In Dallas, a model "smart city" project bears fruit

Baltimore has dramatically reduced homicides through a multi-pronged approach involving a data-driven Group Violence Reduction Strategy, credible-messenger intervention programs, and aggressive prosecution of illegal gun possession. This has resulted in a record-low murder rate in 2026, with 60 killings recorded through August compared to roughly 220 at the same point four years prior.

Caltrain's $2.4 billion electrification of 51 miles of track replaced diesel trains with faster electric ones, resulting in ridership increases (it doubled on weekends) and shorter trips. This also led to an 89% reduction in riders' exposure to toxic pollution and an estimated 250,000 metric tons of annual carbon emissions reductions.

Mexico City’s Utopias are large community centers that offer a wide variety of services and amenities, including skills workshops, gym classes, landromats, food and music lessons. There are currently 15 across one borough, and the incoming administration plans to develop more than 100 in total.

Philly Community Wireless addresses the digital divide in the area by developing a community-owned, Wi-Fi mesh network. The community-owned structure means the network doesn’t rely on power lines or subscribers but instead runs on partnerships and grants, providing people with free internet access. Antennas for the network can broadcast within a 100 to 200-foot radius and there are currently 30 Wi-Fi access points throughout the city.

The University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety launched a new problem-oriented policing initiative aimed to reduce crime and improve 911 response time downtown. Having the UM-Flint department patrol downtown frees up the City of Flint department to answer 911 calls in the rest of the city more quickly. Problem-oriented policing has helped crime levels decrease significantly and helps foster connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The Park East freeway teardown was completed 20 years ago and opened up 24 acres of prime real estate that has since seen increased property values, more space for pedestrians and recreation and has generated over $1 billion in private investment. The teardown has also resulted in less vehicle emissions in the area and further development and revitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods. Now, other areas in the city are turning to the success of the Park East teardown to inspire more freeway removals.

Vision Zero is a traffic safety framework that works to eliminate traffic fatalities. Since adopting the program, Jersey City has gone a full year without a single traffic fatality. City officials have also been engaging residents to participate in viewing demonstrations of new, safe road developments and sharing their thoughts on what the city’s roads need to be safe and efficient as local leaders continue to make improvements to encompass more of the surrounding area.

Since it began operating in 2018, the Pulse has become one of the most successful bus rapid transit services in the country, leading to other states adopting similar systems. The Pulse is a cost-effective public transit mode that has dramatically increased ridership despite a national trending decline. In June 2021, the Pulse had carried almost five million passengers and counting.

The free, public WiFi network LinkNYC addresses the digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. LinkNYC replaces old payphone kiosks and provides high-speed WiFi hotspots and allow for phone calls, device charging and access to social services and local information.

In Memphis, a creative blight-reduction initiative called 25 Square Blocks broke down the city into blocks. Inspectors were able to quickly identify all the violations and fix them, using the same amount of funding, but less time, as the old call-and-respond model.