In an era where many cities struggle with stagnation, Moorpark is offering a masterclass in community evolution. At the recent State of the City address at the High Street Arts Center, the message from city leaders was clear: Moorpark isn’t just growing—it is thriving through a deliberate blend of small-town heart and high-tech ambition. From the steady revitalization of High Street to the pioneering safety measures implemented by first responders, Moorpark is proving that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety or charm. Economic vitality, smart growth Perhaps the most visible sign of Moorpark’s health is its roaring local economy. With more than 110 new businesses opening since last year, the city has become a magnet for entrepreneurs. This isn’t an accident; it’s the result of a government that views local business owners as partners. Programs like SPARK (Same-day Permit and Review Kickoff) have streamlined the path for new favorites like Dumpling Shack and Hearth Restaurant. This economic energy is paired with essential housing growth at Casey Road and Beltramo Ranch, ensuring that the “family-focused” identity Mayor Chris Enegren championed remains accessible to new generations. Modern approach to public safety While growth is exciting, it is meaningless without security. Moorpark’s reputation as one of California’s safest cities was solidified by Police Chief Nick Odenath’s report of an 11% reduction in overall crime in 2025. What makes this statistic impressive isn’t just the numbers, but the proactive philosophy behind them. The introduction of a downtown liaison deputy and community-focused programs like “Etch and Catch” shows a police force integrated into the neighborhood fabric. Similarly, the Ventura County Fire Department is embracing the future with drone technology and life-saving “whole blood” transfusions in the field. By increasing daily staffing by 33%, our first responders are ensuring that as the
Apr 17, 2026 · via mpacorn.com
Johor Bahru showcases 5G-enabled AI city use cases under Ministry of Digital grant Johor Bahru showcases 5G-enabled AI city use cases under Ministry of Digital grant Johor Bahru showcases 5G-enabled AI city use cases under Ministry of Digital grant - Demonstrated real-world deployment of AI solutions supported by 5G infrastructure - Featured drones for medical delivery and AI surveillance systems for urban monitoring Johor Bahru has showcased a series of 5G-enabled AI use cases, including drone-based medical delivery and smart surveillance systems, under the Ministry of Digital’s 5G AI Cities Grant—highlighting how local authorities are moving from pilot concepts to real-world deployment. The initiative, led by Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) in collaboration with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), reflects efforts to deploy AI solutions aimed at improving urban services. Among the use cases demonstrated were AI-powered aerial drones designed for medical delivery and urban planning, as well as solar-powered AI CCTV systems for real-time monitoring and enforcement. These solutions are also expected to support smart mobility initiatives in conjunction with Visit Johor 2026. The projects were showcased during the AI Cities Launching Ceremony held at Menara MBJB, officiated by deputy minister of Digital Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong. Speaking at the event, Wilson said the initiatives reflect efforts to translate national AI policies into practical, on-the-ground applications that deliver tangible benefits to citizens. He added that Johor Bahru’s approach demonstrates a shift from planning to implementation, with AI and 5G technologies playing a key role in enabling smarter, more efficient, and inclusive cities. The 5G AI Cities Grant, introduced by the Ministry of Digital, is aimed at supporting local councils and solution providers in developing and deploying AI-driven use cases that address real urban challenges. By focusing on practical applications, the programme seeks to move beyond proof-of-concept initiatives towards scalable solutions.
Apr 17, 2026 · via digitalnewsasia.com
Politics Raghavan S Rao Apr 16, 2026 | Updated Apr 17, 2026, 09:47 AM GMT+5:30 Save & read from anywhere! Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app. When the Modi government tabled bills in April 2026 to expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats and implement women’s reservation, southern chief ministers revolted, Congress cried gerrymandering, and the DMK threatened to shut Tamil Nadu down. The charge — that the BJP is redrawing the map to entrench itself — is not frivolous. Delimitation is inherently political: whoever draws the boundaries shapes the outcome. But the debate so far has been entirely about who benefits and who loses. That is the wrong frame. The right frame is to ask what principles a fair delimitation should follow — and to judge the current map, and any proposed replacement, against those principles. Three stand out. One, urban India must get proportional representation. Two, no community should hold a geographic veto over electoral outcomes. And three, boundaries must make sense on the ground, not just on a spreadsheet. India’s existing map fails all three. Spectacularly. Start with the first. India’s constituency boundaries were last allocated in the early 1970s and frozen in 1976 — during the Emergency, by a Congress government ruling by decree with opposition leaders in jail. The stated rationale was that southern states which had controlled population growth should not lose seats to faster-growing northern ones. The unstated reality was that Congress had governed India during all three prior delimitation exercises — 1952, 1963, 1973 — and had won, in 1971, its most commanding mandate: 352 of 518 seats, a two-thirds supermajority built on the map its own commissions had drawn. The freeze ensured that map could never be disturbed. A government that had drawn
Apr 17, 2026 · via swarajyamag.com
How Smart Cities and 5G Are Fueling the Telecom Power Systems Revolution From smart cities to 5G expansion, the growing need for reliable and efficient power is transforming global telecom networks. Every time you watch a video‚ make a phone call‚ or use cloud services‚ there's always something behind the scenes: power․ Not only electricity but telecom power systems that ensure the telecommunications networks never fail‚ making the telecom systems the backbone of the global communication in our interconnected world․ With 5G‚ smart cities‚ and the demand for bandwidth and data increasing‚ telecom infrastructure requires reliable new power sources‚ causing the telecom power systems market to grow faster than expected․ The Digital Boom Created a Large Market The telecom power systems market size was valued at USD 6․2 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 12․2 billion by 2034‚ growing at a CAGR of 7․65% between 2026 and 2034․ In an increasingly digitalized world‚ every digital system needs power that is resilient‚ scalable and efficient․ The growth in data centers reflects that trend․ Unlike typical power systems‚ telecom power solutions must be able to operate indefinitely under continuous load‚ or larger system-wide back-up failures․ Why Telecom Networks Need Advanced Power Systems Telecommunication networks are expanding at an unprecedented pace․ Cloud computing‚ mobile internet and many other internet technologies and services are being implemented at scale and telecom operators are under constant pressure to provide an uninterrupted service where even a few seconds of downtime may cost them dearly․ This is where the telecom power systems become effective․ They ensure: - Continuous power supply to telecommunication towers and data centers - Backup support during outages - Improving energy efficiency in large-scale infrastructure - Stable operation in remote or off-grid locations As networks become more complex‚ there is a growing
Apr 17, 2026 · via vocal.media
ITS European Congress 2026 Harbiye Darülbedai Cd. No:3, 34368 Şişli/İstanbul Türkiye Bridging Innovation for an Integrated, Safe and Seamless Mobility Future The 17th ITS European Congress, taking place 27 -29 April 2026 in Istanbul, brings together the full spectrum of the transport and mobility ecosystem to explore how intelligent systems are transforming mobility in practice. Hosted in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments, the Congress provides a unique setting to connect innovation with real-world deployment. Centred on the theme of ‘Bridging Innovation: Integrated, safe and seamless mobility’, the Congress programme reflects the growing complexity of transport systems and the need for coordinated, cross-sector approaches. Across the Technical Programme, four key topics across the sessions will explore: safety and resilience, multimodal mobility, smart logistics, and transport beyond the road. Together, they offer a comprehensive framework to address current challenges across policy, technology and operations. The High-Level Programme sets the strategic direction, featuring the official Opening and Closing Ceremonies, a High-Level Plenary and the Smart Mobility Summit of Cities & Regions. Complementing this, eight co-created sessions has been developed with organisations such as POLIS Network, Eurocities, 6GIA, SESAR JU, ITS Nationals Network, CILT Türkiye, European Passangers’ Federation and Pave Europe. Structured around four main thematics, each session will provide a collaborative format to foster dialogue, shared understanding and practical solutions. Dedicated side events further enrich the programme, including a Talent Matchmaking session led by the Young Mobility Network and an interactive, hands-on training by ERTICO – ITS Europe, Bax Innovation and Unimore on “Diversity and Inclusion for Future Automated Public Transport Services” with insights from the EU-funded projects: CulturalRoad Project, Diversify-CCAM and SINFONICA . Access the Interactive Programme The Congress Exhibition features the most innovative companies and organisations. At its heart, a dedidcated deployment stage, ITS Arena and live demonstrations
Apr 16, 2026 · via cities-today.com
The Invisible Majority of Government IT Public discussions about innovation in government technology often focus on a small group of highly visible organizations. Large states, major metropolitan cities and well-known technology leaders tend to dominate the conversation. While these organizations play an important role in advancing public sector technology, they represent only a portion of the government IT ecosystem. Across the interior Western states alone, thousands of public agencies rely on technology to deliver essential services. Counties operate emergency systems and infrastructure platforms that support public safety and regional coordination. Cities maintain digital services and operational systems that residents interact with every day. Tribal governments manage sovereign technology environments shaped by distinct governance and service delivery needs. Special districts oversee water delivery systems, utilities and transportation networks that span large geographic areas. Many of these organizations operate with small IT teams and limited resources. Their responsibilities are no less complex or consequential than those of larger agencies, yet their work often goes unnoticed beyond their own jurisdiction. As a result, hundreds of agencies are frequently solving similar problems at the same time without knowing how neighboring jurisdictions are approaching the same challenges. When knowledge remains isolated in this way, learning slows and risks increase. Agencies may repeat mistakes that others have already made, while successful approaches spread slowly through informal channels. Regional collaboration provides a way to surface this distributed knowledge and make it accessible to a broader community of practitioners. READ MORE: Consider whole-of-state cybersecurity a smarter way to scale. Why Geography Still Matters It is often assumed that advances in digital technology have reduced the importance of geography. In government operations, however, geography continues to shape how technology is deployed and managed. Infrastructure systems, regulatory frameworks and service delivery models remain closely tied to regional conditions. In the
Apr 16, 2026 · via statetechmagazine.com
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Join the Phoenix community in celebrating the third annual 602 Day on June 2, 2026! Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate and honor the City’s most iconic and historic area code with special events, deals, or discounts.
The event continues to grow significantly year-over-year. The inaugural 602 Day in 2024 included more than 100 businesses, and in 2025, more than 250 entities celebrated 602 Day. Each year, participants saw increased sales and foot traffic – some record-setting – during early June.
Get Involved
Businesses are welcome to celebrate 602 Day in the way that works best for them! Some examples include:
- Offering $6.02 specials, 6.02% discounts, or 602-themed items
- Hosting 602 Day activities or events
- Sharing community love on social media
Register at 602Day.com by May 15, 2026, to be featured on the official website, interactive map, and marketing campaign.
Celebrate Phoenix’s unique culture and community spirit on 602 Day. Questions? Contact 602Day@Phoenix.gov.
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Apr 16, 2026 · via signalsaz.com
The Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments, COG for short, held a groundbreaking on April 9 for its Regional Smart Cities Fiber Network, a digital infrastructure project that will give its five member cities—Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu and Westlake Village—access to high-speed fiber broadband internet. Officials gathered in front of Westlake Village City Hall to mark the start of work on the 38-mile underground fiber-optic network, which the COG describes as one of the region’s most significant broadband investments. The project is intended to strengthen public safety, address connectivity disparities, and support the development of future smart city initiatives. Fiber can carry massive amounts of data extremely quickly using thin strands of glass or plastic (fiber) to transmit data as pulses of light, rather than electrical signals used in copper cables. signals used in copper cables. The timeline for completion is estimated at one year. The high-capacity network will initially link up city halls and 68 traffic signals in all five towns, enabling real-time communication and coordination across municipal borders. The aim is to smooth traffic flow and make intersections safer for drivers and pedestrians. The system will also support faster, more coordinated evacuations and emergency response efforts in the event of a wildfire or earthquake, officials say. Following this first phase, the plan is to offer broadband service to local customers in a region underserved in terms of fast internet access, as cable companies have neglected to upgrade their systems. “The ultimate goal is to partner with an (internet service provider) who will invest in the communities in order to expand into residential and commercial areas,” said Terry Dipple, executive director of the COG, “providing a high-speed fiber alternative that’s competitively priced for people.” Dipple added that improved internet connectivity would allow people to work from home more
Apr 16, 2026 · via theacorn.com
Blaize and NeoTensr Enter into Contract for Up to $50M to Deploy Co-Branded AI Edge Data Center Infrastructure Across Asia Pacific Published Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 1:10 p.m. Updated Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 1:10 p.m. EL DORADO HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 16, 2026-- Blaize Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BZAI, Nasdaq: BZAIW) (“Blaize,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), a leader in programmable, energy-efficient AI computing, and NeoTensr , a hardware and software system integrator, today announced an up to $50.0 million contract to jointly develop and deploy co-branded AI edge data center infrastructure targeting the rapidly growing compute market across the broader Asia Pacific region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260416115083/en/ The agreement marks a significant escalation of the two companies’ partnership, which generated over $20.0 million in revenue for Blaize in Q4 2025, bringing the total potential contracted value between Blaize and NeoTensr up to $70 million. The Power of Hybrid: Edge Inference Meets LLM and VLM Intelligence The Blaize solution is built around a co-branded AI server based on Blaize’s quad card configuration. Each server is capable of handling 200+ simultaneous camera streams with advanced AI analytics, purpose-built for smart city surveillance, industrial automation, logistics, retail intelligence, and security applications common in large-scale urban edge deployments. What distinguishes this deployment from conventional edge AI is the breadth of the Blaize Hybrid AI architecture. Leveraging the combination of Blaize’s Graph Streaming Processor (GSP) and GPU infrastructure, NeoTensr’s edge data centers will be capable of running not only real-time computer vision workloads, but also advanced data analysis powered by state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision Language Models (VLMs) — all within the same edge infrastructure. This hybrid approach enables NeoTensr to offer customers a single, unified AI platform that spans real-time perception at the
Apr 16, 2026 · via lasvegassun.com
Three digital economy priorities for Middle Eastern states https://arab.news/ne5ma For the Middle East, the digital economy should be considered a central pillar for long-term economic sustainability, geopolitical influence and global competitiveness. Structural shifts in global energy markets, combined with the accelerating pace of technological advancements, have compelled many policymakers in the region to rethink traditional models of economic development. In this context, the digital economy is a foundation for national strategies that can help with diversification, resilience and modernization. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are at the forefront of this transformation. They have leveraged their financial resources and long-term strategic planning to position themselves as regional — and potentially global — leaders in digital innovation and the digital economy. At the core of this transformation, nations should invest in three sectors: cybersecurity, financial technology and smart cities. These sectors serve as critical enablers of broader digital ecosystems. These three sectors can boost the expansion of digital services, enhance economic efficiency and lead to more innovation across multiple sectors. In addition, these domains are deeply interconnected. This means that advancements in one area reinforces progress in others. As such, they collectively form the backbone of a comprehensive digital strategy that can redefine the economic identity of the region. Cybersecurity is undoubtedly a strategic imperative in the context of rapid digitalization across the Middle East. Since governments and private sectors increasingly rely on digital infrastructures — ranging from cloud computing and artificial intelligence to e-government platforms — the potential vulnerabilities related to cyber threats is increasing. This area should be viewed as a central component of national security and economic policy. In countries such as Saudi Arabia, substantial investments are being directed toward building robust cybersecurity frameworks, developing indigenous capabilities and partnerships with global technology firms. They collectively form
Apr 16, 2026 · via arabnews.pk
AZERBAIJAN will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, an important milestone in the country’s growing role in global urban development. Organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the forum is one of the world’s leading platforms for shaping the future of cities. The decision to hold WUF13 in Baku was announced in December 2023. Since then, Azerbaijan has been working closely with UN-Habitat to prepare for the event. The choice of Baku is no coincidence, it reflects Azerbaijan’s increasing contribution to innovative, sustainable and inclusive urban development, as well as its active engagement in global discussions on how cities should evolve. Held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” the forum will bring together government leaders, international organizations, academics and urban professionals. Together, they will tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges from access to housing and climate resilience to infrastructure and social inclusion, all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond discussions, WUF13 will serve as a hub for sharing ideas, best practices and real-world solutions. It will also open doors for new partnerships across countries and sectors. In support of this effort, President Ilham Aliyev declared 2026 the “year of urban planning and architecture” in Azerbaijan. This initiative highlights the country’s focus on modern urban policy, forward-looking design and sustainable development. Azerbaijan intends to contribute to the forum by sharing its experience, particularly its “smart city” and “smart village” models. These projects combine digital technologies, renewable energy and modern infrastructure to create more sustainable and resilient communities. One standout example is the Aghali Smart Village in the liberated territories, which showcases how innovation can transform rural development. This project is part of a broader effort to rebuild and
Apr 16, 2026 · via manilatimes.net
NUSANTARA, Indonesia — Deep in the forest of Indonesia's Borneo island, construction is underway for a new futuristic capital, powered by renewable energy and run by advanced technology. Indonesia's current capital, Jakarta — now the world's largest city — is polluted and overcrowded, and it's sinking. So in 2019, Indonesia's government announced a bold plan: to build Nusantara, a new capital, from scratch. The site is located about a two-hour drive away from the neighboring city of Balikpapan. Construction of Nusantara began in 2022, and the city's core government district is nearly complete. The area features a sprawling green park surrounded by white office buildings with plants draping over their balconies, a bank that looks like a spaceship and the city's centerpiece — a 250-foot-tall metal structure shaped like Garuda, an eagle-like mythical bird that is the country's national emblem. Its 500-foot wingspan towers over the presidential palace. But there are concerns that progress on this more than $30 billion project has been slow. Logistics, funding challenges and a presidential election have delayed the timeline. And local critics worry that construction could harm the environment and nearby Indigenous populations. Today, the broader metro area includes around 150,000 people — a mix of construction workers and long‑established villages. But the new city's core is home to only about 10,000 residents, including roughly a thousand civil servants. Nusantara was a signature project of former President Joko Widodo. Since the current leader, Prabowo Subianto, assumed office in October 2024, some critics of the projects have questioned whether he shares the same enthusiasm. State funding for the project was cut in half for 2026 compared with the previous year. Prabowo made his first visit to the site this January, more than a year after taking office. The "political capital" by 2028 The uncertainty has
Apr 16, 2026 · via nprillinois.org
A two-to-one vote last week to restrict data centers in a Milwaukee suburb may be a harbinger of future regulations as communities across the U.S. push back against data centers and local leaders scramble to figure out how much authority they have to respond. With more than 4,000 data centers already operating and 3,000 more planned or under construction, state and local governments are facing mounting public pressure to assert control over where and how this infrastructure gets built. But experts say cities don’t always have the legal authority to act, and blunt tools like moratoriums and referendums may create as many problems as they resolve. Last week, three significant actions signaled how quickly the political landscape around data centers is shifting. Voters in Port Washington, Wisconsin, overwhelmingly approved the first-of-its-kind referendum requiring city leaders to get voter approval before awarding tax incentives for projects over $10 million, including data centers. In Maine, the state legislature approved the nation’s first statewide moratorium on data center construction. And last Thursday, a bipartisan coalition of governors called on grid operator PJM Interconnection to require data centers to cover the full costs they impose on the grid. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors in Prince William County, Virginia, voted to end a legal battle with a residents’ group over bringing a data center hub to the area. Following the decision, Mac Haddow, president of the Oak Valley Homeowners Association, said in a statement released to local media that residents would have suffered “from the unchecked and predatory expansion efforts of a multi-billion-dollar global data center industry," Communities raise their voices “Clearly, the public has turned against data centers as the environmental costs and impacts of them become better understood,” Sheila Foster, a Columbia Climate School professor, said in an email. The Port Washington
Apr 16, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Arizona Technology Council to Host 2026 Smart City + Digital Transformation Conference10th Annual Event to Spotlight Smart Infrastructure, IoT and the Technologies Transforming Arizona Communities PHOENIX - April 15, 2026 - PRLog -- The Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, today announced it will host the 10th Annual Smart City + Digital Transformation Conference, bringing together business leaders, technologists, policymakers and community stakeholders to explore the innovations shaping the future of Arizona's cities and communities. The event will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Grand Canyon University, 2600 W. Camelback Road, Building 71, Phoenix. "Arizona is quickly emerging as a national leader in smart infrastructure, digital connectivity and community innovation," The conference will provide a forum for collaboration and knowledge-sharing on technologies redefining urban environments and public services. Attendees will hear from experts leading the development and deployment of smart city initiatives, digital infrastructure and next-generation communication technologies. The conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities focused on topics including: As Arizona continues to expand its technology ecosystem and attract investment in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to semiconductor production and transportation, the conference will highlight how digital transformation and smart city technologies can help support long-term economic growth and improve quality of life statewide. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information or to register, visit https://www.aztechcouncil.org/ End Account Email Address Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse |
Apr 16, 2026 · via prlog.org
The The completion and commencement of operations of the Simandou mine presents hope for a cleaner, more efficient, more diversified iron and steel supply chain, benefitting the world but especially Guinea, which has historically been left behind. But challenges remain. — On January 17, a 200,000-ton shipment of iron ore pulled into Majishan Port in Zhejiang Province, China. Rather than from Australia or Brazil, which make up 69% and 21% of Chinese iron ore imports, respectively, this shipment came from the West African country of Guinea, marking the first delivery from Simandou, the world’s largest untapped deposit of high-grade iron ore. The mine, located in the mountains of south-eastern Guinea, has a price tag to match its giant iron ore reserves. At $23 billion, the project is the world’s most capital-intensive mining project. China owns some 75% – of the four blocks that the mine is divided into, two are owned by the Chinese group Winning Consortium Simandou, and the remaining are split between global mining and metals company Rio Tinto, the Chinese group Chalco Iron Ore Holdings, and the Guinean government. Analysts and industry insiders have lofty expectations for the project: its 65.3% iron content – higher purity than most mines, leading to lower processing costs – positions it in the top quartile of iron ore mining projects by cost competitiveness. In fact, given the superior quality of Simandou’s ore, its iron seems ideal for use in the green steel industry, as Rio Tinto has hinted. This comes at a time when the global iron and steel industry, which contributes 7-9% of all global CO2 emissions – a figure which will likely increase as this sector is notoriously difficult to decarbonize – is making little progress in decarbonization. But whether the Simandou project can accelerate the transition to low-carbon
Apr 16, 2026 · via earth.org
On 5 March 2026, the Smart Cities Marketplace participated in the SUPERSHINE project’s final conference in Riga, Latvia. The event and its participants were committed to accelerating sustainable renovation and urban transformation. The Marketplace’s presence at the event included both a dedicated presentation and an information desk, offering participants insights into the Marketplace’s free advisory services, financing support, and knowledge resources for developing bankable, sustainable urban projects. The Matchmaking Team was represented on site by Merit Tatar and Johanna Maarja Tiik from the Institute of Baltic Studies (IBS). Merit Tatar delivered a well-attended presentation introducing how the Smart Cities Marketplace supports cities and project developers in shaping investment-ready concepts across areas such as energy-efficient renovation, sustainable mobility, renewable energy, and ICT solutions. Additionally, Georg Houben, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, joined online to present the EU policy landscape and emphasised the key role of cities in achieving the European Green Deal. He highlighted support mechanisms such as the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub, the Covenant of Mayors, and the Smart Cities Marketplace. High engagement and matchmaking results The conference highlighted the significant renovation challenges faced by Riga, where approximately 6,000 residential buildings require upgrades. A national renovation funding programme was reportedly fully subscribed within seven days, underscoring the urgent demand for financing and structured support. SUPERSHINE pilot cities, including Riga, Trieste, and Herning, shared practical experiences and tools developed within the project. The Riga pilot team presented innovative approaches such as a digital citizen participation platform aimed at balancing diverse stakeholder inputs during urban planning. The event also introduced the SUPERSHINE One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform, designed to support renovation pathways through technical, environmental, and financial assessment tools, targeting public authorities, housing organisations, real estate operators, SMEs, and homeowners.
Apr 15, 2026 · via smart-cities-marketplace.ec.europa.eu
What will the city of the future look like in Kazakhstan? At the Freedom Inside’26 forum, experts offered a clear answer: a smart city is not really about technology - it is about quality of life, DKNews.kz reports. Today, major cities are changing fast. What once felt chaotic is gradually turning into a connected, coordinated urban system. Behind that shift are Big Data and artificial intelligence, which are helping cities work more smoothly, predict problems earlier and respond more effectively. The era of invisible technology When people hear the phrase Smart City, they usually think of cameras, sensors and complex digital systems. But according to the speakers, the real goal is much simpler: technology should work so seamlessly that people barely notice it. Sergek Group CEO Yevgeniy Kim said the true value of urban technology lies not in visibility, but in results people can feel every day. “Usually, Smart City is associated with an abundance of technology and complex data. But for residents, that is not what matters. What matters is feeling safe and comfortable. Our mission is to make technology work invisibly. Seamless traffic is when you get home 15 minutes faster, simply knowing that your family is safe,” he said. photo by Ruslan Mazunin In other words, a smart city is one where technology stays in the background while daily life becomes easier, calmer and more predictable. Not about fines, but about safety For years, many urban technologies - especially road monitoring systems - were seen mainly as tools for issuing fines. That perception is beginning to change. The new goal is not punishment, but prevention. Kim pointed to one figure that challenges a common stereotype: in 2024, 30 percent of Astana’s 300,000 registered vehicles did not commit a single traffic violation. That suggests the conversation is shifting.
Apr 15, 2026 · via dknews.kz
Dive Brief: - Uber will invest more than $10 billion in robotaxis, the Financial Times reported today, committing $7.5 billion to procuring autonomous vehicles and potentially over $2.5 billion in equity investments in Lucid, Rivian and other companies, according to FT. - Uber’s shift from relying on driver-owned vehicles to making large capital investments in robotaxi fleets appears to come in response to Waymo’s growing presence in U.S. cities and the ramp-up of Amazon’s Zoox purpose-built AVs in more locations, the newspaper reports. - Uber expects to have robotaxis in 15 cities by the end of this year, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said during the company’s Feb. 4 earnings call. Dive Insight: Waymo, an Alphabet subsidiary that began offering autonomous rides in 2017, now operates in 11 U.S. cities and says it provides more than half a million electric AV rides weekly. Khosrowshahi said on the call that Uber intends to carry the largest share of AV trips globally by 2029. He urged automakers “to start ramping [up] capacity” to meet the coming demand. “The asset-light model was genius for its era, but autonomy rewrites the economics,” Nexar CEO Zach Greenberger said in an emailed statement. “By taking equity stakes in AV developers and locking in fleet supply, Uber is trading margin simplicity for structural control of the next decade of mobility.” Nexar develops technologies for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems. Uber employees began taking test rides aboard Lucid electric vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area this week and began testing autonomous rides in Los Angeles on April 8, with a public launch expected later this year, it said in a post on X. Uber riders in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, can take a robotaxi through its partnership with Waymo in those cities and in certain areas of Las
Apr 15, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Wednesday’s Headlines Reminder, it's tax day. 9:26 AM PDT on April 15, 2026 Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org. More from Streetsblog California Where the Hottest Blocks in Your City Are — And How To Cool Them Down A cutting-edge tool is helping city leaders identify where they most badly need street trees, bus shelters, and more. April 14, 2026 Legislation Moving to Make It Easier to Build High-Rises Near Transit in CA’s Seven Largest Cities More high rises in the downtowns of our seven largest cities? April 14, 2026 Check Out ‘Wilshire Subway’ Book and Exhibition Wilshire Subway documents the history of what is now known as the Metro D Line - from its construction workers to its massive Tunnel Boring Machines April 14, 2026 AC Transit, Muni, Caltrain Predict Service Collapse Without More Funding It’s essential to put a citizen-led funding measure on the ballot for November’s election. April 14, 2026
Apr 15, 2026 · via cal.streetsblog.org
Have you ever driven through a parking garage and noticed a camera snapping a photo of your license plate before the barrier lifts automatically? That right there is a license plate recognition system in action — and honestly, it’s one of the most underrated pieces of technology quietly running in the background of our daily lives. From catching speeding drivers on highways to managing fleet vehicles across continents, LPR (License Plate Recognition) and its more advanced sibling, ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition), are reshaping how we manage security, traffic, and vehicle access. In this guide, we’re going to dig deep into what makes a great automatic license plate recognition system, explore the top software solutions available today, walk through real-world use cases, and share what we’ve personally discovered through hands-on testing. Whether you’re a security manager, fleet operator, law enforcement professional, or tech enthusiast, you’ll find something valuable here. Let’s get into it. What Is a License Plate Recognition System and Why Does It Matter? Think of a license plate recognition system as the digital equivalent of a human security guard who has a photographic memory and can read thousands of plates per minute without ever taking a coffee break. These systems use a combination of cameras, image processing algorithms, and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to automatically capture, process, and interpret license plate data. What started as a niche law enforcement tool in the UK during the 1970s has now exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry spanning parking management, toll collection, border control, retail analytics, and even smart city infrastructure. According to recent market data, the global ALPR market is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2027 — and that number is only going up. The Core Components of Any LPR System Before we dive into the best products, it’s
Apr 15, 2026 · via impakter.com