan Golden • Updated Oct. 11, 2022

Cybersecurity needs a statewide approach, state chief information officers, Deloitte say in new report

Cities often hesitate to work with states on cybersecurity to protect their autonomy, but that could change as local governments vie for new cybersecurity grants, the report authors suggest.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 10, 2022

Small business rent delinquency trends improving: survey

Small retailers appear to be recovering from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic downturn, but nearly a third still can’t pay rent.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 10, 2022

AV industry still needs to prove safety to cities and states, mobility leaders say

Consider public acceptance of autonomous vehicles now and when taxpayers may have to pay for the technology that enables connected roads, MOVE America conference speakers said. 

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 7, 2022

When Canada geese swarm cities, officials flock to solutions

Once on the brink of extinction, Canada geese have roared to a comeback. Today, their overpopulation in much of the U.S. leads to feces-contaminated parks and waterways.

By Adina Solomon • Oct. 6, 2022

$100 monthly transit subsidy bill advances in Washington, DC

Such a program may help mitigate the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority’s pandemic-era financial losses and could support other priorities related to traffic safety, health and climate.

By Kalena Thomhave • Oct. 5, 2022

How cities and states can compete for infrastructure funds

Massachusetts’ mobility chief said the FHWA is looking for innovative and data-backed projects focused on safety and vehicle electrification at the MOVE America conference in Austin, Texas.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 5, 2022

How to move pilot projects to permanent programs

Officials from Frisco and San Antonio, Texas, and the New York Public Library system, shared at the Smart Cities Connect conference their challenges when transitioning trials to full programs and their strategies to overcome them.

By Danielle McLean • Sept. 30, 2022

3 takeaways from the Smart Cities Connect fall conference

Public- and private-sector professionals shared ideas on how to get support for procurement, make progress on open-source and interoperable technologies and more.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 30, 2022

Ridership surpasses 70% of pre-pandemic levels, boosting transit agency finances: APTA

Growing ridership could help transit agencies address their financial problems, avoiding service cuts and fare hikes.

By Michael Brady • Sept. 29, 2022

For many cities, budgets are doing fine, but worries about the future remain

Rising home prices and a surge in federal funding helped provide some stability for city budgets during the pandemic, but inflation or a recession could create new pressures.

By Karen Kroll • Sept. 27, 2022

Don’t let flying taxis be the next scooters, city planners warn

Private companies could begin operating air taxi services by 2024, experts said last week during the ITS World Congress in Los Angeles. Cities need to plan their regulatory approach now.

By Michael Brady • Sept. 27, 2022

Austin, other US cities look to combat legacies of housing discrimination

Systemic discrimination cost Black homeowners in Austin, Texas, over $290 million, according to a recent report. Leaders of that city and others are pledging to address structural inequities.

By Gaby Galvin • Sept. 26, 2022

Connected vehicle insights help Washington D.C. better understand school zone traffic safety

The district uses crash, volume, speed and demographic information from Safety View by GM Future Roads and INRIX to help reduce injuries among children.

Sept. 26, 2022

Self-driving cars’ benefits, perils outlined in new report

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve equity and safety but need regulation at all levels to ensure those outcomes, an Urban Institute report concludes.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 22, 2022

To curb homelessness, Denver commits $2M for basic income pilot

Households will receive up to $12,000 in direct cash payments over the course of the year. The Denver Basic Income Project is among a flurry of cash assistance programs being piloted or supported by U.S. cities.

By Kalena Thomhave • Sept. 21, 2022

To break an impasse in connected vehicle tech, transportation leaders call for a federal policy framework

A national framework could address the chicken-and-egg problem of who should invest in the technology first, carmakers or communities, transportation experts say. Without such guidance, each is hesitant to move forward.

By Michael Brady • Sept. 19, 2022

Can a billionaire’s planned city be equitable?

Existing planned communities impart lessons about maintaining economic and racial diversity, but doubts remain about whether a city planned by private interests like Telosa can truly achieve equity.

By Adina Solomon • Sept. 13, 2022

Basic income pilots gain momentum across US cities

At least a dozen U.S. cities have implemented unconditional direct cash payment programs over the past year, as advocates seek to build evidence and experts debate the most effective structures.

By Gaby Galvin • Sept. 8, 2022

With autonomous vehicle caucus, Congress members aim to advance technology for self-driving cars

The bipartisan group looks to educate fellow members of Congress and have them experience riding in a self-driving car while pushing legislation intended to spur the development of AVs in the U.S.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 8, 2022

Denver wants to return its downtown to pre-pandemic vibrancy

The Mile High City is using federal COVID-19 recovery funds to aid its efforts in transforming the busy business district into a neighborhood. 

By Danielle McLean • Sept. 1, 2022

FTA reprimands Boston-area transit system management for safety failures

Poor decisions and lax attention to safety were among the Federal Transit Administration’s criticisms in its 90-page report.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 1, 2022

California sets road map to complete ban on gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035

Under the Clean Air Act, 17 states and D.C. can now follow this lead. Massachusetts established a trigger law this month to adopt the regs once California does. Automakers are worried about their ability to meet the timeline.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 26, 2022