Infrastructure

Officials Tout Data Centers’ Economic Benefits

Amazon said its facilities in Virginia paid more than $300 million in taxes last year alone, and local leaders said the campuses contribute to economic development.

Mayors Oppose a GOP Bill to Speed Up Broadband Permitting

The proposal would put a “shot clock” on permit approvals in an effort to streamline the process to build broadband around the country. But mayors say it preempts their ability to make crucial construction decisions.

How Building More 'Granny Flats' Can Help Alleviate the Housing Crisis

COMMENTARY | Recent trends—working from home, aging in place and an expensive housing market—demand housing types that are not readily available in a market dominated by single-family housing.

Early State Broadband Spending Shows Policy Evolution

Vermont is using its share of the federal Capital Projects Fund for last-mile connections to underserved rural areas and boosting digital equity among disadvantaged residents.

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.

With $9B in Transportation Funding, Minnesota Looks to Meet Climate Goals

The law is dedicated to improving roads, but requires that all highway expansion projects meet the state’s goal of driving down greenhouse gas emissions.

There's a Deal to Conserve the Colorado River, Now Comes the Hard Part

After two decades of an ongoing “mega drought” in the West, there are a variety of water conservation efforts to choose from. But one idea in California sticks out.

One State Targets Teen Drivers to Reduce Work Zone Deaths

As traffic deaths surge, contractors are calling on states to do more. One state—Oklahoma—will be the first in the nation to require teen drivers to complete a course on construction worker safety.

Fighting Climate Change, State by State

COMMENTARY | Across the country, state and local governments are accelerating their efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. They are creating approaches that can be borrowed and improved upon.

Louisiana’s Landmark Climate Adaptation Program Is Running Out of Time

“We can rebuild a piece of marsh, but in 30 years, that may be the only piece of marsh there.”

Supreme Court Scales Back Scope of Clean Water Act

Conservatives on the court say the decision preserves state authority to regulate land and water use. But liberal justices worry the ruling will gut efforts to curb water pollution.

Extreme Weather Is Disrupting Amtrak’s Trains—And Its Climate Benefits

The passenger rail operator is at the mercy of the freight companies that own most American tracks.

NHTSA Proposes a Pass-Fail Pedestrian Safety Rating for Vehicles

The scheme put forward by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration comes as pedestrian deaths are surging nationwide.

Offshore Wind in the Midwest? Some Great Lakes Leaders Think So.

The lakes have massive energy potential, but harnessing it will be a big challenge.

LEDs Bring Energy Savings—and Light Pollution

As Washington, D.C., replaces existing streetlights with LEDs to save money and cut energy usage, it is running up against a problem—the streets are now too bright, and it’s impacting people and wildlife.

Local Leaders Cheer Changes to Rail Safety Bill

The legislation would mandate a study of frequently blocked crossings, among other safety measures.

Billions in Loans and Grants to Make Multifamily Homes Energy Efficient

Incentives for green retrofitting often target individual homeowners. A new federal program will fund energy-efficient and climate-resilient upgrades in multifamily homes, which can improve the quality of life of historically underserved populations.

A Roadmap to Achieving 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy

COMMENTARY | A new clean energy procurement trend is gaining momentum in cities racing to meet ambitious climate goals. Here’s how 24/7 carbon-free energy works, how local governments can get started on this approach and where they can look for support.

States Rush to Make Rules Governing CO2 Pipelines

Across the U.S., companies are building carbon dioxide pipelines. But the rules and procedures that determine whether they can be built in the first place vary widely among states.

In Fixing Flood Control Systems, Plans Often Reflect Historical Patterns, Not Future Risks

COMMENTARY | As communities replace aging infrastructure to prepare for future climate-driven storms, aging data stands in the way. Experts warn historical weather data may not be sufficient for new infrastructure decisions.

Congestion Pricing in Manhattan Clears Federal Hurdle

The city still has to determine the details before New York becomes the first American city to charge for the right to drive on certain roads.