New York freezes new large data center projects for one year

The first statewide moratorium will give officials time to evaluate impacts on electricity demand, water resources, infrastructure and surrounding communities, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office said.

By Zoya Mirza • Updated 7 hours ago

Local projects would get billions under water infrastructure bill

The Water Resources Development Act, which would provide $30.5 billion for state revolving funds, passed unanimously through a House committee.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 15, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards

Cities are using these levers to meet climate goals and address everything from data centers to building decarbonization.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

With extreme rainfall overwhelming Chicago’s sewers, the city tries a new approach

A $12 million pilot for underground stormwater storage targets flooding in historically underserved neighborhoods.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 13, 2026

Extreme heat road map urges cities to rethink resilience

Treat extreme heat as a chronic risk, the Federation of American Scientists says. It offers solutions ranging from grid resilience to cooling access.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated July 8, 2026

Resilience projects need funding. Green banks could help them reach new investors, one researcher says.

A hybrid institutional capital model could package small infrastructure resilience projects to make them attractive to institutional investors, a new research paper proposes.

By Vicky Uhland • July 7, 2026

Aging, mobility and resilience projects get $8.3M from AARP

Fast-track projects ranging from safer streets and transit access to home-sharing and disaster preparedness were among those funded at a record level this year. 

By Vicky Uhland • July 1, 2026

Cities are throwing away millions. Soil banking offers a better way.

Local governments can cut costs, reduce emissions and build resilience by treating excavated soil as a resource.

By Daniel Walsh • June 29, 2026

EPA’s tougher soot standard upheld in court

The D.C. Circuit rejected a challenge from states and industry groups, leaving the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter in place as litigation over implementation continues.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 29, 2026

Climate migration is coming. Cincinnati wants to shape its effects.

The city’s new readiness plan positions population growth as an economic asset while developing a strategy to expand housing, strengthen infrastructure and protect affordability and social services.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 24, 2026

Judge overturns DOE’s cancellation of $82.1M in clean energy grants

The plaintiffs argued the 11 grantees — based in New York, Oregon, Connecticut, Minnesota and Colorado — were targeted because those states voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris.

By Diana DiGangi • Updated June 17, 2026

To reduce waste, BYO food and drink containers encouraged in Portland, Oregon

A regional government introduced the Choose to Reuse initiative following Oregon’s introduction of a law allowing the practice. Local leaders collaborate with nonprofits and private reuse businesses to encourage adoption.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 15, 2026

5 ways to leverage the energy-water nexus for more resilient communities

Climate pressure and industrial growth are exposing the cost of siloed infrastructure planning.

June 15, 2026

Emergency managers welcome House proposal to strengthen FEMA funding

The Appropriations Committee approved a spending bill that streamlines disaster declaration processing and preserves preparedness grants they say are foundational to state and local response capabilities.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 12, 2026

Is FEMA ready for disaster season?

While a new report warns of staffing shortages, vacant leadership posts and strained federal-state relationships, the agency’s acting administrator insists it is prepared for hurricane and wildfire season.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 10, 2026

What the World Cup reveals about cities’ growing heat risk

Extreme temperatures and wildfire smoke threaten athletes’ and fans’ health, highlighting the need to adapt infrastructure and public safety plans for a warming climate, scientists say.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 9, 2026

More federal funding for local parks could soon be available. Here’s how to apply.

A new funding round could provide cities with up to $15 million for parks and recreation projects. Local engagement and implementation plans could make or break applications, experts say.

By Vicky Uhland • June 4, 2026

Nominate a project for the 2026 Smart Cities Dive Community Project Awards

The awards will highlight innovation and effective use of technology to solve real community problems.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 2, 2026

Cities push Congress to avert water infrastructure funding cliff

With enhanced funding from the Biden-era infrastructure law set to expire and proposed federal cuts on the table, local government and water groups are urging lawmakers to reauthorize key drinking water and wastewater programs.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • June 1, 2026

Data centers raise temperatures up to 4 degrees in nearby neighborhoods: study

Thermal plumes from four data centers near Phoenix threaten to raise the energy burden on surrounding neighborhoods during the extended summer cooling season, researchers found.

By Robert Freedman • May 28, 2026

Philadelphia clean energy campaign turned millions invested into billions saved. Here’s how.

By blending public and private financing, green banking and a coalition of labor, housing and community partners, the city generated 11,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in energy savings — with minimal federal dollars, an economic impact report found.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 28, 2026

Los Angeles is reimagining parks as water infrastructure

The network of park-based stormwater capture projects is designed to help replenish aquifers, improve water quality and enhance climate resilience in underserved neighborhoods.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 27, 2026

Community groups sue EPA to tighten its incinerator rules

A coalition is again taking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to court over its Clean Air Act rules for large municipal waste combustors, two months after the agency finalized the regulation. 

By Jacob Wallace • May 27, 2026

How public-private partnerships are powering the next generation of smart cities

El Paso’s ongoing partnership with Schneider Electric advances economic growth and sustainability.

May 26, 2026

How 4 cities are reshaping parks into strategic climate and community infrastructure

Urban parks can boost resilience, improve stormwater management and advance neighborhood equity, strengthening social cohesion in the process, the parks’ developers say. 

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 22, 2026

Cincinnati is turning a blighted former landfill into a solar energy hub

A public-private partnership with a hybrid financing structure will reduce emissions, generate cost savings for residents and support environmental justice goals, the city’s sustainability chief says.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 20, 2026