Turning Crisis into Strategy: Contracts, projects and disputes at a global chokepoint The FCC's next FM broadcast auction is coming—and history shows that preparation before the short-form filing window opens can materially impact auction outcomes. On May 11, 2026, the FCC announced Auction 114, an auction of 132 FM broadcast construction permits. The FCC has tentatively scheduled the auction to begin on February 2, 2027. As broadcasters, investors, entrepreneurs, and spectrum-focused media companies are well-aware, FCC auctions are not mere filing exercises. Instead, they are highly strategic competitive events involving ownership attribution analyses, bidding eligibility planning, upfront payment calculations, auction pacing strategy, anti-collusion compliance, and long-term operational planning. As the terrestrial radio market rapidly transforms and realigns in response to new technologies, evolving listener behavior, and spectrum policy shifts, the auction presents new opportunities for innovative entrants and localized service. Past FM broadcast auctions demonstrate both the scale of opportunity and the level of competition. For example, Auction 37 (2004) drew 456 qualified bidders across 62 bidding rounds, ultimately awarding 258 construction permits and generating more than $178 million in gross bids. Though more limited in scope, Auction 70 (2007) saw 114 qualified bidders compete over 83 rounds for 111 permits, producing gross bids exceeding $24 million. Auction strategy is not just about identifying available permits or comparing opening bid amounts. Instead, sophisticated bidders evaluate each opportunity based on population coverage, contour reach, local advertising economics, market adjacency, technical constraints, interference protections, and long-term business fit. Further, participants in past years’ auctions should take notice of modern auction dynamics, as participation today is even more complex than in prior years. The FCC’s proposed Auction 114 procedures include anonymous bidding procedures, upfront payment eligibility structures, activity rules, waiver strategies, default payment exposure, and detailed short-form certification obligations. Effective participation therefore requires
May 13, 2026 · via hoganlovells.com
La Trobe’s collaboration with Indian institutions has grown significantly in recent years. A particular success is our joint research and PhD programs of which the Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN) is the centrepiece. The network involves key partner institutions such as IIT Kanpur, BITS Pilani and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. These partnerships have laid a strong foundation for high quality doctoral training, joint supervision and international collaboration that has real impact. The creation of the Associate PVC role marks a new phase of development, with a focus on expanding joint doctoral programs, increasing student participation, strengthening institutional and industry partnerships, and building sustained, high-impact research collaboration. Professor Nick Bisley, PVC Research, congratulated Professor Desai on the appointment. “Ani brings extensive experience in translational research, industry engagement and international collaboration and I’m delighted to see him step into this position,” Professor Bisley said. “This role will be critical in building on the momentum we have established in India strengthening our partnerships and expanding opportunities for industry-aligned research.” Professor Desai is the founder of ASCRIN and Co‑Director of the IIT Kanpur–La Trobe Research Academy, which has grown to become La Trobe’s largest international research initiative, actively engaging more than 180 researchers across La Trobe and partner universities in India and supporting over 100 approved joint PhD projects, with more than 70 doctoral candidates recruited to date and further recruitment underway. Professor Desai said he was honoured to take on the new role and enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. “Our focus is on building impactful collaborations across universities, industry and government by prioritising research projects with strong potential for adoption and meaningful industry and community impact,” Professor Desai said. “I look forward to working with colleagues in both India and Australia to deepen these relationships and deliver shared outcomes.” In
May 12, 2026 · via latrobe.edu.au
CPQD, Lactec join forces to develop convergent platform for smart grid networks This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system By CPQD Campinas, May 12, 2026 - The joint development of technological innovation projects is one of the objectives of the partnership being established between CPQD, as an Embrapii Open RAN Competence Center, and Lactec, which acts as an Embrapii Smart Grid and Electromobility Competence Center. The agreement is being formalized this Tuesday, May 12, but the two Embrapii Competence Centers have already started their first joint project, which focuses on the development of a convergent platform, named SGHaul, that integrates 5G Open RAN and IEEE 802.15.4 technologies for the backhaul of smart power grids (smart grids). “The main application of this platform is in the reading and management of smart energy meters. With this project, the intention is to ensure that the last‑mile network, made up of meters and sensors, is able to restore itself quickly and autonomously after blackouts occur,” explains Luciana Michelotto Iantorno, a researcher at Lactec. She says that Lactec has already developed part of the solution focused on the last mile, using a mesh network architecture (Wi-SUN). “Now, the goal is to have a complete, end-to-end platform, with a convergent gateway that brings together 5G Open RAN and the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, creating an intelligent bridge between the meters and the 5G network backhaul,” the researcher adds. With this new platform, power utilities will be able to apply network intelligence to prioritize alarms and urgent commands, in order to ensure greater operational resilience, reduced downtime, and fewer financial losses. “In addition, the solution will enable network slicing for critical smart grid applications and integration with smart city solutions, ensuring national technological sovereignty in this area,” says Rodrigo Poncio, Telecom/Cloud/Edge manager at
May 12, 2026 · via bnamericas.com
Why is Shell Selling All its Service Stations in France? Shell is preparing to sell its entire network of petrol stations in France, according to a report from French news outlet Les Échos. The company is seeking a buyer for its portfolio of around 60 service stations, with a deal expected to be agreed by the third quarter of 2026 and completed in early 2027. The assets, which generated operating profits of roughly US$127.5m in 2025, might appear modest within Shell’s global portfolio, yet they remain a profitable foothold in a competitive downstream market. Crucially, Shell does not directly own these sites, instead operating through concession agreements with motorway operators including Vinci, Cofiroute and ASF. That structure has long limited control while tying the business to fixed-term contracts and periodic competitive tenders. So, what is the rationale behind this decision? - Employees: 98,000 - HQ: London, UK - Production capacity: 2.8 million barrels of oil per day - Operational reach: More than 70 countries - CEO: Wael Sawan Profit without permanence Despite the profitability of Shell’s sites in France, the stations sit within a structurally constrained segment of the downstream sector. A significant share of earnings comes not from fuel sales but from retail activity, including food and beverage purchases that drive margins in roadside convenience. This reflects a broader industry reality in Europe, where fuel retail margins are thin and increasingly sensitive to price competition from supermarkets. In France in particular, hypermarkets dominate fuel sales, often undercutting traditional operators and compressing returns. Shell’s motorway presence, while fairly premium in location, is also costly, since it is linked to concession fees, operational standards and the upkeep of infrastructure. Internally, the sentiment suggests that profitability alone has not been sufficient to justify continued investment. One employee described the preparation for sale
May 12, 2026 · via energydigital.com
Smart cities and green energy: how Azerbaijan is rebuilding liberated territories Editor's note: Aysel Mammadzada is an Azerbaijan-based journalist. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of News.Az. The Great Return programme represents one of the most ambitious national reconstruction and resettlement efforts in modern history. It is Azerbaijan’s large-scale initiative to rebuild and repopulate the territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur, which were liberated after nearly three decades of occupation. Beyond physical reconstruction, the programme symbolises the restoration of cultural heritage, the revival of economic life, and the return of displaced families to their ancestral lands. It is not only a national project but also a long-term vision aimed at creating a modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced region, News.Az reports. At its core, the Great Return is based on a comprehensive state strategy that combines infrastructure development, security, environmental restoration, economic revitalisation, and social reintegration. The programme is being implemented in carefully planned phases to ensure that resettlement takes place safely and sustainably. RECOMMENDED STORIES - Azerbaijan, Slovakia discuss expanding strategic partnership in high-level meeting - PHOTOS - Beijing becomes centre of global diplomacy as China hosts US, Tajik and Brunei leaders - Indian Ambassador visits Ayurveda Centre in Azerbaijan, discusses promotion of traditional wellness - “Eurovision 2026” song contest kicks off in Vienna Before any large-scale return could begin, one of the most critical challenges had to be addressed: landmine contamination. Vast areas of the liberated territories were heavily mined, posing serious risks to human life and reconstruction efforts. As a result, humanitarian demining became the first and most urgent priority. The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), together with international partners, has been actively involved in clearing thousands of hectares of land. Advanced technologies such as drone-based
May 12, 2026 · via news.az
Robo.ai has announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interest in Neurovia AI Limited, a technology company specializing in data processing and compression, for a total consideration of $100 million in an all-stock transaction. The deal is structured entirely through the issuance of Robo.ai Class B ordinary shares, with all issued shares subject to a complete lock-up for the first three years following closing and a gradual vesting schedule over the subsequent five years, resulting in a total lock-up period of eight years. Neurovia focuses on AI video compression, edge computing, and real-time analysis to resolve data transmission and computation bottlenecks in physical AI applications. The company’s technology addresses what Robo.ai describes as one of the primary operational requirements of the physical AI era: the efficient storage, processing, transmission, and management of real-world data generated by AI machines. Video data acts as the primary data inlet in this environment, presenting continuous challenges around global compression, real-time transmission, edge processing, and cloud analysis at scale. Following the acquisition, Robo.ai plans to upgrade its relevant business lines from traditional video codec operations to a comprehensive global AI video data infrastructure platform. The upgraded infrastructure will support intelligent terminals and core use cases spanning robotaxis, autonomous vehicles, unmanned delivery systems, smart cities, AI camera networks, drone platforms, humanoid robots, and smart manufacturing systems. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Over the next decade, Robo.ai said it plans to focus on the closed-loop integration of AI hardware, video data, edge AI, and blockchain to build a complete machine economy ecosystem. The company is actively advancing its strategic footprint across the Middle East and Asia, with a focus on smart cities, sovereign AI infrastructure, and autonomous driving. The acquisition of Neurovia is intended to accelerate Robo.ai’s development of foundational infrastructure for
May 12, 2026 · via pulse2.com
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May 12, 2026 · via instagram.com
Dive Brief: - HUD has updated environmental review requirements for multifamily housing projects, “removing outdated provisions that have increased costs and complexity for lenders and developers,” according to a May 4 press release from the agency. - The changes, issued through HUD’s Federal Housing Administration via a Mortgagee Letter, revise the Multifamily Accelerated Processing Guide and streamline requirements for lenders and developers seeking FHA-insured financing. Last updated in 2021, the MAP Guide sets national standards for borrowers, lenders and others to prepare and underwrite loan applications for FHA multifamily mortgage insurance, per HUD. - Nicole Upano, assistant vice president of housing policy and regulatory affairs at the National Apartment Association, told Multifamily Dive that the revisions, "paired with other sensible deregulations across the housing space," will help reduce barriers to development and expedite approvals, "in turn lowering costs and easing affordability challenges." Dive Insight: HUD is revisiting the MAP Guide requirements as part of President Donald Trump’s “Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis,” which directs agencies to pursue actions to lower the cost of housing and expand housing supply, per its Mortgagee Letter. Last year, the Trump administration also eliminated prior rules under the National Environmental Policy Act and gave HUD more leeway to shape its policies. “This is about fixing policies that have made housing expensive and difficult to build,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner in the May 4 release. “We are cutting outdated requirements, reducing costs and delays, and putting FHA financing back to work to support housing production and improve home affordability for American families.” Specifically, the FHA is making the following changes: - Removing standalone railroad vibration assessment requirements - Restoring prior policy for pressurized pipelines - Updating standards for high-voltage power lines and fall hazards - Clarifying noise-sensitive outdoor
May 12, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Greater Muscat Plan redefines future of urban living Greater Muscat reflects this approach through investments in sustainable transportation, renewable energy, digital governance systems and integrated smart services Published: 04:05 PM,May 12,2026 | EDITED : 07:05 PM,May 12,2026 Urban planning has become one of the defining tools of sustainable development. As cities continue to expand at unprecedented rates, planning is no longer confined to roads, infrastructure and public services. It has evolved into a transformative process capable of reshaping lifestyles, strengthening economic productivity and improving the quality of life. Modern urban planning seeks to balance social, environmental and economic priorities while preparing cities to adapt to future challenges. Cities today function as engines of economic and social development. Their success depends largely on the efficiency of urban planning and the extent to which it responds to human needs while remaining flexible enough to absorb technological and demographic change. Modern cities are increasingly evaluated not only by the quality of their infrastructure, but also by their resilience, sustainability and ability to create inclusive and livable environments. In this context, Oman’s National Urban Development Strategy 2040 represents a major step toward reshaping the country’s urban future. The strategy provides a comprehensive framework to guide urban growth over the coming decades while balancing environmental sustainability, economic development and social wellbeing. It aims to establish smart cities and vibrant communities capable of supporting innovation, improving quality of life and strengthening long-term resilience. Regional urban strategies have since emerged from this broader national framework, each tailored to the characteristics and developmental priorities of individual governorates. Within this vision, the Muscat Regional Urban Strategy, launched in 2020, positioned the capital as a future regional hub for knowledge, innovation, finance, trade and tourism. One of the central pillars of this vision is the 'Greater Muscat' project, conceived as
May 12, 2026 · via omanobserver.om
BEIJING, May 12 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Xi congratulated Tajikistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence and on the major achievements of its national development. He noted that steadfast mutual support is the defining feature of China-Tajikistan relations. No matter how the external environment evolves, China and Tajikistan will remain good neighbors looking out for each other, good friends sharing candor and mutual trust, and good partners pursuing joint development, Xi said. The signing of the China-Tajikistan Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation will fully demonstrate the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries and provide a solid underpinning for China-Tajikistan everlasting friendship, he said. He added that China stands ready to work with Tajikistan to build an even closer China-Tajikistan community with a shared future and deliver greater benefits to the people of the two countries. Xi stressed that China will, as always, support Tajikistan in following a development path suited to its national conditions and in upholding national independence, sovereignty and security. This year, China begins the implementation of its 15th Five-Year Plan. Tajikistan is also advancing its National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030. The two sides should focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and further align their development strategies to support the pursuit of their respective development goals, he said. He said the two sides should build on the strong momentum of economic and trade cooperation, tap into greater cooperation potential, and enhance both the scale and quality of trade and investment, adding that the two sides should guarantee the implementation of major projects and expand cooperation on green energy, digital economy, smart
May 12, 2026 · via english.www.gov.cn
Dive Brief: - Leading air taxi developers are moving closer to commercial flights this year, according to recent investor calls. - Archer Aviation founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said the company “is on track” to begin operations in 2026, and Joby Aviation said in a shareholder letter that initial operations are expected to begin this year. - Both companies are participating in the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program to spur the deployment of advanced air mobility vehicles into U.S. airspace. Dive Insight: Air taxis could begin operating this year in New York City, Florida, Texas, North Carolina and locations across the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains and parts of Oklahoma under the FAA program. “If you think about the first time you saw a Waymo, it felt like science fiction to you,” Goldstein said on the company’s May 11 conference call. “Now the goal is to have half a million people in the biggest cities in the country start to see these aircraft as part of your everyday commute, just like they started to see Waymo every day.” Goldstein said that Archer submitted applications to the FAA for about a dozen cities in Southern California, Texas and Florida to be part of the first air taxi deployments. The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to announce the final list of participants later this month, he said. “Once the finalists are announced, we'll begin working directly with the selected localities to establish the initial operational plans, and then we'll focus on public flights as soon as the second half of the year,” Goldstein said. Following Joby Aviation’s demonstration flights last month in New York City, founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt said on the company's May 5 earnings call that it is installing charging infrastructure at two Manhattan heliports. “The
May 12, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Dresden Advances Smart Facility Management with New Autonomous Service Robots The City of Dresden is continuing to explore innovative and sustainable urban technologies within MOBILITIES FOR EU. As part of the city’s smart mobility and automation activities, two autonomous service robots have now been introduced at the Sportpark Ostra. An autonomous cleaning robot is already in operation at the Heinz-Steyer-Stadion, a major athletics and sports stadium in Dresden’s Ostragehege, while an intelligent artificial turf maintenance robot is currently being prepared for deployment on the artificial turf pitches. As lead partner for communication and dissemination, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum shares the project results with both expert audiences and the general public to foster acceptance and enable future scaling. It shows in various formats, such as video, print, and newsletters, how sustainable and user-centered mobility solutions can be implemented in practice. In addition, Steinbeis is responsible for developing initial business models for suitable project outcomes as well as conducting market analyses and workshops for result exploitation. The autonomous cleaning robot, the TASKI GS Ecobot 50 Pro, has officially been in permanent operation at the stadium since November 2025. Using AI-supported navigation and pre-programmed digital maps, the robot independently cleans indoor floor areas by automatically following predefined routes. Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras and LiDAR technology, the robot can safely navigate even complex environments while optimising cleaning efficiency and reducing resource consumption. The system is capable of autonomous route planning, obstacle detection and real-time adaptation during operation. With a cleaning capacity of up to 1,800 m² per hour and intelligent water recycling technology that can reduce fresh water consumption by up to 80%, the robot contributes not only to operational efficiency but also to Dresden’s sustainability ambitions. Complementing this innovation, Dresden has also received an artificial turf maintenance robot, the Turfrob. The installation and
May 12, 2026 · via nachrichten.idw-online.de
Digitising water systems reduces non‑revenue water and operating costs, which is a prerequisite for any municipality attempting to modernise toward smart‑city standards. Cape Town is famous for its scenic bay, vibrant weather, and the towering presence of Table Mountain. It’s also infamous for another towering presence, the unfinished highway called “Solly’s Folly”. The stuff of legends, this road was abandoned in the Seventies, likely because of budget issues. Others blame bad engineering or a stubborn cafe owner who refused to sell their land. To this day, it remains a favourite talking point between locals and visitors who see the high bridge abruptly going nowhere. Solly’s Folly is also a reminder that urban areas are forces of nature. As much as one can rigidly plan and orchestrate our towns and cities, there are other factors as well. Economics, weather, and people’s movements all have a say. In the early 2000s, the idea of smart cities gained popularity. Using digital technology such as data and Internet of Things devices, we could bring order to urban chaos. It sounded very promising. Yet, two decades later, the results are still mixed. There are successes, such as Singapore and Barcelona, but few other cities have reached the status of being comprehensively “smart”. True smart cities remain elusive. Yet, if we zoom in, we can see compartmentalised examples of smart city advances, such as dynamic traffic lights in New York and smart energy grids in Shenzhen. Smart‑water adoption has outpaced most other smart‑infrastructure initiatives because utilities can quantify the financial impact of leak reduction, pressure management, and regulatory compliance. The reason is that smart cities are still cities. Top-down planning can help guide and shape them, but they emerge from the bottom up. What bottom-up forces can modernise a city? Water infrastructure is often the first
May 12, 2026 · via infrastructurenews.co.za
HONG KONG, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT), a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, in collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Emerging Microelectronics and Ubiquitous Systems Laboratory (EMUS Lab), today announced the launch of the 12-month DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP Programme (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Launchpad for AI Minimum Marketable Product). The programme is now open for applications from startups worldwide. Positioned as a co-incubation programme, the initiative is designed to support both local and international startups in accelerating the commercialisation of AI innovations, with a focus on Edge AI, Physical AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), while exposing startups to global market access and supply chain integration. Leveraging Hong Kong as a strategic gateway to Greater Bay Area, the programme provides participating startups with global market exposure, direct access to experienced industry partners and supply chains. By combining Avnet's global technology expertise and supply chain capabilities, EMUS Lab's advanced research infrastructure, co-established by Avnet and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and HKSTP's established incubation ecosystem, the programme aims to connect startups with relevant industry, research, and manufacturing partners, with the goal of turning prototype products into market-ready solutions. Arthur Chung, Vice President, Sales and Supplier Management, Asia at Avnet, said: "Our collaboration with HKSTP, HKU and EMUS Lab brings together global technology expertise, advanced research capabilities, and a strong innovation ecosystem. By supporting startups from development through to production, we aim to accelerate the journey from innovation to scalable, market-ready solutions across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond." Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem & Development of HKSTP, said: "This partnership with Avnet and EMUS Lab, which is strategically located at the HKSTP Data Technology Hub, provides startups with access to critical infrastructure, technical expertise,
May 12, 2026 · via prnewswire.com
Inclusive tech a must for common progress By Moiz Farooq | China Daily Global | Updated: 2026-05-12 09:08 China has entered a new chapter in which innovation stands at the center of national progress. Once known mainly for its manufacturing strength, China has emerged as one of the world's key players in technology. From artificial intelligence to next-generation communication networks, and from advanced industrial systems to green technology, China is making great contributions to global progress. These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of long-term planning, stable governance and a national vision that prioritizes science, technology and innovation as a core driver of economic and social advancement. In an increasingly competitive world, China's growing technological strength is creating new opportunities both at home and across the international community. China's approach to innovation is guided by a clear vision for long-term development. The country understands that high-quality growth requires strong scientific foundations and advanced technological capacity. This is why China has invested heavily in research institutions, national laboratories, high-tech zones and innovation clusters that bring together industry, academia and government. These systems support a continuous cycle of research, invention, industrialization and global expansion. This shift indicates a deeper transformation in which innovation is not merely a sector, but the main engine of national power. One of the most striking examples of China's technological progress is its rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and intelligent computing. China is developing cutting-edge platforms in machine learning, deep neural networks, autonomous systems and supercomputing. Its research institutes and companies are building intelligent algorithms that can manage transportation systems, financial operations, healthcare diagnostics, smart cities and governance services. This progress demonstrates China's ability to integrate science with practical solutions for society, while AI is becoming a strategic resource for China's overall development and is also
May 12, 2026 · via global.chinadaily.com.cn
Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS), a leading provider of 5G4G cellular IoT semiconductor solutions, announced today that its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is available on the Company's website www.sequans.com in the Investors section under SEC Filings, as well as from the SEC's website www.sec.gov. Shareholders may also request a printout of the file that appears on the website containing the Annual Report on Form 20-F, which includes the Company's complete 2025 audited financial statements, mailed from Sequans' headquarters free of charge by contacting the Company as follows: - online at www.sequans.com in the Investors section under Contact Investor Relations - by sending an email request to IR@sequans.com. About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless 4G/5G cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). Sequans' engineers design and develop innovative, secure, and scalable technologies that power the next generation of AI-connected applications - including secured payment, smart mobility and logistics, smart cities, industrial, e-health, and smart homes. Sequans offers a comprehensive portfolio of 4G/5G solutions, including LTE-M/NB-IoT, 4G LTE Cat 1bis, and 5G NR RedCap and eRedCap platforms, all purpose-built for IoT and delivering breakthroughs in wireless connectivity, power efficiency, security, and performance. The company also provides advanced design services and technology licensing. Founded in 2003, Sequans is headquartered in France and operates globally, with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Finland, Taiwan, and China. Visit Sequans at sequans.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Sequans investor relations: David Hanover/Rob Kelly, KCSA Strategic Communications (USA), +1 212.682.6300, ir@sequans.com Sequans media relations: Linda Bouvet (France), +33 170721600 media@sequans.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit
May 12, 2026 · via investingnews.com
Vietnam has launched 40 new social housing projects in the first four months of 2026, adding more than 36,590 apartments, equivalent to 23% of this year’s target, according to the Ministry of Construction.
Cumulatively, the country is now implementing 786 social housing projects with a combined scale of over 725,000 units, fulfilling 72.5% of the national goal to build at least one million social housing apartments between 2021 and 2030.
The push comes as demand for affordable housing among low-income earners, industrial workers, and urban laborers continues to rise, prompting local authorities to accelerate project development to expand supply and improve access to homeownership.
The expansion of the social housing segment is expected to help ease affordability pressures, particularly as property prices in major cities remain persistently high.
Data from Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam shows that Hanoi’s apartment market has experienced substantial price growth over the past decade. Total housing supply has increased 2.9 times, while average primary market prices have surged by 288%, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 11%. The consultancy attributed the sustained price increases partly to a shortage of housing that remains affordable for the broader population.
May 12, 2026 · via en.vneconomy.vn
On 11 May at their meeting in the Government House of the republic, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and a shareholder of the Khvoya Company Igor Kim discussed promising spheres of cooperation including the implementation of the investment project on building a year-round resort “Kazan marina” in Laishevo region of the republic. The Khvoya Company has experience in creating park hotels and thermal complexes.
The Kazan marina will become the first full cycle marina for 300 yachts built in the last thirty years. It is planned to construct nine investment lots with hotels for 1 250 rooms which, after being put into operation will be able to host up 620 thousand tourists a year.
May 12, 2026 · via tatarstan.ru
Cap City News publishes letters, cartoons and opinions as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Cap City News or its employees. Letters to the editor can be submitted by emailing editor@oilcity.news. Across the country, cities and counties are implementing temporary moratoriums on new data center construction. Cheyenne is no exception. Petitions are now circulating asking the city to adopt a one-year moratorium as constituents question the long-term impacts of rapid expansion. While concerns have been present for some time, the proposed annexation of ranch land off Happy Jack Road has intensified skepticism about whether large-scale data center development truly benefits our community. Cheyenne currently has 12 fully operating data centers. When these facilities arrived, Black Hills Energy implemented a tariff, requiring large data users — those with electricity loads above 13 megawatts — to build their own substations and pay for their own power. This system was designed to shield residents and small businesses from rate increases. In the short term, this is reasonable. But long-term questions remain unanswered. What happens when existing data centers need more power than their private substations can supply? If they must tap into the main power grid, the system in place that protects ratepayers could be strained. Before we approve a dramatic expansion of this industry, we need to study potential impacts to the power grids. Water usage raises additional questions. According to the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities and Cheyenne LEADS, all local data centers currently use around 1.2% of Cheyenne’s total water supply. This low figure is possible because most new facilities use closed-loop cooling systems. However, projections suggest Cheyenne could someday host 40 to 70 data centers. Even with efficient systems, scaling up at that magnitude requires answers about flushing cycles, chemical additives, long-term cumulative
May 11, 2026 · via capcity.news
How to Solve the World’s Housing Crisis Four choices will define whether cities’ housing policies offer solutions or exacerbate problems. There’s a growing housing crisis that’s impossible to ignore. Consider the stats: Nearly 3 billion people lack access to housing that is both safe and connected to basic services like energy, water and sanitation. Around 40% of the world’s population lives in houses located far away from jobs and opportunities. And 300 million people are currently experiencing homelessness. This translates into a need to build 96,000 affordable homes worldwide every day from now until 2030. It’s a problem that affects poor and rich countries alike. In Asia and Africa, where most urban growth is happening, many residents and migrants find informal settlements, often referred to as slums, to be the only affordable and available option. Informal settlements are expanding faster than infrastructure can keep up in many rapidly growing cities. In wealthier countries, housing costs are rising faster than incomes, pushing people to move further away from jobs and opportunities. Meanwhile, threats are growing. More frequent flooding, extreme heat and other climate shocks are exposing just how vulnerable many urban communities are, especially informal settlements and households already struggling to access basic services. The global housing crisis is therefore not just about supply. It’s about rising costs, deepening inequality and increasing exposure to risk. Expanding and upgrading housing is one of the most powerful levers cities have to respond to these challenges. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Done effectively, housing can build community, address inequities, and expand access to essential services, jobs and opportunities. Done ineffectively, housing will exacerbate challenges facing people, nature and the climate. Nearly three-quarters of the urban infrastructure that will exist by 2050 has yet to be built. This
May 11, 2026 · via wri.org