"Smart City" plans for the city of Columbus are taking shape.

"Smart Columbus is seeking IT firms to build the Big Data brain that will power initiatives ranging from booking a parking spot online to lowering infant mortality by getting women to their prenatal doctor visits," reports Carrie Ghose in an article that's behind a paywall for many readers.
The city launched the Smart Columbus Operation System (SCOS) by releasing a request for proposals as an initial step in efforts enabled by a $50 million Smart Cities Challenge grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2016.
According to a paywall-free article by Kristin Musulin, the SCOS "will power the city's mobility initiatives and capture data on traffic, parking, road closures and other transportation-related information…"
The RFP states the desired outcomes for the Smart Columbus Program as "improved safety, enhanced mobility, enhanced access to opportunities, and reduced environmental impact," according to Musulin.
FULL STORY: Columbus issues RFP for smart city data hub

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Alberta’s Orphan Well Cleanup Plan Sparks Debate Over Use of Public Funds
Alberta’s upcoming plan to address nearly 80,000 abandoned oil wells has sparked controversy over the potential use of public funds, despite government claims that taxpayers won’t be footing the bill.

Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal for First Time
Solar and wind power generated close to a third of U.S. electricity supplies in 2024.

Pilot Project Offers E-Bike Rebates in New York State
The program will start in the Village of Ossining with plans to expand in the greater Hudson River region.
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