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Detroit, MI introduces the first wireless EV charging roadway in the United States
Detroit worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation and Electreon on installing innovative road technology. Inductive coils underneath 14th Street wirelessly transfer electricity to passing electric vehicles with Electreon receivers. This installation runs through the Michigan Central Innovation District with a Ford E-Transit van used for the first test drive. Once completed, a one-mile stretch of wireless charging road will be used to test the technology's effectiveness.
Detroit, MI
United States
Penrith, NSW makes asbestos register data more accessible to workers with QR code signs
The city sought a digitized alternative to the paper-based asbestos register used across 340 council buildings. A QR code sign in each building provides immediate access to the types and locations of identified or potential asbestos. Council teams can immediately update information and produce reports on code access per location from a single resource. This system complies with state workplace safety laws and protects workers from asbestos exposure.
Penrith, NSW
Australia
New York, NY Street Deliveristas Hubs help growing ranks of app-based delivery workers
Local officials will use a $1 million federal grant on infrastructure for the city's 65,000 delivery workers. Street Deliveristas Hubs turn disused newsstands, outdoor dining spaces, and transit stops into shelter from the elements. Workers can rest, charge their e-bikes or phones, and check their apps without obstructing sidewalks or streets. This first-in-the-U.S. pilot uses feedback from delivery workers during site selection and hub design.
New York, NY
United States
Philadelphia, PA Disability Representation Map supports data-driven infrastructure improvements
The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities turned American Community Survey data into an interactive map. Color-coded and monochromatic overlays show the percentages of residents with disabilities by census tract for users with differing levels of color vision. Each tract's narrative explains the types of disabilities and resident demographics in greater detail. The map is keyboard accessible and uses textured features for those with low vision.
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Statesboro, GA seeks indoor air quality improvements in municipal buildings during pilot
The pilot tests volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with air quality sensors at 16 locations. Ongoing surveys of city employees ask about experiences with unpleasant scents in their workspaces. Selected locations include City Hall, the Statesboro Police Department, and fire stations. Researchers with Georgia Southern University will test the impacts of plants and other natural solutions on air quality. Statesboro received a Partnership for Inclusive Innovation grant for the pilot.
Statesboro, GA
United States
Birmingham City Council, GB DIATOMIC Accelerator seeks digital innovation in city operations
The city-backed challenge asks small and medium-sized enterprises for innovations in four themes - data insights, performance, knowledge sharing, and citizen engagement. Proposed pilots will use digital services and data in areas ranging from asset management to fleet optimization. Birmingham and Connected Places Catapult offer £500,000 in funds to 12 selected applicants. The winning entrants also receive technical assistance and guidance from city departments.
Birmingham City Council, GB
United Kingdom
San Diego, CA partners with Shell New Energies on microgrids for municipal buildings
Solar-powered microgrids will be installed at eight facilities including fire stations, police stations, and recreation centers. The microgrids store energy in on-site batteries and power buildings during peak hours for the utility grid. Each microgrid site acts as an emergency shelter for the surrounding neighborhood during blackouts and natural disasters. City officials pursued this project as part of its 100% renewable energy goal for municipal buildings by 2035.
San Diego, CA
United States
Griffith, NSW protects public cemetery staff from workplace injuries with portable platforms
The city's cemetery team sought a safer method for preparing burial vaults after its leader was injured. The use of ladders proved insufficient for the double-vault depth of the public cemetery. Griffith's fitter welder, cemetery personnel, and Work and Health Safety team designed a pair of platforms using on-hand materials. The platforms safely lower to the appropriate level and support vault preparations without disturbing coffins or surrounding structures.
Griffith, NSW
Australia
Cohoes, NY generates clean energy for city operations with its floating solar array project
Cohoes sought a way to reduce its $660,000 annual electrical bill and meet green energy goals. The solar array will cover a 10-acre reservoir at the Cohoes Water Filtration Plant. Estimated annual output of 4.1 million megawatts will supply all of the energy needed by city departments. Local officials anticipate surplus energy usage by the school district and the public library. The city funded the project with a U.S. Department of Energy grant and savings from streetlight upgrades.
Cohoes, NY
United States
Amsterdam, NH develops underwater bike garages for improved connections to transit options
A four-year project resulted in two underwater facilities with a capacity of up to 11,000 bikes. Cyclists park the first day for free with a €1.35 fee applied for each additional day. The parking structures connect to Amsterdam's Centraal Station using a series of moving walkways. City officials are removing surface bike racks and garages above the Stationsplein. This shift to underground parking translates into wider cycling and pedestrian lanes along with a cleaner waterfront.
Amsterdam, NH
Netherlands
Enschede, OV and Collecting Heroes support on-demand recyclable collection for businesses
The collaboration precedes the full-scale removal of underground waste containers in Enschede's city center. Collecting Heroes uses e-cargo bikes for scheduled collections of paper and cardboard from their customers. Existing waste collectors may work with Collecting Heroes on coordinated collections or businesses can directly work with the company. The pivot to on-demand service reduces heavy-duty vehicle traffic, beautifies storefronts, and adapts collections to business needs.
Enschede, OV
Netherlands
Shoalhaven, NSW installs Australian-first Community Information Hubs built for any conditions
Twenty-six Hubs with digital screens were installed at showgrounds and tourist parks throughout the region. Each 55-inch display presents localized information including the fire risk rating, weather forecast, and community events. Satellite modems and VoIP phones maintain connections between Hub users and the outside world during emergency situations. The Hubs can operate for up to four days without grid connections thanks to solar energy stored in on-site batteries.
Shoalhaven, NSW
Australia