Alaska drops 4-year degree requirements for state jobs

“At present, there are not enough qualified applicants to fill all the state’s job vacancies,” the administrative order said.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 27, 2023

States could help struggling transit agencies close their budget gaps: report

Gas taxes fund transportation in most states, but some of them partially or fully prohibit the use of those dollars for public transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 24, 2023

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

ARPA fund spending shows regional differences in local government priorities, researchers say

Large cities and counties have spent the largest share of state and local fiscal recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act on government operations. But their spending on other priorities diverges from there, researchers found.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 23, 2023

Chicago adopts citywide equity and resiliency plan

The We Will Chicago plan aims to address eight issue areas, including housing and economic development, in its 40 goals and 150 objectives. 

By Michael Brady • Feb. 21, 2023

Biden signs executive order to advance racial equity

The directive requires federal agencies to improve their community outreach, boost investments in underserved communities and address population displacement, among other initiatives.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 17, 2023

More people are working from home. Here’s how much it’s costing US cities.

Commuters are spending thousands less on meals, entertainment and shopping near their workplaces each year because they’re working from home more often than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 15, 2023

Smart city conferences to attend in 2023

The tenth Bloomberg CityLab — a global cities summit — will take place in Washington, D.C., this fall.

By Michael Brady • Updated Sept. 5, 2023

San Francisco announces downtown revitalization strategic plan

Mayor London Breed said the downtown road map contains nearly 50 initiatives and nine strategies for revitalizing the neighborhood in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 10, 2023

Philly launches digital tool to ease building permitting process

The pilot aims to improve access to information about necessary permits, approvals and other requirements for some residential and commercial projects, the city said.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 7, 2023

Pickleball is booming. Here’s how cities are adapting to the craze.

As the paddle sport’s popularity soars, cities are opening new courts but keeping an eye on equity.

By Gaby Galvin • Feb. 7, 2023

Louisville launches asphalt art crosswalk pilot

The installations by local artists planned for April aim to improve pedestrian safety at four of the city’s major downtown intersections while showcasing its arts and culture.

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 6, 2023

US DOT launches roadway safety call to action

Nearly 50 governments, non-government organizations and private-sector partners have committed to taking specific actions this year to reduce roadway deaths.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 3, 2023

Whole Foods’ controversial exit from a Chicago neighborhood, explained

The chain’s experience in the Englewood community highlights the opportunities and pitfalls grocers can face in areas with limited access to affordable and healthy foods.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Feb. 3, 2023

US DOT awards $800M toward street safety

The allocation comes from the first funding round of the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, part of the 2021 infrastructure law.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 1, 2023

EV transition not keeping pace with US climate goals: report

Gas-powered cars need tighter regulations for the U.S. to meet its 2030 emissions target, while not enough urban charging or utility upgrades could constrain electrification, one report author said.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 31, 2023

Black and Latino-majority cities are key ‘to finding a real world Wakanda’: report

Combined Black and Latino-majority cities may have “greater opportunities to improve local prosperity through shared initiatives,” according to a Brookings Institution report.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 27, 2023

El Paso to reconnect neighborhoods divided by highway with deck plaza

The Texas city will work with Stantec on the design and planning for a downtown public space with regional amenities over Interstate 10, which might also be widened as part of the project.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 25, 2023

Cost of proposed San Francisco commuter, high-speed rail tunnel grows to $6.7B

The 1.3-mile tunnel would bring commuter trains to the downtown transit center, but pre-pandemic ridership hasn't returned along the line.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 24, 2023

Transit agencies agree to share certification of minority contractors

Chicago and Philadelphia’s reciprocal arrangement for disadvantaged businesses could become a national model, organizers say.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 19, 2023

Nearly all US mayors worry about climate change’s local effects: report

Mayors said their regulatory powers, especially building codes and zoning, are their most effective tools to address climate change. But they are reluctant to limit residents’ behavior or the use of old technology.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 19, 2023

Why drone delivery hasn’t taken flight in the US

The Federal Aviation Administration this year will propose new regulations, including changes to visual line of sight requirements to support greater drone use, a federal official said.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 17, 2023

4 trends that could shape smart cities in 2023

These overarching trends affect the decisions communities are making around transportation design, street space, housing and revitalizing downtowns that have struggled with fewer office workers.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Jan. 13, 2023

Transit agencies must consider land use and new travel patterns, transportation officials say

New travel patterns driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and remote and hybrid work are forcing transit agencies to reconsider their planning and operations, transportation officials said at the Transportation Research Board's Annual Meeting.

By Charles Pekow • Jan. 12, 2023

Michigan chief mobility officer: ‘States need to write the playbook’ on EV charging

States could ease the EV charging rollout by helping local governments update regulations and institute best practices, panelists said at CES.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 10, 2023

Updating local regulations may ease EV charging rollout

Improved regulations make it easier for developers to “know what they’re getting into,” said one transportation planner.

By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 4, 2023