Tech & Data

For gig workers, Prop 22 is a racial equity battleground

Because gig workers largely lack stable pay and ample benefits, barring app-based drivers from employee status may present racial equity issues. Cities like New York, Seattle and Philadelphia are imposing their own standards. 

By Caroline Colvin • Sept. 22, 2021

US cash payment kiosks rise despite digital age

Cities and utilities are making more use of the kiosks provided by vendors like CityBase to give consumers additional no-fee options for paying bills in cash.

By Lynne Marek • Sept. 20, 2021

Ford, Argo AI team up with Walmart for autonomous delivery in 3 cities

As more customers become accustomed to same-day and next-day delivery, Walmart said the service will show how autonomous tech can optimize logistics and operations. 

By Max Garland • Sept. 17, 2021

Delivery companies sue New York City over permanent 15% fee cap

DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub filed a joint lawsuit on Thursday claiming that price controls ultimately harm restaurants, couriers and consumers.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 13, 2021

As consumers cut the cord, more cities sue Netflix and other streaming giants for lost revenue

From Plano, Texas, to Longport, New Jersey, an increasing number of municipalities are filing lawsuits against the likes of Hulu, Netflix and Disney+ to receive franchise fees to make up for lost cable revenue. 

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 13, 2021

OEMs make the economic case for autonomous trucks

Driverless trucks bring safety and improved fuel efficiency to the industry, according to Waymo and TuSimple executives.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 03, 2021

Pittsburgh City Council approves unified fiber network for municipal buildings

The NetPGH initiative would lay the backbone that allows Pittsburgh to install connected infrastructure and launch smart cities projects.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 31, 2021

Chicago accuses Grubhub, DoorDash of deceptive business practices

The city's allegations, including that the companies would bait-and-switch customers with steep delivery fees, are the latest among municipalities pushing back against foodservice delivery companies.

By Alicia Kelso , Julie Littman • Aug. 30, 2021

Sponsored by Visa

Transit passengers expect contactless payments to ride safely, survey finds

Contactless payments continue to be a way to allow passengers to travel more safely and with ease, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

Securing smart city technology 'often an afterthought': report

The influx of smart city technologies is exposing many services to new threats, according to a Guidehouse Insights report, which also predicts that global annual smart city cybersecurity revenue will reach $26 billion by 2030. 

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 27, 2021

E-scooter company Skip files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

The Helbiz-owned micromobility company filed the petition last week in California, marking the first bankruptcy filing by a well-known scooter company with a footprint in multiple cities.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 10, 2021

Postmates strikes nearly $1M deal with Seattle over gig worker claims

The city claims the company violated an ordinance requiring it provide its gig workers with paid sick and safe time. 

By Emilie Shumway • Aug. 10, 2021

Partnerships, sustained federal help key to ending 'digital redlining,' city leaders say

COVID-19 exacerbated inequitable access to high-speed internet, but long-term federal funding and partnering with telecommunications companies could help, speakers said at a Route Fifty virtual event last week.

By Chris Teale • July 30, 2021

Queens is on a quest to become a 'smart borough'

A recently elected borough president aims to transform Queens. But one expert cautions the need for a "thoughtful, intentional and iterative" strategy, as smart city planning is "not for the faint of heart." 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2021

IDC names 13 winners for 2021 Smart Cities North America Awards

From Las Vegas to Peachtree Corners, Georgia, municipalities' smart use of emerging or existing technologies, in addition to their ability to be flexible and agile amid the pandemic, were honored.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 21, 2021

What Works Cities awards 4 cities top honors for data usage

The Bloomberg Philanthropies nonprofit arm recognized 16 cities total for improving city services and promoting civic engagement with data, key factors for a strong COVID-19 response. 

By Chris Teale • July 14, 2021

Sponsored by Visa

Contactless payments are more than a COVID response for public transit

Contactless payments can help usher in a future of safe and easy experiences for riders and transit operators.

Philadelphia challenge looks to use AR to improve transit accessibility

The smart city challenge will also invite people with disabilities to share their public transportation experiences via a survey to inform competition ideas.

By Chris Teale • July 02, 2021

Infrastructure deal could offer window of opportunity for $1.1B smart cities bill

House Democrats have reintroduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act, with the hope that some elements of the of the bill can be folded into Biden's sweeping infrastructure plan.

By Jason Plautz • June 28, 2021

Q&A

How a 'Digital City Hall' helped Santa Monica, California, work through COVID-19

Once "drowning under paper," CIO Joseph Cevetello said the city government's strategic planning around technology prepared it for the sharp transition to remote work, even with a 30% workforce reduction.

By Chris Teale • June 25, 2021

Ames, Iowa, to host rural broadband research site

Iowa State University and nonprofit US Ignite are among the partners that will explore ways to enhance agriculture and close the digital divide.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2021

Bird adds electric bikes to its fleet

The micromobility giant plans to expand its offerings beyond dockless scooters later this year, following a pledge to explore other transportation modes as it prepares to go public.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2021

Autonomous shuttles still face tech, regulatory barriers to permanent adoption

Low-speed shuttle pilot projects have had some success, including innovative adaptations during the pandemic, but AVs are still years from wide adoption.

By Chris Teale • June 22, 2021

FedEx, Nuro sign multi-year deal to test autonomous last-mile delivery

Testing began in Houston and may expand to additional cities over time, according to a spokesperson for robotics company Nuro.

By Edwin Lopez • June 17, 2021

At challenge's conclusion, Smart Columbus to continue its work

With the four-year federal grant funding period at an end, the Ohio organization said it will stay focused on how technology can address societal issues and maintain many of its initiatives.

By Chris Teale • June 15, 2021