Tech Trends for Cities and States

Smart cities technology is well behind schedule, but the technology industry hasn’t given up on new digital solutions, self-driving cars, curb management, and AI-powered systems.

1 minute read

January 4, 2023, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


An article by Danielle McLean for Smart Cities gathers readers responses about the direction they expect technology trends to head in the new year.

“2023 will bring additional federal funding to improve transportation and further momentum around trends like electric bike and car adoption, office-to-housing conversions and more,” writes McLean to introduce the conversation.

The article lists trends like curb management; “smart transportation,” with a focus on safety and access; digital twins; shared vehicles; digital adoption by state and local governments; electric vehicle charging infrastructure; adaptive reuse; and more.

Some of the responses included in the article are from sources with a financial stake in technologies they are predicting will gain new levels of prominence, so some conflict of interest can be assumed. But as a measure of where the technology industry thinks and hopes it is headed in the near-term, the source article below has a lot more to consider.

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Front of White House with stormy sky above.

How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning

An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.

January 19, 2025 - Planetizen

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Destroyed Altadena Community Church facade after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California.

UCLA Experts Offer Critical Support for LA Wildfire Response and Recovery

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation offers expert guidance on LA wildfire response and recovery, addressing critical issues like water safety, air quality, equitable rebuilding, and climate adaptation to promote resilience and sustainability.

January 20 - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Aerial view of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah with snow-capped mountains in background.

Salt Lake City to Get Five New Bus Lines

The service improvements come after a year of strong ridership growth.

January 20 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Close-up of person wearing Nike tennis shoe on Trinity Metro bike share e-bike.

Fort Worth Relaunches Bike Share Network

The system, operated by Lyft, is made up of primarily e-bikes.

January 20 - NBC DFW