Tech & Data

IBM tackles climate change in 2020 Call for Code challenge

The open source technology challenge coincides with the 75th anniversary of the UN, which is demanding a "global reality check" on the state of the climate.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 26, 2020

Opinion

Are smart cities actually safer?

No longer can municipalities operate in silos if they want to achieve safer communities. Now, they must integrate people, places and processes to prepare and respond thoroughly.

By Ralph Diment • Feb. 25, 2020

Dallas creates task force to study Airbnb regulations

The group will evaluate how the city regulates short-term rentals in an effort to mitigate impacts on "neighborhood quality of life."

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 25, 2020

Buffalo, NY mayor pledges to become 'nation's leading intelligent smart city'

The mid-sized city will tap public-private partnerships and bolster initiatives like smart sewers, an open data portal and connected street lights.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 24, 2020

Seattle unveils Zillow-powered affordable housing search tool

The online tool allows local nonprofit Housing Connector to upload affordable housing inventory and streamline the search process for tenants who need affordable housing.

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

Outpacing an outbreak: How tech helps cities handle public health threats

AI, analytics and drones are among the technologies used to respond to health crises like coronavirus, though regulatory and privacy concerns have posed obstacles for cities.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2020

City Tech launches solution to clear up curbside chaos

Curb space competition can be fierce. A new solution intends to help cities understand curb demands to make informed choices about pricing and space prioritization. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 20, 2020

Opinion

In the case of Uber vs. LA, here's why you should bet on LA

Traditionally, Uber has had the tools to win a fight like the one it's facing over its Jump scooters and bikes in Los Angeles. But things have changed.

By Bradley Tusk • UPDATED: Feb. 19, 2020 at 1:21 p.m.

Q&A

What happens when an auto giant buys a scooter startup?

Spin Co-Founder Euwyn Poon details the advantages and challenges of working under Ford Smart Mobility, including its impact on growth and labor management.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 18, 2020

Uber's new phone-booking feature lets riders ditch the app

The feature, 1-833-USE-UBER, is designed to eliminate the technological barriers that may keep some older riders from using the service.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 14, 2020

IDC: Global smart city spending to total $124B

The spending would represent an 18.9% increase compared to 2019, with many opportunities for growth in small and mid-size cities.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 14, 2020

Inaccurate maps cost logistics companies $6B: survey

Even small problems can result in major losses for logistics companies, especially as e-commerce puts more delivery trucks on city streets.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 11, 2020

Judge approves $26B Sprint, T-Mobile merger

A judge rejected a major lawsuit to block the deal, clearing the final legal hurdle for a proposal that could accelerate nationwide 5G deployment.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 11, 2020

Austin, TX traffic fatalities nearly triple in January

The city's already-high rate of traffic deaths point to many of the same Vision Zero challenges that cities are grappling with as they start the new year. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 11, 2020

Uber Transit adds feature to ease train commutes

"Make My Train" is the latest in a series of Uber offerings that connects users with public transit, situating the app as a one-stop-shop for mobility needs. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 10, 2020

Smart Columbus introduces self-driving shuttles to opportunity zone

Two electric shuttles will operate for free in the city's Linden neighborhood through what's said to be the country's first self-driving shuttle service in a residential area. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 07, 2020

It took 2 years for federal agencies to meet a 45-day cybersecurity directive

The Government Accountability Office said in a report that the Department of Homeland Security "lacks a risk-based approach" to ensuring agencies are mitigating cybersecurity risks.

By Samantha Ann Schwartz • Feb. 06, 2020

Philly surveys public, city staff on open data portal use

The Office of Innovation & Technology issued a survey to learn if more data should be released, how it should be presented and if there are barriers to access. 

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 04, 2020

Tech leaders issue calls for AI oversight. Where should government begin?

Habitually late to catch up with technology, tech leaders are calling on legislators to work in haste. But general AI regulation might prove to be a difficult task.

By Roberto Torres • Feb. 04, 2020

Regional consortium to reverse-engineer tech adoption in Phoenix area

The Greater Phoenix Connective, which claims to be the country's largest smart region, will bring together university, public, private and community members to adopt tech solutions at scale. 

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 03, 2020

California releases interactive, public Geoportal database

The state is making strides to lead the country in publicly releasing data with a portal that includes housing, water, transportation and health information.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 31, 2020

San Antonio embraces risk-taking with 'R&D League'

The group will advise the city on making data-driven decisions using private sector research practices. "Sticking to the status quo doesn't work anymore," said the city's chief innovation officer.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2020

Bird strengthens European foothold with Circ acquisition

The acquisition points to growing consolidation across the micromobility industry as scooter companies seek profits and sustainability.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 29, 2020

Deep Dive

The library is a smart city's 'hub for digital intelligence'

As one of the most trusted spaces and sources of information, libraries are playing an increasingly important role in smart city initiatives.  

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 27, 2020

How Verizon links 5G to its ongoing first responder homage

For the first Super Bowl with in-stadium 5G, the telecom returns to messaging from previous games and ties it to the future.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 24, 2020