Tech & Data
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Courtesy of UPS
Photos: How UPS eVTOLs could shake up logistics
A small, electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically at distribution and sortation centers could speed deliveries.
By S.L. Fuller • April 16, 2021 -
Screenshot via Smart Cities Connect
Virginia launches statewide IoT cybersecurity contest
As some state and local governments look to actively bolster their IoT networks, Gov. Ralph Northam announced the competition to leverage in-state students and faculty at the Smart Cities Connect virtual conference Tuesday.
By Chris Teale • April 14, 2021 -
Trendline
The Smart Cities Dive Outlook on 2021
As government leaders continue to reflect on the challenges of 2020, the team at Smart Cities Dive has outlined key trends and technologies likely to take hold in the year ahead.
By Smart Cities Dive staff -
Ryan McKnight
Singapore tops global smart city rankings again, NYC leads US
Meanwhile, Columbus, OH reached No. 11 in the Eden Strategy Institute's latest standings due to coordinated efforts with Smart Columbus.
By Chris Teale • April 01, 2021 -
Adeline Kon/Smart Cities Dive
Deep DiveSatellite internet: digital divide solution or 'science experiment'?
SpaceX and Amazon have said the technology can help rural America get online, but opponents say it's unproven and not worthy of federal investment.
By Chris Teale • March 30, 2021 -
Daimler
Auto leaders urge adoption of 'common language' for AV safety
The Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium — which counts Ford, Daimler and Lyft among its members — outlined performance metrics for developers to inspire public confidence in self-driving cars.
By Chris Teale • March 29, 2021 -
The smart city tech most at risk for cyberattacks: report
University of California at Berkeley researchers said certain traffic lights and emergency alert systems are among the most vulnerable.
By Chris Teale • March 26, 2021 -
Eden, Janine and Jim. (2020). "Waiting for Second Avenue Traffic" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Suburbs saw drastic changes to pedestrian activity in 2020: report
As the rate of pedestrian activity outside city centers grew by 50% in some places, pedestrians just outside Orlando's city center were 19 times more likely to be hit by a driver, StreetLight Data reports.
By Cailin Crowe • March 19, 2021 -
Ryan McKnight
City leaders call for end to 'digital redlining'
Nearly 100 elected officials and a swath of advocacy groups have urged the FCC to investigate the digital divide in communities of color nationwide.
By Chris Teale • March 17, 2021 -
Coghlan, Michael. (2020). "Library Truck" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Libraries to receive record federal aid to address digital divide
The American Rescue Plan includes billions in eligible funding for libraries, which have been key partners to cities in providing internet access to patrons.
By Cailin Crowe • March 12, 2021 -
House Democrats' bill would invest $94B to expand broadband internet
The LIFT America Act includes $80 billion to connect underserved areas in the U.S. and would provide $9.3 billion to make service affordable for all.
By Chris Teale • March 12, 2021 -
Zykov, Aleksandr. (2020). "Portland" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
The end of another Sidewalk Labs-linked project highlights smart city sticking point
Portland Metro dropped its initiative with data platform Replica over privacy disagreements, a common obstacle that experts say local leaders can learn from.
By Cailin Crowe • March 11, 2021 -
Permission granted by Cincinnati Innovation District
Cincinnati Innovation District serves as model for Ohio cities
The innovation district, which just celebrated its first anniversary, has already inspired similar hubs in Columbus and Cleveland and has made headway on its goal to create $3 billion in economic impact.
By Chris Teale • March 09, 2021 -
Courtesy of Archer
Archer to expand air taxi network to Miami
Mayor Francis Suarez says the service, which is set to launch in 2024, will help people navigate water-locked areas and improve congestion.
By Chris Teale • UPDATED: March 10, 2021 at 9:35 a.m. -
Postmates' robotics division splits off, becomes Serve Robotics
Serve Robotics closed its first funding round, with participation by Uber, and will continue operating the autonomous delivery robots in cities as the market is expected to grow to $34 million by 2024.
By Emma Liem Beckett • March 04, 2021 -
Permission granted by Automotus
Santa Monica, CA aims to create zero-emissions delivery zone playbook
The city and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator's pilot seeks to support local climate goals while solving for curbside woes exacerbated by the pandemic's delivery surge.
By Cailin Crowe • March 03, 2021 -
Airbnb reports $3.89B loss, predicts digital nomads will spark recovery
In the company's first post-IPO earnings call, officials said Airbnb is resilient enough to weather COVID-19 and that flexible work arrangements will push more people onto the platform.
By Chris Teale • March 02, 2021 -
Andrew. (2011). "Los Angeles" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against LADOT data sharing requirements
Two Los Angeles scooter riders sued over the city's Mobility Data Specifications, citing privacy and unreasonable search concerns. But the case was dismissed, clearing a path forward for the requirement.
By Chris Teale • March 01, 2021 -
Adeline Kon/Smart Cities Dive
Deep DiveLocal leaders reckon with ShotSpotter's ambiguous ROI
ShotSpotter CEO Ralph Clark said the company saw 12% YOY revenue growth in 2020, during a recent earnings call. Meanwhile, some experts question the tech's efficacy as cities face strapped budgets and high homicide rates.
By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 26, 2021 -
Airbnb joins frenzy of tech firms landing in Atlanta
The company will open a technical hub in the city to serve as a regional base for "hundreds" of employees to support the local workforce.
By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 22, 2021 -
Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners
Georgia smart city living lab unveils 5G incubator
Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners partnered with T-Mobile and Georgia Tech to help developers build test cases for 5G technology like drones and robotics.
By Chris Teale • Feb. 19, 2021 -
Courtesy of B2 Civic Solutions
A smart city consultant takes the lead on a county's vaccine rollout
Former Kansas City, MO Chief Innovation Officer Bob Bennett oversees vaccines for Wyandotte County, KS, and is using his 'smart city' experience for an efficient, equitable distribution.
By Chris Teale • Feb. 18, 2021 -
Minneapolis bans facial recognition to dismay of city police
The Minneapolis City Council passed a surveillance ordinance that police say was "crafted and approved without any consideration" from the department.
By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 17, 2021 -
Miami vies for the title of 'Bitcoin City'
Along with proposing the use of cryptocurrency in city governance, Mayor Francis Suarez introduced Venture Miami and appointed the city's first VC-in-residence — all in a matter of days.
By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 16, 2021 -
Boring Co. proposal for 4-mile California loop advances
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority voted unanimously to move forward with the proposal from the Elon Musk-owned company.
By Zachary Phillips • Feb. 11, 2021 -
Ford bets $29B on leading the 'electric vehicle revolution'
CEO Jim Farley said on an earnings call that the automaker has more than doubled its commitment to spend on automation and electrification until 2025.
By Chris Teale • Feb. 09, 2021
