City Monitor

A US-wide eviction ban could have prevented thousands of Covid deaths

About 1.2 million infections and 164,000 deaths could have been averted in 2020 if the federal government had stopped evictions and utility shut-offs, according to Duke University estimates.

By Jake Blumgart

Economy

In the UK, the pandemic is making it harder to tackle geographic inequality

Government efforts to "level up" England's north and Midlands regions will now be four times more difficult, according to a new report.

Housing

The pandemic brings even more uncertainty to the US’s official count of homelessness

The Point in Time tabulation has always had its shortcomings. Those will be amplified this year as places across the country cancel, delay or alter their efforts.

Pollution

The effort to decontaminate the Bogotá River, both physically and politically

The once-sacred tributary receives about 690 tonnes of pollutants daily. Investment, oversight and massive anti-corruption efforts will be required to clean it up.

Government

US states need federal assistance regardless of which party they vote for

Republicans are renewing claims that federal aid to states will amount to red states bailing out blue ones. Covid-era budget data shows that's not the case.

Economy

Pandemic job losses could fuel a rise in homelessness for years

Anthony Orlando of the Economic Roundtable discusses new report findings that the pandemic could cause twice as much new homelessness as the 2008 Great Recession.

Joe Biden

Biden’s broadband plan comes at a pivotal moment for the digital divide

The president has called for universal broadband access in the US. There's still a long way to go, and the government's own data understates inequities in internet infrastructure.

Joe Biden

A city leaders’ guide to Joe Biden’s policy agenda

From public transportation to affordable housing to infrastructure, the new US president has outlined a wide range of initiatives that will profoundly affect how cities recover from the pandemic – and beyond.

Joe Biden

What does Joe Biden mean for sanctuary cities?

Donald Trump's immigration policies put many US cities on the defensive. The new administration wants a clean break from the past, but states could still stand in the way.

Joe Biden

What Biden’s lack of support for the Green New Deal means for cities

His $2trn plan may be less ambitious, but Democratic House and Senate majorities may help lead to real progress on climate.

Planning and zoning

Can Atlanta end single-family zoning?

That's just one of the proposals put forth by a new initiative that outlines policy-based solutions for affordable and equitable growth in one of the US's fastest-growing metropolises.

Government

State and local aid will be contested under a Joe Biden presidency, too

As the president-elect's stimulus plans emerge, local leaders shouldn't get too excited for direct, flexible aid to bolster their flagging revenues.

Transport

The future of transportation is small and electric

The pandemic has fuelled demand for small electric vehicles, with incentives and tax breaks playing a major role.

Hot Topics

Trackless trams may be the best alternative to light rail

Hot Topics

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