New York MTA unveils subway repair plan on sped-up timeline

The proposal is a serious acceleration of goals laid out in last summer’s $800 million emergency rescue package, which had a 50-year time frame for repair goals.

By Jason Plautz • May 24, 2018

Pittsburgh sets goal of 50% energy reduction in revised climate plan

Behind local leadership and strong public support, the plan also calls for the city to turn its operations to 100% renewable energy and to adopt a 100% fossil fuel-free vehicle fleet. 

By Jason Plautz • May 24, 2018

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

Bloomberg invests $42M in What Works Cities; decries 'alternative facts'

In the organization's annual report, founder Michael Bloomberg wrote an open letter on philanthropy and said cities are "leading where Washington won't."

By Kristin Musulin • May 24, 2018

Report: Spending on urban parks increased in 2018, but more access needed

The Trust For Public Land found that cities spent $7.5 billion on parks in 2018, while 70% of U.S. residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

By Chris Teale • May 23, 2018

C40 Cities launches global food waste management 'guide'

The report, co-authored with the World Biogas Association, outlines the sources and impact of food waste and an overview of treatment technologies for city leaders.

By Kristin Musulin • May 18, 2018

UN: 68% of the global population will live in cities by 2050

Of the urban growth, the U.N. projects that 90% will happen in Asia and Africa, particularly India, China and Nigeria. 

By Jason Plautz • May 18, 2018

Siemens: Los Angeles must transform energy, transit systems to hit sustainability goals

The report calls for the city to move to 100% renewable electricity and 45% passenger travel by transit and active transport by 2050.

By Kristin Musulin • May 17, 2018

Atlanta mayor says cyberattack came as 'surprise' to city, residents

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said her constituents had not viewed cybersecurity as vital until the ransomware impacted their interactions with government.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2018

USDA Forest Service: Cities losing 36M trees a year

A study found that urban tree canopies declined in 45 states, and researchers warned of the environmental effects of continued losses.

By Chris Teale • May 11, 2018

San Francisco to install smart trash receptacles citywide

Each Bigbelly container is solar powered, is equipped with an automatic compactor and has technology that alerts collectors when it is full. 

By Kristin Musulin • May 11, 2018

DC approves bill to incentivize residential composting

The Residential Composting Incentives Amendment Act of 2017 establishes a rebate of up to $75 for residents who install a home composting or vermicomposting system.

By Cathy Plume • May 8, 2018

Environmental group calls on cities to accelerate electric school bus adoption

A report urges a quicker move away from diesel vehicles, which contribute to greater emissions but are half as expensive as greener alternatives.

By Chris Teale • May 7, 2018

Gates Foundation commits $158M to fight US poverty

The funding will support the plethora of groups that already exist to break down barriers to economic opportunity.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 7, 2018

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel: ‘Government’s got to get where the private sector is’

The mayors of Chicago and Tulsa, OK took to the stage during a recent Axios event to discuss education, inclusion and modernizing city services.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 2, 2018

Waste tech company expands smart cities program to more than 20 locations

Rubicon's residential ambitions are coming into focus, with plans to start competing for collection contracts via its independent hauling partners.

By Cole Rosengren • April 30, 2018

EPA grants $54.3M for brownfields cleanup

The funding will cover communities' contaminated site cleanups and redevelopment.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 28, 2018

New York’s P3-centric department aims to tackle inequity

The public-private partnerships have improved underserved residents' access to education, health and housing programs.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 27, 2018

Waste industry expert: 'Pay-as-you-throw' is the top thing your city can do for GHG reduction

Mark Dancy, president of the consulting group Waste Zero, shared insights on PAYT and how city officials can implement programs.

By Cody Boteler • April 26, 2018

With recovery costs reaching nearly $2.7M, should Atlanta have paid the ransomware demand?

The recovery costs were more than 50 times the $51,000 demand to unlock Atlanta's technical infrastructure.

By Samantha Schwartz • April 24, 2018

Michael Bloomberg contributes $4.5M to Paris climate accord

The money will help to cover the funding gap created when the U.S. withdrew from the worldwide pact last year.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 24, 2018

Survey: Mayors’ top concerns include infrastructure, climate change, opioids

Local leaders who responded to Bloomberg Philanthropies' 2018 American Mayors Survey also reported having to address global and national issues on their own with less federal or state support.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 24, 2018

Local, state leaders launch 'We Are Taking Action' campaign to address climate change

The We Are Still In coalition will conduct working groups and panels throughout the year to discuss how to encourage more local climate action.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 23, 2018

NYC's Central Park becomes permanently car-free

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the move will prioritize "the safety and the health" of the millions of visitors who occupy the park.

By Kristin Musulin , Chris Teale • Updated June 28, 2018

Congress introduces $5.5M bill to modernize flood mapping

The bill would require FEMA to carry out a pilot program to "enhance the mapping of urban flooding" and share data with homeowners and businesses.

By Kristin Musulin • April 20, 2018

Lyft to make all rides carbon neutral through offset purchases

The commitment will be made through funding of emission mitigation efforts, which Lyft says is a "multi-million dollar investment in the first year alone."

By Kristin Musulin • April 20, 2018