Infrastructure

$700M in Grants for Local EV Chargers Announced

The competitive grants are designed to install electric vehicle chargers in local communities where private entities are otherwise less likely to build them.

Governor Recommits Maryland to Highest National Climate Goals for EV Sales

Gov. Wes Moore's decision reverses one by former Gov. Larry Hogan to pause Maryland's participation in meeting the California standard for electric vehicles.

A Federal Program Looks to Connect Smart Buildings with Smart Policy

COMMENTARY | Buildings drive a third of the nation’s emissions. Smart buildings can change that with the right policies and programs in place.

Transit Projects Would Get More Than $4B Under Biden Budget Proposal

The administration’s wish list recommends federal funding for 18 transit projects in 11 states.

Sponsor Content

New Tools Help State and Local Governments Battle Ransomware, Other Big Disasters

When governments find themselves being ransomed, their choices are typically to pay, which will undercut their ability to deliver key services to their communities due to budget restrictions, or not pay, resulting in the immediate inability to serve their communities and the loss of key data that will inevitably plague them for years afterwards.

State and Local Officials Press to Increase Rail Safety Regulations

They want railroads to tell local emergency responders if hazardous materials are going through their towns, and have asked the feds to study the proliferation of longer trains.

Urban Areas Are Adding People and Gobbling Up Land in Most States

An analysis shows the South, Southwest and Midwest saw the most growth in its urban areas.

White House’s Environmental Justice Tool Still Comes Up Short, Advocates Say

Groups worry that the criteria that determines which communities qualify is too broad and may lead to federal grant money bypassing the people who need it most.

In Race to Build Out EV Charging Stations, Some Cities and States Have a Leg Up

As the number of electric vehicles surge, a new ranking looks at the state of charging infrastructure and which cities and states are ready to receive them.

Why the Humble City Bus is the Key to Improving US Public Transit

COMMENTARY | High-quality bus service is the fastest route to rapid, comprehensive public transit in the United States. This country was once a leader in bus transit, and with adequate funding, it could be again.

In Preview of Debt Limit Fight, House Republicans Target Climate Funds

A House Environment subcommittee voted to claw back $27 billion from President Biden’s climate law, signaling what the GOP may demand in future budget negotiations.

$185M in Grants to Reconnect Communities Severed by Highways Announced

Federal transportation officials unveiled the dozens of cities and communities selected for grants under the infrastructure law.

How Cities and Counties Are Spending Their ARPA Funds

While the largest share of the Covid stimulus money is going to government operations and housing, the remaining funds are being used to address a region’s biggest challenges.

A Troubling Trend: Pedestrian Deaths Continue to Rise

The number of people killed on U.S. streets in early 2022 was 5% higher than the same period a year earlier, showing a dramatic increase over the last decade.

Biden Administration Recognizes States’ Role in Highway Spending

A new memo from the Federal Highway Administration that replaces one from last year explicitly acknowledges the role of states in deciding how to use federal highway dollars—allaying concerns raised by Republicans in Congress.

State & Local Roundup: Offshore Wind Push Expands to the Gulf of Mexico

Plus: The mayors of Chicago and New Orleans could lose their jobs; an “innovative” housing plan is defunded; Boston struggles to recruit transit chief; “right to repair” bills proliferate; and more news you can use from around the country.

California Is Racing to Electrify Trucks. Can the Industry Keep Up?

As frontline communities demand relief from diesel pollution, trucking advocates warn the state is moving too fast.

Investors Purchases of Single-Family Homes Drops By Almost Half

The slowdown comes as mortgage rates rose and housing prices declined, according to real estate firm Redfin.

Governments Aim to Reduce the Big Barrier to E-Bike Adoption: The Price

Officials are experimenting with rebates, vouchers and tax credits to lower the cost of electric bicycles and ease car congestion.

The Biden Administration Aims to Make EV Charging as Easy as Filling Up

The first comprehensive standards for public electric vehicle charging stations will help ensure reliability and accessibility.

HUD Offers Cities Help to Add Housing Near Transportation Options

As part of the Thriving Communities effort, the federal agency will supply technical assistance to revive economically distressed areas.