Housing and Urban Issues
Stresses on urban communities continue to affect housing, food security, child services, homelessness, business development and crime. Coverage includes stories about new solutions to how cities are run, how they develop as urban centers and about the people who live there.
Cities and states scrambled to house homeless people in hotels and motels during the emergency phase of the pandemic. Many communities still find it’s a good model.
Gov. Cuomo announced that by 2023 the fairgrounds would be run entirely on renewable energy, but there have been no plans or progress since. Many wonder if the promise is even feasible.
To reduce carbon emissions and vehicles on the road, Minneapolis wants to make other forms of transportation more appealing. But officials know: “If you make it easier for people … people will catch on to that.”
A study ranked Missouri 32nd of all states for Internet coverage, speed and cost. The state’s third largest city is also the 70th-most connected. The state needs a “real partnership between public and private interests.”
The coronavirus is more dangerous for those over the age of 80, the population that also tends to be less tech-savvy. Without technology access, they could be missing important information, medication access or doctor appointments.
Sacred Wind Communications has partnered with the Navajo Housing Authority in New Mexico to establish high-speed Internet for a Navajo community. Many are eager for the opportunities that Internet access opens.
President Trump wants federal architecture to return to its classical past. Meanwhile, many local governments have been going in the opposite direction, providing a public forum for new, modern building designs.
The pilot shuttle will drive a 1.5 mile route in downtown Rochester, Minn., operating daily from 9 am until 3 pm. Officials are trying to ensure the shuttle is as safe as possible for its passengers and other vehicles.
San Diego has over 3,000 smart streetlights that collect city data. While distribution of the tech is fairly even, police access streetlight data more frequently when it’s from neighborhoods of color, which raises concerns.
Tennessee has put millions of dollars into efforts to expand broadband and digital literacy in its rural communities and the state is still coming up short. “This isn’t something seen as a ‘nice to have’ anymore.”
Duluth, Minn., has very little, and its mayor would like to see more minorities among its residents. But the city's strong homegrown civic culture seems to be serving it well.
Collecting census data online creates new risks to the accuracy and integrity of the information. Here's what you need to know.
California’s proposed database to track homeless populations across the state is easier said than done. Getting clear communication and consistent collection across the state won’t happen overnight.
As technology becomes easier and cheaper to use, residents are looking for smart-home features in their apartments, which makes owners want to install the tech to keep up with competition and avoid becoming obsolete.
The Michigan House bill would allow counties to opt out of paying for services that would offer little benefit to them without impeding the implementation of the services in other counties.
Stafford County hopes to install smart energy, lighting, water, and housing to become a smart community, the first of many. “Our goal is to make Stafford a model community for all of Virginia.”
The State of the City address outlined plans to become a smart city, including 5G and mobile parking apps. But the mayor didn’t discuss how they’d replenish city funds after these upgrades, and some are concerned.
About one quarter of all Lousianans don’t have any available Internet provider, which impacts business success and growth. State and fed officials are stepping in with hopes to have the entire state connected by 2029.
After California residents couldn’t call 911 during wildfires, four Congress members proposed a bill that would require the Federal Communications Commission to provide more information on telecom network outages.
A report found that switching Maine’s privately owned electric utility to a publicly owned one could raise customer rates and decrease state tax revenue. But some want more analysis on customer service and reliability first.
Mixed-income and diverse neighborhoods are good for our cities. There are policies we can pursue that can help to keep housing affordable and protect these communities' legacy residents.
St. Paul is one of the cities across the nation using Amazon’s Ring cameras to improve policing. Some say there are security and data sharing concerns, others say, “Society has changed. The old way of policing is gone.”
Health-care apps are changing the way many people interact with medical providers. While the health-care industry is trying to be more consumer friendly, many don’t think apps deliver the same quality of care.
Stamford, Conn., began using an electronic vehicle-immobilization device, ‘Smart Boot,’ a year ago to make drivers pay for their parking tickets. Since implementation, there has been a drastic increase in payments.
While 5G is supposed to be revolutionary when it comes to the telecommunications industry, it might have negative impacts on community life. From aesthetics to health, community concerns are driving the push back against 5G.
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Baltimore County, Md., proposed a voluntary registry for private security cameras that would be used by police to improve investigations. The volunteered footage would remain confidential “to the extent permitted by law.”
The city’s 4-1-1 app allows residents to report city problems like potholes, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, and soon illegal electric scooter activity. A Spanish version will also debut this year.
As the "smart city" movement has progressed through three distinct waves, local governments have found themselves increasingly struggling to manage the changes that alter many aspects of urban life.
Grand Rapids, Mich., implemented driverless shuttles to gauge ridership, experience and limitations of the program. The pilot program is currently scheduled to run through July 2020, but there is a possibility of an extension.
Costa Mesa, Calif., had to adjust regulations after citizens voiced concerns over electromagnetic toxicity around 5G implementation, though no adverse health effects have been proven.
