Smart city evolution: How cities have stepped back from a ‘tech arms race’

Following the 'first wave' of the smart cities movement, local leaders describe how they have largely shifted from a tech-first to a resident-first approach.

By Danielle McLean , Maria Rachal , Dan Zukowski • Nov. 9, 2021

Reassessing the smart cities movement

Smart Cities Dive asked 25 of the largest U.S. cities how they define a "smart city" and how that definition has evolved, the challenges they've faced in rolling out equitable policies and technologies, and their outlook for what's next.

By the Smart Cities Dive Team • Nov. 9, 2021

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Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Transportation leaders react to passage of infrastructure bill with funds for transit, EVs, rail

Industry advocates and private sector players praised the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a landmark first step while looking ahead to the Build Back Better Act.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 8, 2021

EV adoption poised to surge if Congress OKs $100B in purchase incentives, experts say

U.S. electric vehicle sales could finish 2021 at 5% of new purchases, according to industry observers. That's a milestone, but experts say adoption could really take off depending on federal government investments.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2021

Traffic deaths soar in first half of 2021 as experts debate best solutions

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is creating a strategy to combat traffic fatalities, which according to an agency report, rose 18% during the first half of 2021.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 4, 2021

As Tesla, Ford and others invest billions in EVs, will the power system be ready?

The new White House zero emission vehicle target of 50% of new car sales by 2030 has a long way to go, a short time to get there, and big challenges ahead.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2021

New York City races ahead with its e-scooter pilot. Will slow and steady pay off?

After watching from the sidelines for the past few years, New York City has finally taken the plunge and launched its first-ever shared e-scooter pilot program.

Nov. 1, 2021

Greyhound acquired by fast-growing FlixMobility, which aims to expand bus travel in the US

Greyhound and the intercity bus industry have struggled with declining ridership, exacerbated by the pandemic. Munich-based FlixMobility, operating in 36 countries, says it can expand the U.S. market for long-distance bus travel.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 29, 2021

Populus CEO: Cities should be able to leverage 'really messy data' for Vision Zero efforts

As part of the second phase of a U.S. Department of Transportation-backed initiative, mobility data firm Populus intends to help cities use data from micromobility fleet operators to craft road safety plans.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 28, 2021

Jaywalking reform efforts see mixed results across states, cities

Policymakers in California, Virginia, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri, are among those who have considered how to promote pedestrian safety while reducing enforcement inequities.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 22, 2021

Amtrak plans major expansion by 2035 if infrastructure bill passes

Amtrak's expansion plans could connect small towns and reduce inequalities, while boosting development, housing and jobs in cities. However, those ambitions face some hurdles. 

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 20, 2021

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meet cities’ pressing needs. Let’s get it done.

Passing the Biden infrastructure bill will have ripple effects across the U.S., writes Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, driving investments in areas including electric vehicles, energy efficiency and recycling infrastructure. 

By Kate Gallego • Oct. 18, 2021

5 ways New York City can overhaul its streets to be more resilient: report

A Regional Plan Association report calls for expanding bike lanes and busways, gradually phasing out free parking, adding green infrastructure to gather stormwater and more.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 13, 2021

Climate adaptation plans from US agencies envision transit resilience, modern building codes

The Biden administration's whole-of-government approach to climate resilience planning has environmental, transportation and housing regulators, among others, mapping out more equitable preparedness in communities.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 12, 2021

Global urban mobility is key in building financial inclusion across cities of tomorrow

Providing people access to bank accounts and new payment options can open the door to improving their quality of life.

Oct. 11, 2021

Long Beach partners with Mercedes-Benz on connected vehicles, supporting local Smart City Initiative

The California city's partnership, which includes artificial intelligence firm Xtelligent, will help the locality get ahead of new vehicle tech before it becomes commonplace, the local smart cities program manager said. 

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 6, 2021

After biking boom, some cities beef up infrastructure

From bridges to boulevards, Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C., are among the major cities spending on protected bike lanes.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 4, 2021

3 years later, city leaders still debating scooter regulations across the US

Pittsburgh is setting new speed and road restrictions for e-scooters, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is approving their use on sidewalks and streets, and Washington, D.C., is considering limiting the number of micromobility providers it will allow.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 29, 2021

Cool pavements research builds as temperatures rise

Arizona State University and MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub researchers recently shared their respective studied benefits and lingering questions about how lighter pavements could impact urban heat island effects.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 24, 2021

We can't forget public transit, walking and cycling in the push to decarbonize transportation

Electric vehicles have lawmakers' attention as one tool to mitigate the climate crisis. But perpetuating private vehicle use won't move the U.S. toward a more equitable transportation future.

By Pooja Shah • Sept. 23, 2021

For gig workers, Prop 22 is a racial equity battleground

Because gig workers largely lack stable pay and ample benefits, barring app-based drivers from employee status may present racial equity issues. Cities like New York, Seattle and Philadelphia are imposing their own standards. 

By Caroline Colvin • Sept. 22, 2021

House committee sets aside $4B for transportation carbon reduction initiatives in reconciliation bill

The legislation requires the Federal Highway Administration to set greenhouse gas performance metrics, wherein states would set emissions targets and receive incentives to meet those goals.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 21, 2021

Construction of Maryland's much-delayed Purple Line to resume early next year

The state plans to pick a new contractor and finalize the cost to finish building the rail line by December.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 21, 2021

New York City forges ahead with long-debated congestion pricing plan

Public meetings on the plan are set to begin after years of discussion. They come as cities like London have had success with similar schemes and Los Angeles and San Francisco examine the concept.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 17, 2021

Ford, Argo AI team up with Walmart for autonomous delivery in 3 cities

As more customers become accustomed to same-day and next-day delivery, Walmart said the service will show how autonomous tech can optimize logistics and operations. 

By Max Garland • Sept. 17, 2021