Tech & Data

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    NYC commits to $1B expansion of its automated traffic safety enforcement program

    The New York City Department of Transportation will quadruple the number of red-light camera installations across the five boroughs and upgrade older equipment.

    By • Feb. 13, 2026
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    Will drivers accept technologies that limit speeding?

    A study in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to require speed-assistance systems in new vehicles, concluded that driver education and control would help acceptance.

    By • Feb. 12, 2026
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    Trendline

    Smart Cities Technology and Data

    Cities are increasingly looking to technology and data to address real-world issues from traffic safety to law enforcement.

    By Smart Cities Dive staff
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    More cities are looking to expand multilingual access to services. Could AI spell the answer?

    Wordly launched an AI platform designed to expand real-time captioning and translations for local government operations.

    By • Feb. 11, 2026
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    Local governments hired hundreds of former federal workers last year

    Following DOGE efforts that led to a mass exodus of federal employees in 2025, Civic Match says it has connected nearly 200 of them with local government jobs.

    By • Feb. 9, 2026
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    Kansas City, Missouri, moves to the forefront of data center zoning with new ordinance

    U.S. communities are watching closely as Kansas City reclassifies data centers as industrial facilities and launches a review of their impacts on water, power, climate goals and economic growth.

    By • Feb. 6, 2026
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    Courtesy of Valley Transportation Authority
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    How one city increased transit bus speeds by 20%

    San José, California, employs AI traffic signaling to favor buses, helping keep them on schedule.

    By • Feb. 6, 2026
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    US DOT looks to limit traffic safety camera funding

    Automated red-light and speed enforcement cameras will no longer be eligible for certain federal grants except in school or work zones.

    By • Feb. 3, 2026
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    The Smart Cities outlook for 2026: Pressure points for city leaders

    As cities navigate housing reform, transportation needs, climate resilience, AI and changes in federal funding, 2026 will be a consequential year for how they govern, budget and protect their autonomy.

    By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026
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    Courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
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    Ohio DOT-Honda project demonstrates connected vehicle road hazard detection

    Connected vehicle data could improve worker safety and reduce costs, partners said about the two-year project's results.

    By • Jan. 30, 2026
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    How cities are using AI in 2026

    “We’re all in learning mode … and looking at it with a wary eye,” one mayor said about AI’s potential for municipal operations. Read more in this 2026 outlook.

    By Vicky Uhland and Robyn Lawrence • Updated Feb. 2, 2026
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    New York AG wants RealPage’s lawsuit tossed

    The real estate software company asked for a preliminary injunction in November in an attempt to halt the state’s recent ban on rent-pricing algorithms.

    By Julie Strupp • Jan. 14, 2026
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    Louisville, Kentucky, joins growing number of cities bringing AI to permitting

    The city also appointed its first-ever chief AI officer to lead its effort to “harness the power” of artificial intelligence.

    By • Jan. 12, 2026
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    The future of water infrastructure: A step‑by‑step guide to implementing CivilSense™ in 2026

    Modernizing municipal water systems is vital for resilient, sustainable communities. CivilSense™ delivers real-time data for smarter water management.

    By Michael Casey • Jan. 12, 2026
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    Courtesy of Archer Aviation
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    2026 Trends to Watch

    8 trends that will shape cities in 2026

    As federal funding becomes less predictable, cities face major shifts in transportation, housing and climate resilience in the new year.

    By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Jan. 8, 2026
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    2026 Predictions

    14 predictions about what 2026 may hold for cities

    AI, infrastructure needs and shifting mobility patterns will shape how cities function in 2026, experts say.

    By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Jan. 7, 2026
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    Want insights on your city’s infrastructure? Now you can Google it.

    New Ask Google Earth feature allows users to see everything from the number of stop signs to storm drains in a city.

    By • Jan. 5, 2026
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    Home efficiency upgrades could offset data center loads while creating jobs: report

    An analysis from energy policy group AnnDyl shows significant potential benefits for local grids, employment and utility ratepayers when data center companies invest in residential energy efficiency.

    By Brian Martucci • Jan. 5, 2026
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    2026 Predictions

    Addressing housing, climate change and AI in an unpredictable year

    Community leaders described their efforts to tackle those and other key issues at the annual National League of Cities' City Summit in November.

    By • Dec. 22, 2025
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    As EPA moves to fast-track data centers, some cities are moving to slow them down

    The EPA is streamlining Clean Air Act permitting to accelerate development. Will local communities pay the price?

    By • Dec. 17, 2025
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    Virginia data centers must pay ‘fair share,’ incoming lieutenant governor says

    “There is new energy in this legislature, and with it a real opportunity to build new energy right here in the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi.

    By Diana DiGangi • Dec. 17, 2025
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    Trump calls for federal policy framework preempting state AI laws

    Under a new executive order, states could lose federal funding if their AI laws are found to be burdensome.

    By Makenzie Holland • Dec. 16, 2025
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    2026 Predictions

    Bellevue, Washington, wants faster permitting. Can AI help?

    As the housing crisis rages on, cities are testing artificial intelligence to improve permitting processes.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
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    How AI is impacting homebuying

    A U.S. Government Accountability Office report shows the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to artificial intelligence’s growing influence in how people purchase homes.

    By • Dec. 9, 2025
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    In a tech-focused world, this city’s deputy CIO puts people first: Exemplary Public Servant Ryon Saenz

    Alexandria, Virginia’s Deputy CIO Ryon Saenz has tackled cybersecurity and department vacancy challenges with a human-centric approach.

    By • Dec. 5, 2025
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    Congress mulls preempting state-level AI laws — again

    A coalition of state CIOs is asking Congress not to “strip states of their ability to address real AI risks in their communities.”

    By • Dec. 1, 2025