Local Government

Nova Bus, a Canada-based member of Volvo Group, will provide three all-electric buses — manufactured in Plattsburgh, N.Y. — to the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency. The buses utilize BAE Systems technology.

The SaaS company Balancing Act, which sells budget simulation software, now has a similar tool for local housing plans. The company aims to boost public engagement in cities as pressure mounts for affordable dwellings.

The Purple Line rapid transit project in Minnesota that would connect St. Paul and White Bear Lake is getting a fight from some residents and local officials, who contend that it's too expensive and impractical.

The mayors of Detroit, Lansing and Ypsilanti in Michigan are on the same page when it comes to the federal infrastructure bill. They have urged Congress to pass the bill before it's too late.

The chief of the Española Police Department in New Mexico says automated license plate readers can help detect stolen cars and license plates, but watchdogs have voiced concerns about possible misuses of the tech.

Plus, applications for the U.S. Digital Corps will open soon, the Knight Foundation makes a significant commitment to Detroit’s digital equity work, and Denice Ross is the new U.S. chief data scientist.

The Western Fire Chiefs Association, a nonprofit that started in California during the 1800s, sees much potential in a new tool that can save substantial time and manpower in wildfire recovery missions.

Over half of the computers in the Dauphin County Library System couldn't be used by the public because of COVID-19 precautions. This week saw the return of all computers for public use.

A cyber attack has temporarily shut down the computer system and website of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Officials don't know how long it will take to get the network working again.

Thanks to an increase in citizen participation after San Diego transitioned to virtual public meetings during March 2020, local officials say they will keep the meetings completely online.

An arm of a Portland, Maine, conservative think tank is taking a leap into local politics and working to oppose a proposed $4.5 million broadband bond issue on Tuesday's ballot in Hampden, Maine.

Officials in Berks County, Pa., corrected false election information that was sent in two emails from a state representative. The lawmaker pointed out that the county had sent out an inaccurate letterhead.

The Privacy Principles for Mobility Data include seven guiding ideas for the public and private sectors as micromobility options like bikes and scooters become more ubiquitous across U.S. cities.

Ohio has announced a new pilot that involves using mass spectrometers to increase efficiency and safety around drug testing to increase officer safety, aid in investigations and help connect individuals to treatment.

The city of Fort Smith is working to install a nearly $2 million compressed natural gas fueling station to refuel its trash trucks. Natural gas is better for the environment and costs less than gasoline or diesel.

Massachusetts’ fifth annual Cybersecurity Forum focused on three of the biggest cyber topics today: fighting ransomware, expanding the cybersecurity workforce and anticipating a U.S. central bank digital currency.

If approved by voters, at least 70 percent of all taxes collected would be used to promote tourism in the Charleston area. The remaining funds would be used for code enforcement, waste removal and administrative fees.

Residents and officials in Dewey Beach, Del., pushed back on the placement of 5G poles that they say blocked beach views. Now, a new ordinance is being developed to better manage the wireless infrastructure.