The smart city news that shaped 2020

Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.

Jan. 4, 2021

Federal stimulus includes wind, solar tax credit extensions

The omnibus bill includes several provisions from the Senate's American Energy Innovation Act and the House's companion bill, marking the first time energy policy has been comprehensively updated in 13 years.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 22, 2020

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

Consumers want curbside, outdoor dining to stay in 2021: survey

Demand for restaurants is high, with 83% of adults saying they are not eating on the premises at restaurants as often as they would like.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 22, 2020

Clean energy groups applaud pick of former Michigan Gov. Granholm for DOE head

Granholm is known for staunchly supporting the automotive industry — which observers say could be an asset as the new administration attempts to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2020

5 ways smart infrastructure shapes communities for the better

From improved transportation to data-driven decisions, smart cities are using technology to raise the bar for the world of tomorrow.

By Forrest Senti • Dec. 18, 2020

Biden taps North Carolina DEQ Secretary Regan for EPA

Under Michael Regan's watch at the DEQ, Duke Energy agreed to the largest coal ash cleanup in U.S. history.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2020

California tops ACEEE energy efficiency scorecard

This is the first report since 2010 that Massachusetts has not held the No. 1 spot, falling to second as California "continued to set the pace in energy savings."

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 17, 2020

11 experts predict what will shape smart cities in 2021

From electrification to digital twins and the "15-minute city," respondents shared a wide variety of trends to watch in the new year.

By Kristin Musulin , Cailin Crowe , Chris Teale • Dec. 15, 2020

Smart Columbus pushes ahead on corporate decarbonization

The Smart Columbus Energy program is designed to help Central Ohio's corporate and industrial organizations transition to clean energy through wind and solar energy procurement.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 11, 2020

Green buildings ‘unheralded hero’ in emissions fight, experts say

President-elect Joe Biden's plan to boost energy efficiency in the sector promises to create up to one million jobs and mitigate the effects of climate change, elected officials said during a U.S. Green Building Council webinar. 

By Chris Teale • Dec. 10, 2020

Cities play ‘key role’ in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 9, 2020

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2020

In a year where cities and local officials had to weather unprecedented crises, the following awardees stood out for their bold leadership.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

Leader of the Year: Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta

The mayor has guided the city through the onset of a devastating pandemic and civic unrest, while also fielding a lawsuit from the state governor and catching the attention of President-elect Joe Biden's administration.  

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 9, 2020

Probabilistic genotyping in forensic DNA analysis

Despite some criticisms, the use of PG software is an advancement that substantially improves DNA analysis.

By Bruce Budowle • Nov. 30, 2020

Portland, OR city employees to pilot e-cargo bikes

This will be Saris Infrastructure's second pilot of its battery-electric, pedal-assist cargo bike, following a recent fleet test in Madison, WI.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 30, 2020

Migration to wildfire-prone areas continues despite risk: study

Wildfires are expected to burn 9.3 million acres of the U.S. annually by 2050 as many vulnerable areas are also seeing population growth.

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 23, 2020

LA pilots Google tree canopy tech

The Tree Canopy Lab technology combines AI and aerial images to assess tree cover density in an effort to measure and track environmental data.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 23, 2020

Cities are cutting emissions with an unlikely aid: concrete

Cutting emissions from concrete in public infrastructure projects is an under-utilized and low-cost policy option that governments can readily pursue.

By Eric Dunford • Nov. 23, 2020

Wastewater surveillance may be key to widespread COVID-19 detection

COVID-19 presents a rare opportunity for researchers to refine and implement wastewater-based epidemiology testing to fight the pandemic and manage future infections.

By Leanne Huysentruyt • Nov. 20, 2020

Wildfires pushed PG&E into bankruptcy. Should other utilities be worried?

Catastrophic wildfires, which can lead to billions of dollars in damages, present a unique financial risk that the utility sector will want to get ahead of.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 20, 2020

Climate progress in 6 sectors too slow to limit global warming: report

The World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks said efforts to bolster electrification and renewable energy must accelerate, while deforestation and agricultural production raised red flags.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 19, 2020

EPA sets 2030 national recycling goal, stakeholders call for more federal action

Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a 50% recycling rate target for 2030, while the latest annual data showed a decline to 32.1% and multiple financial pressures continue for the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 19, 2020

25 US cities land on CDP 2020 ‘A List’

Despite the unprecedented obstacles of COVID-19, CDP identified 88 global cities that have continued to make progress on climate action, with 34% of those cities new to the list this year.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 16, 2020

Mayors unveil $60B plan to support Midwest energy transition

The Marshall Plan for Middle America aims to address the Ohio Valley region's projected 100,000 job losses triggered by a shift away from fossil fuels.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 16, 2020

Will ghost kitchens define the restaurant industry's future?

While investor interest booms and sales have the potential to outpace traditional models, questions linger about how much this emerging market could disrupt business in the long term. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 10, 2020