Cybersecurity best practices for smart cities issued by CISA

Smart city technologies are at risk “of exploitation for espionage and for financial or political gain by malicious threat actors,” according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

By Michael Brady • April 21, 2023

Air quality disparity between Eastern and Western states grows as climate change undermines progress: report

Nearly 64 million U.S. residents lived in counties with a failing grade for daily particle pollution in 2019-2021 — a 10-year high for that measure, according to the American Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of the Air” report.

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 19, 2023

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

New York City to test local delivery hubs

Microhubs will provide designated locations for trucks to unload items for last-mile delivery providers in a pilot program starting this summer. The city hopes they will curb traffic congestion and lower vehicle emissions. 

By Max Garland • April 19, 2023

An ‘early warning system’ for urban drought is this research team’s goal

The project aims to “provide useable information for decision makers” as many cities turn to trees to address climate change impacts.

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 18, 2023

In fast-growing cities, land-use reform could decrease climate pollution, provide housing: report

As cities nationwide grapple with housing and climate crises, some researchers are examining how land-use decisions may help address these challenges.

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 14, 2023

Google’s free tree canopy tool now covers hundreds more cities. Here’s how early adopters are using it.

In Austin and Chicago, the tool has helped empower and engage community members, leaders said. The tech giant plans to expand it to thousands more cities this year. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 13, 2023

Booming EV sales amp up the pressure on cities and companies to meet charging demand

“This is a wake-up call,” an executive at an energy management company said. “The transformation required to enable widespread vehicle electrification will be a massive challenge.”

By Dan Zukowski • April 13, 2023

On infrastructure jobs, OSHA steps up workplace safety enforcement

As federal funds flood into construction projects thanks to the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is concerned about protecting workers in the infrastructure sector.

By Julie Strupp • April 12, 2023

Tighter EPA vehicle emissions standards may speed up electric vehicle transition

The new emissions standards would apply to 2027 through 2032 model-year vehicles, but they would not mandate EVs, leaving it up to automakers to decide how to meet the rules.

By Dan Zukowski • April 12, 2023

Low-carbon materials eligible for climate resilience, disaster recovery funding: FEMA

Local governments can access federal funds to buy low-carbon concrete, asphalt, glass and steel through three programs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 11, 2023

What will it take to build sustainable cities? Public officials, experts weigh in

If the Biden administration’s climate investment isn’t spent wisely, it could “lock us into what we're already doing,” said an urban sustainability expert at a Washington Post Live event.

By Ysabelle Kempe • April 10, 2023

The country’s most EV-friendly metro areas

Electric vehicle charger availability varies widely across the U.S. Of the top 10 U.S. metro areas for electric-vehicle friendliness, more than half are in California, a new report found.

By Mary Salmonsen • April 10, 2023

How Jersey City’s resiliency plan preps them to weather the storm

How the leaders of Jersey City ensure that their community remains safe and healthy for generations to come.

April 10, 2023

With electric delivery vehicles in high demand, GM’s Brightdrop sold out for the year

The company has over 30 commercial customers covering parcel delivery, retail, rental and service-based utilities.

By Dan Zukowski • April 7, 2023

Walmart to install EV chargers at thousands of stores by 2030

The company noted that there’s “a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans,” putting these chargers in easy reach of most electric vehicle drivers.

By Jessica Loder • April 7, 2023

Lyft expands electric-vehicle option to riders in 14 cities and counties

Business riders will be able to request hybrid or electric vehicles beginning April 17.

By Dan Zukowski • April 6, 2023

Amazon deliveries made by Rivian EVs surge to 75M

More than 3,000 electric vehicles are making Amazon deliveries in over 500 cities and regions across the U.S., Amazon said.

By Max Garland • April 3, 2023

“Curated” climate data, grant assistance can help cities address EJ and climate change concerns

U.S. EPA tools can help communities anticipate climate impacts such as wildfires, drought, coastal floods and 100-year floods, an EPA official said. Assistance can help them apply for federal grants to address those impacts.

By Stephenie Overman • April 3, 2023

Uber and bp to provide fast EV chargers to the ride-hailing company’s drivers

Uber drivers use electric vehicles at a rate more than eight times that of the general population in the U.S., an Uber spokesperson said.

By Dan Zukowski • March 31, 2023

‘Nature-based solutions’ like trees and rain gardens can be cost-effective climate adaptations, advocates say

Momentum for land- and water-based infrastructure strategies has been increasing. The Biden administration’s road map and resource guide could speed adoption, advocates said.

By Kalena Thomhave • March 28, 2023

How cities can center equity in EV charging

“Focus more on the people than on the hardware” to implement EV charging equitably, one electric transportation advocate said, such as by talking to residents and listening to their needs.

By Kalena Thomhave • March 28, 2023

With adequate data, a local government’s sustainability goals are within reach

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.To reach a...

By Michael Keating • March 27, 2023

Is your city minimobility-ready?

Cities must transition from favoring full-sized cars and SUVs to prioritizing slower, smaller passenger vehicles that can meet more travelers’ needs in less space, transportation experts say.

By Austyn Gaffney • March 20, 2023

On climate change, this group of mayors thinks globally and acts locally

Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright discusses how the organization is helping mayors lead on climate policy and implement provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and 2021 infrastructure law.

By Michael Brady • March 17, 2023

Skanska predicts construction costs will rise above inflation in many US cities

The new report examined construction costs in 21 U.S. markets, including Dallas; New York City; Orlando, Florida; Phoenix; San Francisco; and Seattle.

By Zachary Phillips • March 14, 2023