Smart Cities Dive: The smart city news that shaped 2020
PUBLISHED Jan. 4, 2021
The year 2020 was one of unprecedented struggle and opportunity, and Smart Cities Dive was right there alongside you to deliver insights on everything from industry consolidation to city budgets and the overwhelming fluctuations of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below are 20 stories detailing the trends and news that shaped the smart city landscape in 2020. Was there a particular story that influenced your work, or a topic you hope for us to revisit in 2021? Let us know at smart.cities.dive.editors@industrydive.com.
NYC's roofs are getting a sustainable makeover
By Cailley LaPara • Jan. 22, 2020
It's been two months since New York's Sustainable Roof Laws, part of the Climate Mobilization Act, took effect. Now architects and officials must decide: Are green roof systems or solar systems best? Read the full article ➔
The library is a smart city's 'hub for digital intelligence'
By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 27, 2020
As one of the most trusted spaces and sources of information, libraries are playing an increasingly important role in smart city initiatives. Read the full article ➔
How hyperloop could stand apart from existing transit modes
By Chris Teale • Feb. 12, 2020
Hyperloop has the potential to naturally compete in the marketplace while offering something new — as long as companies can overcome regulatory and financing challenges. Read the full article ➔
Outpacing an outbreak: How tech helps cities handle public health threats
By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2020
AI, analytics and drones are among the technologies used to respond to health crises like coronavirus, though regulatory and privacy concerns have posed obstacles for cities. Read the full article ➔
COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate
By Chris Teale • March 19, 2020
There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes. Read the full article ➔
Strategic design can help car-free streets gain popularity post-coronavirus
By Jason Plautz • March 27, 2020
Once-packed streets are now void of cars as residents stay home. While cities use this as a window into the possibilities of car-free streets, they must also consider forward-thinking design changes to prioritize people over cars. Read the full article ➔
Cities tap TikTok to squash Gen Z's COVID-19 misconceptions
By Kristin Musulin • April 2, 2020
Some local governments are threading critical information into entertaining videos to capture the attention of young social media users. Read the full article ➔
A 'different world' awaits transit on the other side of coronavirus
By Kristin Musulin • April 13, 2020
Public transit experts led an open-ended webinar on how to recalibrate societal perceptions of transit, noting the pandemic is an opportunity for the industry to prove its true value. Read the full article ➔
Libraries face more demand than during Great Recession: report
By Cailin Crowe • April 14, 2020
Despite building closures, libraries are creatively mitigating the effects of COVID-19 through efforts like virtual library cards and 3D-printed face shields. Read the full article ➔
'Angeleno Campaign' raises $10M in prepaid debit cards for LA residents
By Cailin Crowe • April 21, 2020
The program, created by Accelerator for America and Mastercard, saw so much immediate demand that the city's phone systems crashed. Read the full article ➔
Cities have seen a cycling surge amid COVID-19. Will the trend stick?
By Chris Teale • April 27, 2020
A number of cities have closed streets to vehicular traffic to support and protect a spike in biking. As cities look to recovery, advocates hope such moves will influence change. Read the full article ➔
The 10 cities best-positioned for pandemic recovery
By Cailin Crowe • May 13, 2020
Density and education attainment rates were key factors in a recent Moody's Analytics report of the cities facing the best and worst coronavirus recoveries. Read the full article ➔
NACTO urges shift from 'outdated' speed-limit planning
By Chris Teale • July 27, 2020
In a new guide dubbed "City Limits," NACTO said cities should consider how street design and policies can enforce safer speed limits to reduce fatalities and a reliance on police enforcement. Read the full article ➔
Young entrepreneurs dream up IoT-powered scooter sanitization system
By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 13, 2020
The patent-pending device from KirbyPod may offer a solution to the pandemic-related health risks currently plaguing shared mobility. Read the full article ➔
Rethinking the 20-minute city in light of police shootings, COVID-19
By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 25, 2020
Although the concept of the "walkable" city is not new, the pandemic and protests against systemic racism present an opportunity for city leaders to incorporate a lens of racial equity into their neighborhood planning, according to Gensler's urban strategies and design leader. Read the full article ➔
Governments are declaring racism a health crisis. What comes next?
By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 2, 2020
Milwaukee County's 2019 resolution blazed a trail for more than 120 U.S. governments in denouncing racism. Now, leaders must look internally to prioritize equitable budgeting and employee training. Read the full article ➔
The gas tax was already broken. The pandemic could end it.
By Jason Plautz • Oct. 26, 2020
As states and cities face infrastructure budget crunches with gas tax revenues down, some are thinking about alternative ways to secure funding. Read the full article ➔
Austin, TX braces for change following Prop A's approval
By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 5, 2020
Councilmember Ann Kitchen said the city's property tax bills have already been adjusted and efforts are beginning to select leadership for the Austin Transit Partnership. Read the full article ➔
Tampa Bay weighs competing aerial transit projects
By Jason Plautz • Nov. 12, 2020
The City of Clearwater, FL OK'd the study of a two-mile gondola system last week, just months after it passed a resolution to support the exploration of maglev aerial transit. Read the full article ➔
Las Vegas targets SF, Seattle remote workers in relocation campaign
By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 16, 2020
The multi-media marketing campaign is the first of similar remote work relocation programs to not offer a cash incentive. Instead, the city touts affordable living and ample sunshine. Read the full article ➔
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