Tech & Data: Page 2

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

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

Houston to Fort Worth route poised for autonomous truck pilot

J.B. Hunt and Waymo plan to test autonomous Class 8 trucks hauling freight between the Texas cities along Interstate 45, as many driverless operations focus on middle mile routes.

By S.L. Fuller • June 14, 2021

NYC bill would have single agency lead smart city tech implementation

The legislation would bring together oversight of a variety of "smart" tech, including streetlights, trash and recycling receptacles, and water, power and gas meters.

By Chris Teale • June 09, 2021

Seattle-area county say it's first US county to pass facial recognition ban

Tech hub King County, Washington, has joined a growing number of jurisdictions in restricting government use of the software, as additional city, state and federal policies move through legislatures.

By Maria Rachal • June 07, 2021

Atlanta suburb deploys new tech to tame traffic

Peachtree Corners, Georgia, will use cellular vehicle-to-everything technology to help improve safety and alleviate "one of the biggest headaches" residents face every day.

By Chris Teale • June 02, 2021

Predicting travel rebound, Airbnb rolls out major feature upgrades

The company is implementing a swath of changes, including to its City Portal, as CEO Brian Chesky said he anticipates the "biggest travel rebound in a century." 

By Chris Teale • May 25, 2021

Increased road deaths prompt calls for improved vehicle tech

While some in Congress continue to talk up the promise of autonomous vehicles, others said existing technologies can help bring fatalities down now — and they warned of AVs' risks to safety and jobs.

By Chris Teale • May 19, 2021

Detroit partners with Google to build affordable housing search tool

The effort aims to streamline the affordable housing search and application process and is a trend that would greatly benefit cities and residents with the lowest amount of tech, a Google team lead said.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 19, 2021

City-led communications can help combat vaccine hesitancy, researchers find

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said it will take an "all hands on deck" approach to overcome vaccine hesitancy, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighted the role popular sports teams can play.

By Chris Teale • May 18, 2021

3x more US residents lack broadband access than FCC estimates: report

Around 42 million people could not access high-speed internet in 2020, according to BroadbandNow, far above the 14.5 million estimated earlier this year by the Federal Communications Commission.

By Chris Teale • May 14, 2021

Airbnb teams up with relocation programs to lure remote workers

Partnering with remote worker relocation programs from Arkansas to Michigan, the "Try Before You Buy" program is helping some cities attract talent throughout the country with discounted stays. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 14, 2021

Bird announces plans to go public, tees up expansion beyond scooters

The micromobility company will list by year's end through a merger with Switchback II, a special purpose acquisition company. It follows Skip buyer Helbiz in taking the SPAC route.

By Chris Teale • May 13, 2021

NYC removes EV exemption cap, blocking Revel ride-hailing service

The Taxi and Limousine Commission voted Tuesday to remove the EV exemption for new for-hire vehicle licenses, which could have allowed the company to put 50 Teslas on city streets.

By Chris Teale • UPDATED: June 24, 2021 at 10:16 a.m.

Automakers and universities team up to fix AV industry's talent gap

Schools are evolving their courses to keep pace with autonomous vehicle technology changes and build the industry's pipeline of workers.

By Chris Teale • May 03, 2021

NLC calls for engagement, proper training for facial recognition tech

The report urges cities to limit the scope of the technology and have rigorous data standards to protect privacy, but opponents say that's not enough.

By Chris Teale • April 29, 2021

Toyota to buy Lyft's AV division for $550M

The acquisition of the ride-hailing company's Level 5 arm marks the first major deal for Toyota's new Woven Planet initiative, giving the company what it called a "dream team" for AV development.

By Chris Teale • April 28, 2021

Verizon-backed accelerator taps emerging tech to support climate justice

A new initiative aims to use 5G, big data and AI to help vulnerable communities build resiliency against the worst impacts of climate change. 

By Chris Teale • April 26, 2021

Cleantech incubator part of Houston's goal to be 'energy transition capital'

One year after the city unveiled its Climate Action Plan, the incubator said it has 30 startups ready to move into its 40,000-square-foot Greentown Labs space.

By Chris Teale • April 23, 2021