City Government
How cities are making data-driven decisions in the age of AI
For almost a decade, What Works Cities has helped cities understand how to use the data they collect to improve outcomes. The advent of AI has accelerated much of that mission.
‘Hard, unglamorous work’ now can mean AI success later, city leaders say
Use cases for the technology are multiplying and now include areas like storm and wildfire prediction. But first, cities must make sure their data is clean and employees are on board.
Cities prepare for ‘quite epic’ World Cup next year
The tournament will bring millions of fans and 48 teams to 11 cities in the U.S. It makes for a lot of logistical headaches, but leaders said they will be ready and will build a legacy.
Tech and chip manufacturing help make metro areas ‘dynamic’
The increase in semiconductor facilities, spurred in part by federal funding, has helped vault some cities forward. But some experts caution not to rely too heavily on one sector for economic development.
Lessons learned from former Mayor Lightfoot’s Chicago tenure
A book released this year by Chicago Tribune journalist Gregory Royal Pratt reflected on her single term in office, broken promises and the need to build relationships inside and outside city hall.
What has been learned about civilian oversight of law enforcement
It’s been four years since the murder of George Floyd, and while political tensions have thrown up obstacles to the approach, the experience of some cities and counties indicates it can help heal sour relations.
Incumbent San Francisco mayor faces uphill battle
Crime, homelessness and a lack of affordable housing could doom London Breed’s bid for a second term.
One year ago, New York City introduced a sweeping AI plan. Here’s how it’s going.
In a Q&A with Route Fifty, one of the architects of the city’s ambitious AI Action Plan discusses the process and challenges for ensuring the technology is used responsibly and ethically.
In Las Vegas, a political dynasty nears its end. Who will replace it?
It’s the first time since 1995 that Sin City voters can’t select a Goodman for mayor. Instead, voters will choose between two politicos in a contentious race for the top job.
Crime is down, FBI says, but politicians still choose statistics to fit their narratives
Murder in the United States fell nearly 12% in 2023 compared with 2022.
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In this battleground state, a fight is raging over ballot drop boxes
In one city, the mayor faces a criminal investigation for carting away its lone drop box. Others are citing claims about fraud and opting out of using drop boxes for November’s election.
Six months later, what did cities learn from the solar eclipse? Plan, plan, plan.
Communities in the path of totality look back at the lessons learned. Preparing for the worst and biggest impacts is worth it, they say.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams charged with bribery, fraud, soliciting foreign campaign donations
Eric Adams is the first New York City mayor to be indicted while in office.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on federal criminal charges
The indictment against the mayor is expected to be unsealed today.
To fight online misinformation, engage with the 'trolls,' city leaders say
City communications strategists say it is crucial to engage, and quickly, before false narratives take hold.
Mayoral candidate pledges ‘digital by default’ city services
In his bid to become the next mayor of San Francisco, Mark Farrell promised to digitize government services within two years.
Post-pandemic, downtown recoveries continue to be uneven
From office conversions to bonding programs to unconventional approaches, cities are testing different ways to revive their downtowns.
A new tool aims to help communities spend their opioid settlement money wisely
The dashboard helps local governments estimate how much money to expect and, based on that, offers evidence-based recommendations on how best to spend it.
As hype intensifies, cities put AI to the test
A recent gathering of local officials shed some light on how cities are using artificial intelligence today and how they plan to use it.
Challenge-based procurement ‘just makes sense’
New York City is trying out a new approach to government procurement, whereby the city seeks solutions to its problems instead of prescribing them.
