Technology

New Orleans Uses AI To Improve Traffic Safety
A new platform uses technology to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions with streetcars.

Harnessing Data for Community Development
Using data and insights encourages the development of a community, offering an evidence-based strategy to directly address the needs within.

Blockchains Inc Wanted a Massive ‘Smart City’ in Nevada but Couldn’t Muster the Water Rights
California Forever isn’t the only tech-investor-driven mega-project to make news in recent weeks. Blockchains Inc had designs on remaking a massive swath of land near Reno until water got in the way.

An AI-Generated Vision of a Silicon Valley Utopia
A proposed plan to build a new city in the Bay Area is light on details and heavy on idyllic renderings.

Leveraging Holistic Platforms For Urban Mobility Solutions
How a ‘control tower’ approach can improve mobility and reduce congestion and emissions.

Celebrating California's Biodiversity
This year marks the fifth annual California Biodiversity Day, established in 2018 to celebrate and encourage actions to protect the state’s exceptional biodiversity.

On-Demand Microtransit Proves Itself in Rural Virginia
Two Virginia transit companies launched pilot projects for on-demand microtransit services in 2021, spurring record growth in ridership as a result.

Using GIS to Advance Park Equity and Prioritize Restoration of Degraded Lands
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation uses GIS technology to identify priority areas for land conservation and restoration as part of its 30x30 plan to fight climate change and protect biodiversity.

The Materials Movement: Advancing Low-Carbon, Healthy Materials for Sustainable Communities
Every component of a building, from the concrete foundation to the paint on the walls, has an impact on human health, the climate, and ecosystems around the globe. Building materials—once overlooked in real estate’s sustainability efforts—are now bei

More Evidence That Speed Cameras Slow Traffic Speeds
File under: not a cash grab.

Leveraging the Choice Not to Travel
The pandemic accelerated the growth of remote services and telecommuting. Now is the time for urban planners to leverage these new opportunities to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

Rail Electrification: Caltrain adds BEMUs to its EMU Order
Caltrain, the San Francisco-to-San Jose commuter railroad, plans to begin electrified operation next year on its 49-mile mainline. A 28-mile extension south to Gilroy would continue to be served by diesel trains, with one train powered by battery.

Opinion: D.C. Should Go All in on Traffic Cameras
More widespread deployment of automated enforcement sensors could change the system from one of high fines and sparse enforcement to one that encourages more extensive behavior change.

Making Natural Gas Power Plants Cleaner
Carbon capture and storage has long been associated with coal-burning power plants. Calpine Corp. hopes to apply the controversial technology to existing natural gas power plants, beginning with a pilot project to start this month in the Bay Area.

Advice for Autonomous Cars
Drivers for Uber and Lyft in San Francisco express their concerns and advice for self-driving taxi services.

California Approves Autonomous Cars Over Local Concerns
Despite repeated calls from San Francisco officials to slow the deployment of self-driving cars, a state commission approved expanded access to San Francisco streets.

Google Shifts Real Estate Strategy to Adaptive Reuse
The company is moving away from flashy new campuses in favor of converting existing buildings with interesting histories.

Dashcam Footage Shows Tesla Colliding With First Responder
The car failed to recognize the stopped emergency vehicle until just two seconds before the crash.

Uber Sees Record Ridership, Finally Posts a Profit
The ride-hailing giant posted an operating profit for the first time in its history, thanks largely in part to its successful food delivery business.

Using Cellphone and Fitness App Data for Park Planning
Data from smartphone apps and fitness trackers are helping planners to better understand park usage patterns and plan for new and improved parks.
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