Tech & Data

Libraries adapt to census needs amid COVID-19 disruptions

Coronavirus has forced U.S. libraries to scratch their original census engagement plans, but many are still deploying new, creative solutions. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 01, 2020

How coronavirus is disrupting the 2020 census count

The U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted its operational schedule, but is still pushing forward with the count. "The current situation underscores the need for census data," one official said.

By Chris Teale • March 31, 2020

Opinion

Reimagining the chaotic urban curb

Managing urban spaces and planning for city needs of the future is a long-term undertaking. Cities must consider how to make solutions scalable for opportunities and challenges that will arise in five, 10 or 20 years.

By Jon Ziglar • March 31, 2020

For 117 US cities, the new normal is hurting internet speeds

Connectivity at home is one hurdle of distributed work, as residential speeds are unlikely to match enterprise-grade internet connections.

By Roberto Torres • UPDATED: April 1, 2020 at 11:44 a.m.

Uber sues LADOT over data-sharing requirements

The company said the Mobility Data Specification violates state and federal laws and is a form of surveillance that gathers personal details. LADOT has not yet responded.

By Chris Teale • March 26, 2020

Phishing attacks increase 667% as coronavirus spreads: study

Spring is typically the time of year bad actors send tax-related phishing emails, but this year they are leveraging human fear and health. 

By Samantha Ann Schwartz • March 26, 2020

Libraries in Helsinki pause air quality data collection

Libraries that were renting out wearable devices for air quality detection have stopped the initiative due to coronavirus, but are optimistic the project will track notable trends when resumed.

By Cailin Crowe • March 25, 2020

Opinion

Counting scooters: The science behind micromobility fleet measurements

Understanding how many scooters are on the road means deciphering a complex and interconnected web of action and information.

By David Allison • March 25, 2020

Cities go digital to survive the new normal

During a recent webinar, leaders highlighted how online municipal services and platforms will be key amid the spread of COVID-19, particularly to eliminate the "barriers of communication" with residents.

By Chris Teale • March 23, 2020

Smart Cities Council releases COVID-19 mitigation tool

The "Activator - COVID-19 Mitigation Roadmap" can help city leaders visualize their coronavirus response plan and collaborate remotely.

By Cailin Crowe • March 19, 2020

The largest US parking facility is transforming into an innovation lab

City Tech Collaborative is turning Chicago's Millennium Garages into the Millennium Gateway Innovation Lab to help implement new tech solutions. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 18, 2020

Lyft, Uber suspend pool services due to coronavirus fears

Both companies said they are keen to prevent the spread of the disease, but will maintain solo rides for the time being.

By Chris Teale • March 17, 2020

Social media can help city leaders understand COVID-19 concerns

Zencity analyzed over 1.5 million online interactions regarding COVID-19 to find school closures, event cancellations and public transport dominate conversations. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 17, 2020

Opinion

Cities need a multidimensional approach to 5G

Smart cities must see 5G as more than just a set of new technologies and the role of the city as more than a technology testing ground.

By Eric Woods • March 16, 2020

Paying ransom is often 'only logical solution' for cyberattacks: Deloitte

Giving in to hacker demands is never ideal for cities. Deloitte's report explains how governments can better build and operate systems to prepare for attacks. 

By Kristin Musulin • March 13, 2020

Opinion

If a project proposal is too good to be true, it probably is

As the saying goes, there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. When developing a business case for major smart city projects, this sentiment can be difficult to overcome. 

By Jon Madrid Mitchell & Kara Truschel • March 12, 2020

Uber resumes AV testing in San Francisco

Two vehicles will run during daylight hours with two safety drivers each, as the company works to restore public trust following a fatal accident in 2018.

By Chris Teale • March 11, 2020

IDC names winners of 2020 Smart Cities North America Awards

The projects were selected by public vote and represent "the best and brightest change agents within government," said IDC executive Ruthbea Yesner.

By Kristin Musulin • March 10, 2020

Deep Dive

How census data will impact $1.5 trillion in funds

To receive the appropriate allocation of federal funds, local governments are investing millions in recording an accurate count.

By Chris Teale • March 09, 2020

Deep Dive

The first majority-online census raises novel concerns

Responses to this year's census will be primarily issued online, though some are worried privacy and the digital divide will depress turnout.

By Chris Teale • March 09, 2020

Deep Dive

Fear is a main barrier in counting homeless populations

The census has long yielded an undercount of people experiencing homelessness. This year's count might not be any different.

By Cailin Crowe • March 09, 2020

Deep Dive

Cities can't afford to overlook libraries in the census

One billion dollars is at stake for the trusted institutions, however much of their work with cities and the U.S. Census Bureau is going unfunded.

By Cailin Crowe • March 09, 2020

North America to be 'leader' on 5G: report

GSMA said in its annual state of the global mobile economy that 48% of connections in North America will be on 5G networks by 2025.

By Chris Teale • March 06, 2020

NYC tech official slams LinkNYC group for contract negligence: 'CityBridge is delinquent'

During a city council testimony, DoITT Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned CityBridge for failing to meet the terms of its franchise agreement. CityBridge called the testimony a "fictional narrative."

By Kristin Musulin • March 05, 2020

2% of scooters are improperly parked: study

Much attention has been paid to improperly parked scooters, which has likely overshadowed the real culprit behind most parking violations: cars. 

By Cailin Crowe • March 05, 2020