8 trends shaping cities in 2022

Cities continue to confront challenges surrounding the pandemic, the climate crisis, rising inequality and public safety this year.

By Cailin Crowe, Danielle McLean, Maria Rachal, Dan Zukowski and Jason Plautz • Jan. 26, 2022

Resiliency remains key as electric sector becomes ‘tip of the spear’ for decarbonization, trade group leaders say

The industry is facing new and old issues in 2022, according to experts at the U.S. Energy Association’s 2022 State of the Energy Industry Forum, including supply chain, labor, cybersecurity and reliability challenges.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 25, 2022

White House forms coalition with local governments to pursue building performance policies

In a federal show of support for locally led decarbonization and retrofitting efforts, the coalition will cover nearly 20% of the U.S. building footprint and aims to advance legislation or regulation over the next two years.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 24, 2022

DOE, DOT scramble to hire ‘Energy Corps,’ roll out EV charging network

The first chargers in a $7.5 billion national network could be deployed this year. The federal government is hiring thousands of new employees to support it and other clean energy programs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 24, 2022

Creative financing needed to boost EV charging infrastructure: DOE

As the White House aims to roll out a network of 500,000 EV chargers, a speaker at the National EV Charging Summit said public dollars alone can't meet Biden's 2030 goal for half of passengers vehicle sales to be EVs. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 21, 2022

How payment technology can save your municipality money

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Across the...

By Bruce Gaskill • Jan. 20, 2022

Accountable yet feeling powerless: Report highlights challenges mayors face in addressing homelessness

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Homelessne...

By Andy Castillo • Jan. 19, 2022

North Carolina sets goal to sell 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

An executive order released Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper expands the state's climate ambitions with new goals for zero-emission transportation and workforce equity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 11, 2022

The road ahead: How legacy auto brands will level the EV playing field in 2022

After setting the stage at CES with lofty product announcements, carmakers will focus on value, range and brand heritage to close the gap with disrupters like Tesla.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022

12 predictions about the trends that will shape smart cities in 2022

As local leaders continue to adapt to the tremendous changes that the past year brought, industry players share how they anticipate cities will evolve.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2022

Q&A’s from 2021 that spotlight 13 smart cities voices

Revisit the year's one-on-one conversations, including with tech and climate leaders in Honolulu, Phoenix and San Diego and with execs at Revel, Veo and Drop Mobility.

Dec. 23, 2021

NYC’s new gas ban highlights market growth needs for building electrification

Outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the climate legislation in his final days in office, but work to expand awareness, market development and worker training remains.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2021

Biden order on emissions-free power, EVs sends market signals, experts say

As part of the effort, the federal government — the largest U.S. energy consumer — would get half of its power from 24/7 emissions-free sources by 2030.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 10, 2021

Major US utilities plan nationwide charging network, anticipating 22M EVs by 2030

Within a decade, more than 100,000 fast-charging stations will be needed to support the adoption of electric vehicles, according to the Edison Electric Institute. But some areas face significant barriers to growth, experts say.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2021

Tesla solar roof fires subject of SEC, Consumer Product Safety Commission investigations

A former Tesla employee accused the company of failing to disclose safety risks from solar panels. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 8, 2021

Genesee County and Plug Power break ground on largest green hydrogen plant in North America

Genesee County and Plug Power break ground on largest green hydrogen plant in North America

By Michelle Havich • Nov. 11, 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

Buffalo region leads the way in renewable energy, sustainability

Buffalo region leads the way in renewable energy, sustainability

By Michelle Havich • Nov. 5, 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

Three bill pay fixes to reduce late utilities payments

Millions of Americans fail to pay their utilities bill on time. In fact, a recent bill payment study revealed more than one in four U.S. adults (28 percent) pay their utilities bill late, with 12 percent of them saying they frequently or always pay their utilities bill late.

By Bruce Gaskill • Oct. 28, 2021

The wrong policies will hinder electrification — here’s what we need to do

The challenge is how to expand consumer adoption and speed up the transition to electric cars and efficient electric heating systems, writes a commissioner with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

By Abigail Anthony • Oct. 21, 2021

North Port, Florida utilities department depends on SCADA and remote alarm notification

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Located on...

By Jeremy Meegan • Oct. 19, 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

Time for utility companies to step up by supporting the Clean Electricity Performance Program

Achieving more clean energy is feasible, affordable and would benefit our economy and public health without compromising power system reliability, writes Ceres' senior program director of climate and energy.

By Dan Bakal • Oct. 15, 2021

Green waste management solution allows Miami DPW managers to monitor dumpster levels from afar

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.By now, ev...

By Andy Castillo • Oct. 11, 2021