Higher air pollution linked to coronavirus deaths: study

Harvard University research is the first to make an explicit connection between air pollution and COVID-19 deaths in the United States.

By Chris Teale • April 8, 2020

Ford Mobility offers struggling transit agencies software, consulting amid COVID-19

The "Fixed to Flex" platform is being offered to transit agencies at no cost to enable a smoother adjustment to unprecedented changes across pubic transit.

By Kristin Musulin • April 7, 2020

The challenges of moving a smart city event online

The annual Shared Mobility Summit will now take place virtually in May. The event's director shared the obstacles her team faced in moving to an online format, including costs, security risks and wavering attendance.

By Cailin Crowe • April 7, 2020

Energy efficiency efforts seeing ‘acute pain’ on the residential side due to COVID-19

The sector employs at least 2.4 million people and those jobs are at risk given the disruptions from social distancing protocols, experts say.

By Robert Walton • April 7, 2020

Ann Arbor, MI City Council adopts $1B climate plan

Staff revised the A2Zero plan to better reflect the long-term costs of action or inaction, and to take into account how strategies may evolve as technology and climate changes.

By Chris Teale • Updated June 4, 2020

7 recommendations to tackle COVID-19 in cities: JHU

Johns Hopkins University, a leader in COVID-19 data collection and transparency, detailed a "metropolitan strategy" for cities to follow to slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus.

By Cailin Crowe • April 6, 2020

Post-coronavirus economic recovery requires EV adoption

The next federal stimulus bill should include three objectives to create a healthier economy: more access to EV charging stations, electrification incentives and support of grid-level demand.

By Christopher George & Jan Maceczek • April 6, 2020

The CARES Act won’t support cleantech, but cities still can

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator CEO Matt Petersen is urging cities to align priorities around COVID-19 mitigation and climate action while the federal government sleeps on funding.

By Kristin Musulin • April 3, 2020

Former NOLA mayor: Cities are ‘out of sync’ in COVID-19 response

During a Wednesday webinar, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu warned of a "very dark couple of months" ahead but said cities can, and will, recover.

By Chris Teale • April 2, 2020

No wipes in the pipes: Coronavirus cleaning leads to spike in sewer clogs

The use of disinfectant wipes is spiking as residents try to protect themselves from COVID-19. The result: clogged municipal wastewater systems and costly repairs. 

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2020

Libraries adapt to census needs amid COVID-19 disruptions

Coronavirus has forced U.S. libraries to scratch their original census engagement plans, but many are still deploying new, creative solutions. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 1, 2020

Cities’ shortage of COVID-19 supplies reaches ‘crisis proportions’

A survey from the U.S. Conference of Mayors found 92% of cities don't have enough face masks for first responders or an adequate supply of test kits.

By Cailin Crowe • March 30, 2020

Phishing attacks increase 667% as coronavirus spreads: study

Spring is typically the time of year bad actors send tax-related phishing emails, but this year they are leveraging human fear and health. 

By Samantha Schwartz • March 26, 2020

Cities ‘woefully unprepared’ for coronavirus response: report

Investments in urban resilience and new tech will be key as cities work to recover from COVID-19 while grappling with climate threats and other risks, according to ABI Research. 

By Chris Teale • March 25, 2020

Libraries in Helsinki pause air quality data collection

Libraries that were renting out wearable devices for air quality detection have stopped the initiative due to coronavirus, but are optimistic the project will track notable trends when resumed.

By Cailin Crowe • March 25, 2020

UrbanLeague provides free COVID-19 portals for CIOs, city managers

The platform enables city leaders to access resources such as playbooks and guidelines, and enter "live chats" to address pressing coronavirus questions.

By Kristin Musulin • March 20, 2020

Using P3s for coronavirus response

We must do our part to drive cooperation between the public and private sectors, and rethink the definition of resiliency given our newfound understanding for what is at risk.

By Ryan Martin • March 20, 2020

COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate

There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.

By Chris Teale • March 19, 2020

New York City Council pushes efforts to reach ‘zero waste’

A new agenda calls for the expansion of curbside residential organics collection citywide along with more than a dozen other policies.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2020

Paying ransom is often 'only logical solution' for cyberattacks: Deloitte

Giving in to hacker demands is never ideal for cities. Deloitte's report explains how governments can better build and operate systems to prepare for attacks. 

By Kristin Musulin • March 13, 2020

IDC names winners of 2020 Smart Cities North America Awards

The projects were selected by public vote and represent "the best and brightest change agents within government," said IDC executive Ruthbea Yesner.

By Kristin Musulin • March 10, 2020

Meeting your cities' sustainability goals through fleet electrification

How do you know when is the right time to switch your fleet to EVs? We can help you figure it out!

By Matt Stevens, Vice President, Electric Vehicles for Geotab • March 10, 2020

San Jose, CA unveils 6 partners for Better Buildings program

The participants have committed to reducing emissions from their buildings by 10% over the course of the one-year program.

By Chris Teale • March 9, 2020

Electric refuse trucks on the road (or on the way) in rising number of states

A recent event in Maine highlighted the presence of BYD, Lion and others in this quickly evolving sector. It was also a reminder that charging infrastructure remains a notable, and potentially expensive, startup factor.

By Cole Rosengren • March 6, 2020

Entrepreneurs must focus on serving frontline populations

The world needs creative entrepreneurs operating at the nexus of community and climate to avoid worsening climate disasters and inequality.

By Kevin de León, Sara Chandler • March 3, 2020