Berkeley’s gas ban is all but dead. What does that mean for other cities?
Despite another defeat in court, experts say cities still have plenty of options for electrifying buildings.
AI could make cities autonomous, but that doesn’t mean we should let it happen
COMMENTARY | AI could take us beyond the concept of smart cities, telling us how and why things happen in urban settings. But cities must consider how AI systems could make uninformed or amoral decisions, one expert warns.
States warn of ‘Band-Aids and duct tape’ for road maintenance
Lawmakers seek new funding sources as gas tax revenues begin a predicted decline.
Why 2023 emerged as a banner year for passenger rail
Many efforts that had been in the works for years started paying off this year, but passenger rail advocates hope even better things are on the way.
On the Agenda 2024: State and local issues to watch
Here are the 10 biggest challenges government leaders will confront in the new year.
Extreme weather cost $80 billion this year. The true price is far higher.
The U.S. saw 25 billion-dollar weather disasters this year—more than ever before. Next year could be worse.
Should the EPA let Chicago have 40 years to remove lead pipes?
Some cities with a high number of lead pipes would be given more than the 10 years set by the EPA to replace them. The exception in the proposed rule is drawing criticism from residents and environmentalists.
States consider capping the cost of broadband for low-income families
The majority of proposals for how states will use their share of federal funding to expand internet service include provisions to limit how much unserved and underserved households can be charged.
Biden to invest $8B toward vision for nationwide expansion of passenger rail
The long-awaited grants for construction and planning show that the administration is unfazed by attacks in Washington over the popularity of passenger rail, with nearly every state receiving money.
California wins big as Biden administration doubles down on high-speed rail
The Golden State will benefit from $6 billion in new grants to provide connections in the Central Valley and between the Los Angeles suburbs and Las Vegas. An East Coast route is getting big money too.
New life for old coal: Mine lands and power plants are hot renewable development spots
Converting old coal plants to renewable energy storage sites can set states up for job creation and increased tax revenue, one observer says.
Could the feds withhold broadband funding to some states?
Several states appear unwilling to change laws on their books that are at odds with a requirement in the 2021 infrastructure law.
EPA proposes all lead pipes be replaced within 10 years
The requirement would be a “massive unfunded mandate,” said a group representing local water utilities. But it does give cities, particularly those with lots of lead pipes, some leeway.
$1.5 billion now available in federal transportation grants
A variety of road, transit, rail and trail projects are eligible for funding under the Transportation Department’s popular RAISE program.
Where is noise pollution the worst? Redlined neighborhoods.
Nearly all of them are subject to noise levels linked with hearing loss, a study shows.
The 15-minute city is a popular planning approach, but relies on ableist assumptions
COMMENTARY | The 15-minute city relies on residents’ abilities to walk and bike. But what what if a resident’s body doesn’t walk or bike in what is considered a normative sense?
State workers fear federal grants won’t reach many disadvantaged communities
Amid historic federal investment in climate and environmental initiatives, employees tasked with distributing federal grants say they are overwhelmed and don’t have the bandwidth to ensure underresourced communities get the help they need.
After a pandemic pause, Detroit restarts water shut-offs—part of a nationwide trend as costs rise
COMMENTARY | Cities are turning to water shut-offs as more water service bills go unpaid as utility costs continue to climb.
One solution to fight climate change? Fewer parking spaces.
Less parking could pave the way for denser housing and more accessible public transportation.
The future of the Colorado River hinges on one young negotiator
J.B. Hamby, California’s representative in talks about sharing water from the Colorado River, holds the keys to a quarter of the river’s flow—and its future.
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