2021 Readers' Choice
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Palmerston, NT adopts FiberSense Vibration Detection and Ranging technology for smarter operations
The 60-kilometer network from the Central Business District to Bakewell is the world's largest VIDAR installation. This technology uses fiber-optic cables to sense vibrations from nearby vehicles and public assets. Data gathered on the VIDAR network are gathered and analyzed by the AI-enabled SuperSoniQ platform. City officials will use FiberSense technology to track water leaks, traffic changes, and other events for improved responses.
Palmerston, NT
Australia
Philadelphia, PA Parent Flat Rate Program pays parents to skip the bus and take their kids to school
The School District of Philadelphia launched the Parent Flat Rate Program offering a financial incentive for parents to transport their kids to and from school instead of using the bus. The program offers $300 a month ($3,000 a year) for families that transport their kids to and from school or $150 a month ($1,500 a year) if families choose to only drop their kids off in the morning. The program was created to address the student transportation issues caused by a nationwide bus driver shortage.
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Fraser Coast, QLD encourages low-emissions transportation with Bird e-scooter pilot
Council officials and Bird agreed to operate up to 400 e-scooters in Hervey Bay during the six-month pilot. Local rules limit scooter operation to 25 kilometers per hour on streets and 10 kilometers per hour in areas with dense foot traffic. Fraser Coast is evaluating road safety and rider satisfaction in the tourist city before expanding inland to Maryborough. The Hervey Bay trial is Bird's first foray into the Australian market.
Fraser Coast, QLD
Australia
Dallas County, TX launched the Dallas Real Time Rapid Rehousing initiative to help the homeless
Dallas County launched the Dallas Real Time Rapid Rehousing (DRTRR) initiative in collaboration with several neighboring cities, the DHA Housing Solutions of North Texas, Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, the Homeless Collaborative and the Continuum of Care in Dallas and Collin Counties. The DRTRR initiative will spend $69.12 million to relocate 2,600 homeless people with rental deposits, housing navigation assistance, landlord incentives, move-in kits, etc.
Dallas County, TX
United States
Dallas, TX
United States
+3Snohomish County, WA passed an ordinance which requires grocery stores to give workers hazard pay
The Snohomish County Council passed an ordinance which requires grocery stores to pay their workers hazard pay. The ordinance applies to workers in unincorporated Snohomish County. The grocery stores are required to pay each worker $4 in hourly hazard pay up to $1,250 starting no later than July 15th. The Council considered using COVID-19 relief funding from the American Rescue Plan to provide the hazard pay but instead decided to mandate the pay come from the employers.
Snohomish County, WA
United States
London Borough of Hounslow, GB provides guidance on COVID-19 reopening with Shop Safe Shop Local
The council produced a general toolkit for local businesses and an industry-specific toolkit for the hospitality industry. Each toolkit details best practices for keeping staff and customers safe from COVID-19 transmission during the phased reopening. An interactive Commonplace map uses owner-submitted details to inform residents about social distancing efforts. Shop Safe Shop Local provides free floor stickers and posters that reinforce public health recommendations.
London Borough of Hounslow, GB
United Kingdom
Rochester, MN launched the "No Mow May" campaign to provide habitat for pollinators
The City of Rochester's Department of Parks and Recreation launched the "No Mow May" campaign to encourage homeowners not to mow their lawns for a month. The campaign was created to provide habitat and refuge for pollinators by allowing grass to grow. During the one-month campaign, the city has relaxed an existing ordinance which normally requires residents to keep vegetation under 12 inches. Residents will still be expected to pull weeds in their yard during the campaign.
Rochester, MN
United States
Tacoma, WA responds to chronic economic struggles with guaranteed income pilot
Project partners like United Way of Pierce County will identify at least 100 households for the Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT) pilot. Priority consideration is given to employed residents from underrepresented populations with limited incomes and assets. Eligible residents are selected at random for payments of $500 per month without any restrictions for one year. The program uses $600,000 in funds from Mayors for Guaranteed Income and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
Tacoma, WA
United States
Pompano Beach, FL provides free electric shuttle rides through Ride Circuit program
Four open-air electric shuttles are available for on-demand rides seven days a week. Riders can use the city's Ride Circuit app, hail passing shuttles, or head to stops on the fixed route. Each shuttle holds up to four passengers at a time due to COVID-19 precautions. This service covers popular destinations like the Pompano Beach Pier, Beachcomber Resort & Club, and Hillsboro Inlet Park across a 20-minute route.
Pompano Beach, FL
United States
Pittsburgh, PA evaluates the use of personal delivery devices during Kiwibot pilot
Residents and businesses in the Bloomfield neighborhood can request Kiwibot deliveries during the six-month pilot. The Kiwibot 4.0 navigates sidewalk traffic with the help of sensors while displaying one of 22 expressions. Each delivery costs $1.99 with an average wait time of 30 minutes. The city's Department of Mobility and Infrastructure selected Bloomfield due to a dense and diverse population as well as wide sidewalks.
Pittsburgh, PA
United States
Bundaberg, QLD creates low-cost mobility options in high-traffic areas with Neuron e-scooters
The mobility operator assigned 250 N3 e-scooters to Bundaberg's central business district and the town of Bargara for a one-year pilot. The N3 includes advanced features like an emergency button, a helmet lock, and voice guidance on safe operation. E-scooter uses can pay by the minute or purchase three-day, weekly, or monthly passes. Council officials worked with Neuron Mobility on geofenced service areas that balance commuter demands with safety concerns.
Bundaberg, QLD
Australia
Oakland, CA is launching a one-year pilot of the Mobile Assistance Community Responders program
The City of Oakland is launching a one-year pilot of the Mobile Assistance Community Responders (MACRO) program which reimagines public safety. The new program will send unarmed civilians with medical and mental health training to respond to non-violent emergency calls instead of the police. The Oakland Fire Department will run the program using the existing 911 dispatch system and county EMTs and mental health experts will be contracted as the civilian responder volunteers.
Oakland, CA
United States