Utah is planning to construct a vast homeless shelter. Some critics are calling it a ‘detention camp.’

Two members of Congress joined the National Homelessness Law Center in calling for a rejection of federal funding for the 1,300-bed facility in Salt Lake City.

By Ryan Kushner • Feb. 2, 2026

The Smart Cities outlook for 2026: Pressure points for city leaders

As cities navigate housing reform, transportation needs, climate resilience, AI and changes in federal funding, 2026 will be a consequential year for how they govern, budget and protect their autonomy.

By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Where one investor sees distressed apartment opportunities

Neighborhood Ventures is launching a second opportunistic $25 million fund to acquire troubled multifamily properties.

By Leslie Shaver • Jan. 30, 2026

How cities are using AI in 2026

“We’re all in learning mode … and looking at it with a wary eye,” one mayor said about AI’s potential for municipal operations. Read more in this 2026 outlook.

By Vicky Uhland and Robyn Lawrence • Updated Feb. 2, 2026

HUD orders citizenship verification for 200,000 tenants

Public housing agencies must check and report on the eligibility of tenants flagged in the new EIV-SAVE Tenant Match Report.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 27, 2026

Colorado bills take ‘big swing’ at state’s housing shortage

As the state pushes to ramp up development, a lawsuit from several municipalities accuses it of overstepping its authority.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 23, 2026

New Jersey towns hit another wall in fight against state’s affordable housing mandate

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit a coalition of 27 localities filed over New Jersey’s affordable housing law. The towns vow to keep fighting.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 22, 2026

HUD launches fair housing investigation into Minneapolis

The city said the probe “appears to be about politics, not affordable housing.”

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 21, 2026

Trump issues order to curb single-family home sales to large investors

The executive order directs the attorney general to review housing acquisitions by large institutional investors for “anti-competitive practices.”

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 21, 2026

Cities explore tossing rental ‘junk fees’ to ease affordability crisis

Colorado has banned “hidden” fees. New York City and San Diego may follow suit.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 20, 2026

Why local governments need real-time plan review performance insights

Learn how local governments are moving from after-the-fact reports to live, executive-ready insight.

By Natasha Geldard • Jan. 20, 2026

With zoning and regulatory changes, cities aim to spur housing growth

The goals include increased housing density and quicker and cheaper construction. Read how Dallas’ approach stacks up against what experts see coming this year.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 16, 2026

Chicago is filling vacant city lots with middle-scale housing

The city is selling its empty lots to developers for $1 and offering up to $150,000 in funding to boost medium-density housing development.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 15, 2026

New York AG wants RealPage’s lawsuit tossed

The real estate software company asked for a preliminary injunction in November in an attempt to halt the state’s recent ban on rent-pricing algorithms.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 14, 2026

A year after LA fires, thousands of homes remain unbuilt. State funds aim to curb displacement.

California will inject another $107.3 million into communities impacted by last year’s wildfires to fund 673 new affordable rental homes.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 13, 2026

Investors, analysts react to Trump’s single-family home buying ban

The president’s announcement that he would seek to bar institutional investors from acquiring single-family homes raises big questions for the housing industry.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 12, 2026

Senate ‘housing emergency’ bill seeks to spur construction of 4 million US homes

New legislation asks the federal government to curtail local housing regulations and use the Defense Production Act to boost domestic production of construction materials.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 9, 2026

As federal safety nets disappear, states and cities need rent control

With America’s rent crisis deepening, state and local leaders should use rent control to protect residents, preserve communities and stabilize the economy.

By Tram Hoang • Jan. 9, 2026

One week in, Mamdani begins reshaping NYC housing

Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to improve New York City’s beleaguered housing supply. His first week in office saw a number of executive orders aimed at accelerating housing and cutting costs.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 8, 2026

8 trends that will shape cities in 2026

As federal funding becomes less predictable, cities face major shifts in transportation, housing and climate resilience in the new year.

By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Jan. 8, 2026

Virginia Beach looks to kick-start affordable housing with new grant program

More than 370 affordable rental units are in the pipeline following rezoning efforts and the launch of an Attainable Workforce Housing Performance Grant, the city said.

By Ryan Kushner • Jan. 6, 2026

Manhattan’s housing crisis has gotten worse, report finds

The New York City borough hit a vacancy rate of just over 2%. City officials hope new policies, projects and suggestions from residents could help turn things around.

By Ryan Kushner • Dec. 23, 2025

Addressing housing, climate change and AI in an unpredictable year

Community leaders described their efforts to tackle those and other key issues at the annual National League of Cities' City Summit in November.

By Ryan Kushner • Dec. 22, 2025

HUD probes Boston over housing discrimination

The agency claims the city is discriminating against White residents via its equity and inclusion efforts in its housing strategy. The mayor's office called the probe an "unhinged attack” from Washington.

By Julie Strupp • Dec. 19, 2025

How do cities accelerate housing? Partnerships, land buying and zoning, experts say

Cities must be intentional about housing, a National League of Cities panel said.

By Ryan Kushner • Dec. 18, 2025