Serve Robotics is coming to Miami

Serve will offer delivery through Uber Eats from Shake Shack and a local pizza chain in Brickell and Miami Beach, Florida. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 20, 2025

4 ways local governments are harnessing AI to transform operations

The technology could improve municipal efficiency, accuracy and service delivery — but implementation must address community and public-sector worker concerns.

By Jeff Green • Feb. 12, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Smart Cities Technology and Data

Cities are increasingly looking to technology and data to address real-world issues from traffic safety to law enforcement.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

How Arlington County used AI to improve emergency preparedness

The Virginia county’s Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management worked with George Mason University researchers to develop AI-enhanced video games for skills-building.

By Lindsey Wilkinson • Feb. 5, 2025

The Smart Cities Outlook for 2025: Change is coming

From new federal policies to growing technologies like AI and robotaxis, cities will encounter many changes while they continue to tackle housing, homelessness, climate and equity issues.

By Smart Cities Dive Staff • Jan. 31, 2025

Tesla, Waymo will add more robotaxis to city streets

A more favorable federal regulatory and legislative environment may help propel the growth of driverless ride-hailing vehicles in the United States.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Feb. 27, 2025

Less grind, better results: AI makes government work better

Stanford’s Hoover Institution surveyed over 1,000 government employees and uncovered some eye-opening trends. Discover the surprising truth about AI in local government.

Jan. 27, 2025

Free incubator and accelerator empowers smart city growth

Smart Futures Lab empowers tech startups: $4.5M raised, 6 patents, 22 jobs—join the next cohort today!

Jan. 13, 2025

6 smart cities trends to watch in 2025

Transportation systems, housing policy and decarbonization approaches will evolve this year as the Trump administration assumes power and technology continues to advance.

By Ysabelle Kempe , Dan Zukowski • Jan. 9, 2025

9 predictions about what 2025 may hold for US cities

“Playground” cities will thrive, innovative housing programs will proliferate and technology will transform transit and municipal services, these sources say.

By Smart Cities Dive staff • Jan. 2, 2025

Archer Aviation completes Georgia air taxi factory

Production is set to begin in the new year at a small scale, but by 2030, the company plans to manufacture 650 air taxis each year. 

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 19, 2024

GM shuts troubled Cruise robotaxi unit

General Motors will halt further development of robotaxis, with its CEO citing high capital costs and billions invested in a non-core business.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 11, 2024

How technology empowered Concord, NC, to take its waste and recycling operations in house

Learn how Concord, NC, implemented new technology and saved $320k annually from fleet optimization and reducing go backs.

Dec. 9, 2024

Waymo to begin robotaxi service in Miami next year

The company also plans to add autonomous ride-hailing operations in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, building upon current services in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 6, 2024

Atlanta creates AI commission to explore tech’s potential in city government

The 13-member commission will begin meeting in early 2025 and produce a final report by February 2026. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 4, 2024

AI could help cities tackle climate change, but only if it solves ‘real problems’: NYC climate chief

“We don’t need AI or big data to tell us with much greater detail how screwed we are as a city or as a planet,” Rohit Aggarwala said at Cornell Tech’s Urban Tech Summit last week.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 26, 2024

Uber, Lyft plan robotaxi fleet expansions

With Tesla planning to produce robotaxis and compete with existing ride-hail companies as soon as 2025, Uber and Lyft are adding partnerships to enter new cities with driverless vehicles.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 21, 2024

Technologies transforming public safety

Learn how modern public safety technology solutions are helping police and law enforcement serve, protect, and engage communities.

By Shane Ruiz • Nov. 18, 2024

Google, NLC issue AI guide for city leaders

The digital divide that has plagued cities could turn into an “AI divide” as some local governments experiment with the technologies while others lack access, said a Google executive.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 14, 2024

How ‘floating car data’ can help cities tackle traffic

Smart city technology can save transportation agencies money and inform conversations with the public, says a white paper by consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 7, 2024

People are skeptical of robotaxis — until they use one: JD Power

Fear about autonomous driving technology tends to subside after a person experiences it for themselves, an October J.D. Power study found.

By Kalena Thomhave • Nov. 5, 2024

Heat mapping program opens 2025 applications, offering financial and technical support

Applications for the Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring program are due in January, but communities that express interest by Nov. 15 can get paired up with a mentor community.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 4, 2024

New York unveils daily wildfire risk map

As dry weather fuels brush fires in the state, officials and researchers launched a data tool they say will get critical information to the public and firefighters more quickly.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 29, 2024

Robotaxi company Waymo raises $5.6B to expand operations

The company plans to use the money to bring its “Waymo One” commercial ride-hailing service to more U.S. cities.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 29, 2024

Philadelphia bans rent-setting software, joining San Francisco

The software lets residential landlords indirectly coordinate, raising rents, lowering occupancy rates and increasing evictions, lawmakers say. San Francisco’s ban is in effect, while Philadelphia’s awaits the mayor’s signature.

By Mary Salmonsen • Updated Oct. 30, 2024

Serve Robotics debuts faster, larger delivery robots to be deployed in 2 cities

The sidewalk robots, which are outfitted with new safety measures, will hit the streets in coming months as part of Serve's deal with Uber Eats.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 16, 2024