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Skip Descant

Senior Writer

Skip Descant writes about smart cities, the Internet of Things, transportation and other areas. He spent more than 12 years reporting for daily newspapers in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and California. He lives in downtown Yreka, Calif.

Transportation

Sans Incentives, EV Industry Expected to Slow but Not Stop

The approaching end of financial incentives to purchase electric vehicles is expected to have some negative effect on their sales — but ultimately not dampen optimism toward electrified transportation.

July 21, 2025
· Skip Descant
Artificial Intelligence

San Jose, Calif., Develops AI Upskilling Training for Staff

AI courses in San Jose are helping city employees save thousands of work hours, improving efficiencies and service for residents, while a new Oregon program is familiarizing state workers with generative AI.

July 17, 2025
· Skip Descant
Transportation

North Carolina DOT Dives Deep Into Traffic Data Analysis

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is entering a one-year pilot project with transportation firm Flow Labs to more closely analyze traffic and signal data from thousands of intersections.

July 16, 2025
· Skip Descant
Artificial Intelligence

To Get AI Into City Services, Start With Clean, Shareable Data

From traffic management to smart trash cans, Raleigh, N.C., is quickly moving to introduce artificial intelligence tools into smart city platforms and projects.

July 16, 2025
· Skip Descant
Transportation

Ahead of 2 Major Events, L.A. Metro Previews Tech Upgrades

With FIFA World Cup events and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games coming, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will make it easier to pay for rides, get to the airport and reach other parts of the county.

July 10, 2025
· Skip Descant
Transportation

If Cities Foster Density, Residents Will Walk and Bike

A new report from StreetLight Data shows the direct correlation between urban density and the level of walking and biking that residents do. Both are increasingly viewed as key pieces of the transportation ecosystem.

July 08, 2025
· Skip Descant
Justice and Public Safety

Disaster Planning Must Start Before the Event, Be Pervasive

Resilient regions and organizations require well thought out disaster plans addressing recovery and mitigation. In creating them, state officials said, collaboration with other governments and communities is essential.

July 07, 2025
· Skip Descant
Transportation

With the Growth of Highway Tolls Come Technologies to Help

Toll road systems are modernizing with seamless payment portals and other forms of tech, enabling new options to make controlling congestion easy — and generate revenue other ways, as gas taxes decline.

July 03, 2025
· Skip Descant
Artificial Intelligence

Oregon Tech Leaders See Impactful, Eventful Future for AI

AI has the ability to impact numerous areas of the public sector, from government to education, tech officials said during the yearly Link Oregon meeting. They are preparing for its possibilities and challenges alike.

July 01, 2025
· Skip Descant
Cybersecurity

To Drive Cyber Awareness, Show the Impact of an Incident

Information and security officers from Oregon educational institutions shared insight on making people within their organizations more cognizant of cybersecurity and developing appropriate cyber defense strategies.

June 27, 2025
· Skip Descant