July 4th Returns to The National Mall. After last year's celebrations were nixed by the pandemic, the nation's capital welcomes visitors to return for Independence Day. However, due to ongoing public safety requirements, some traditional events such as the parade and concert on the Mall have yet to resume. (Wapo)
Smart Cities Grant Spurs Debate. A new report released by the winner of the 2016 Smart Cities Challenge has led some to question how the funds were used. The city of Columbus, OH was selected to receive the grant of $50 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and aimed to explore the intersection of technology and urbanism. Five years later, some of the flashiest projects struggle with low adoption or have yet to get off the ground.
Critics contend that lack of impact is a common failing of techno-solutionism, and that the funds could be put to better use elsewhere. However, administrators counter that the money was well-spent. They say that even the failed projects provided valuable lessons, and that the grant enabled the city to digitize records and improve services. (Wired)
Mapping Queer History. As Pride month draws to a close, a new project aims to preserve the legacy of queer-friendly places across America. Based upon traveler Bob Damron's "Address Book" series—one of the first travel guides for the LGBTQ community—the website allows users to see the evolution of spaces from 1965-1980. (NextCity)
Museums Tackle the Pandemic. Though COVID-19 remains a threat in much of the world, museums around the world are performing the unusual task of documenting history as it happens. In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian has been collecting everyday items donated by the public. These have included unique masks and items from last summer's protests for racial justice. Collectors say they hope to document the global event while memories are still fresh. (CityLab)
New Urgency Around Public Restrooms. As urban areas have reopened, a crush of visitors has found that many public spaces lack sufficient restroom facilities. Advocates point out that a lack of restroom access has long been a problem in America's cities. Unhoused people are particularly impacted, as their ability maintain their wellbeing or employment can be undermined by lack of access. (NY Times) |
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