Tech & Data

  • Closeup of New York Attorney General Letitia James.
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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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    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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    Sponsored by Oldcastle Infrastructure

    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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    Retrieved from Google on January 05, 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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    Ron Jenkins via Getty Images
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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
  • Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (C), marches in the 54th Annual Buena Vista Labor Day Festival parade with Democratic Nominee for Lieutenant Governor, Senator Ghazala Hashmi (R), and Democratic Nominee for Attorney General, former state Delegate Jay Jones.
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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
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    2026 Predictions

    City leaders ‘aren’t thinking big enough’ about AI, tech expert says

    A National League of Cities panel broke down how some cities are using artificial intelligence effectively — and how others can get started.

    By • Nov. 26, 2025
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    9 states reach $7M settlement with Greystar in rent-setting lawsuit

    The apartment giant will pay $7 million to the participating states and agree to strict new limits on its use of algorithmic pricing and data-sharing platforms.

    By Leslie Shaver • Nov. 24, 2025
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    States agree on AI’s economic advantage — whether they’re ready for it is another story

    While 88% of economic and workforce development leaders see the importance of artificial intelligence, only 6% of states have a plan to act on it, a new survey says.

    By • Nov. 18, 2025
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    Permission granted by Kinetic
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    Sponsored by Kinetic

    How safe and accessible Wi-Fi is changing the use of public spaces

    Turning public spaces into cultural hubs — powered by future-proof fiber and free Wi-Fi.

    Nov. 17, 2025
  • Aerial view of mobiel phone cell tower over forested rural area of West Virginia to illustrate lack of broadband internet service.
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    Trump called the Digital Equity Act ‘racist and illegal.’ This nonprofit is pushing back.

    The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is suing the Trump administration after its $25.7 million grant to bridge the digital divide was terminated.

    By • Nov. 13, 2025
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    AI is moving fast. This project aims to help states keep up — responsibly.

    The Rockefeller Foundation and Center for Civic Futures launched the AI Readiness Project to help public officials collaborate on artificial intelligence use.

    By • Nov. 10, 2025
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    iStock/BlackJack3D

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    Sponsored by National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)

    Is your agency ready? Battling cybercrime and how NASPO can help

    Cyber threats are evolving. NASPO ValuePoint offers solutions for government agencies.

    By Kate Davila, Creative Accounts Director, National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) • Nov. 10, 2025
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    Neither rain nor snow nor digitization have stopped local governments from accepting payments by mail

    A recent Euna Solutions survey found 83% of local governments still accept payments through the post.

    By • Nov. 4, 2025
  • Yellow sign with graphic of a traffic signal reads "Red light photo enforced" over another yellow sign depicting pedestrians against a blurred backround of a city street.
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    New York City will expand its automated red-light camera program

    Verra Mobility will add 450 more signalized intersections as part of an expanded agreement with the city's transportation department.

    By • Oct. 30, 2025
  • An aerial view of St. Paul, Minnesota depicts buildings and a bridge near a river.
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    St. Paul, Minnesota, fell victim to a cyberattack in July. It’s still recovering.

    The city worked with the FBI and Minnesota National Guard in the wake of an incident that revealed the increasing severity of cyberattacks on cities.

    By • Oct. 30, 2025