Atlanta is considering the appointment of a night mayor to oversee activities and address issues that occur overnight, focusing not only on nightlife and entertainment but also on the needs of night-shift workers and other nocturnal activities. The concept, which originated in Amsterdam in 2012, has been adopted by various cities worldwide. Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi proposed the idea, and a feasibility study was approved in October. The night mayor's responsibilities would include ensuring safe transportation and access to public bathrooms at night. Experts like Andreina Seijas emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to night-time governance that includes vulnerable and working populations. Other cities like London, Washington, D.C., and New York City have implemented programs addressing the needs of the night-time community. Atlanta is expected to hire a night mayor in 2022.

Atlanta is confronting its past reliance on convict labor, particularly the leasing of Black individuals, including children, for unpaid labor in inhumane conditions. The Chattahoochee Brick Company, which profited from this practice, produced bricks that were fundamental to the city's construction. Efforts are underway to memorialize the site and acknowledge the contributions of these exploited workers. Environmental activist Donna Stephens and others have successfully halted industrial development on the site, and the city plans to transform it into a park and memorial. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is also involved in memorialization efforts. The narrative connects to broader discussions on Confederate monuments, police brutality, and systemic racism, and highlights the ongoing use of prison labor in the United States.

Evanston, Illinois, is considering phasing out natural gas in new buildings, influenced by a recent federal court decision overturning Berkeley, California's gas ban. Legal experts suggest cities prepare for litigation from the natural gas industry but highlight lawful methods to phase out gas, such as using police powers, building codes, air emissions standards, zoning regulations, and franchise agreements. The decision may impact smaller communities' electrification efforts due to potential legal costs, but experts reassure that viable legal pathways exist.

The Biden administration, through the U.S. Department of Transportation, has proposed a rule requiring states and metropolitan planning organizations to set and report on targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from National Highway System roads. This initiative aligns with the administration's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The bipartisan infrastructure law supports this effort with $6.4 billion in funding. The proposal follows a Supreme Court decision limiting the EPA's regulatory power, and has received mixed reactions, including criticism from U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.

Las Vegas has introduced a digital twin of a section of its downtown to model scenarios for energy use, emissions, traffic, and emergency management. This initiative, in collaboration with Cityzenith and Terbine, aims to enhance sustainability and urban planning. The project, showcased at CES, will help visualize data for various stakeholders and is part of Cityzenith's broader 'Clean Cities - Clean Future' initiative. The digital twin is in its early stages, focusing on pilot projects to validate the technology's viability.

Cities across the U.S. are grappling with overpopulation of Canada geese, leading to dirty parks, water contamination, and public resource strain. Rochester, Minnesota, has implemented non-lethal methods like egg oiling and habitat modification to manage the geese population, while Des Moines, Iowa, is using dogs and habitat changes. The issue is controversial, with community pushback in some areas, but cities are exploring various strategies to balance wildlife conservation with urban cleanliness and safety.

Hoboken, New Jersey, declared a climate emergency in 2017, leading to significant climate action plans and renewable energy initiatives. Other cities, including Evanston, Illinois, and a coalition of Minnesota cities, have followed suit with their own declarations addressing climate change and other crises like racism and housing affordability. These declarations aim to mobilize resources and signal commitment from city leadership, though their effectiveness depends on follow-through and community engagement. San Diego's repeated shelter crisis declarations highlight the challenges and accountability in addressing homelessness. The article underscores the importance of turning declarations into substantive actions and maintaining ongoing efforts to achieve meaningful change.

Several billionaires, including Elon Musk and Bill Gates, have announced plans to build smart cities in the U.S., but most projects have seen little progress and face significant challenges. Musk's planned city in Bastrop, Texas, has encountered multiple government violations and local opposition. Other proposed cities, such as Telosa and California Forever, are still in early stages with concerns about transparency and resources. Experts question the feasibility and ethical implications of these billionaire-led initiatives, suggesting that support for public and cooperative housing might be more beneficial.

Washington's largest cities, Spokane and Seattle, are reimagining their downtown areas to adapt to new work patterns and address affordable housing needs. Spokane is incentivizing developers to build affordable housing on vacant land and repurposing office buildings for residential use. Seattle is focusing on arts and culture, life sciences, and educational facilities to revitalize its downtown. Both cities are also exploring the future of retail, with Seattle's Seattle Restored program turning pop-up shops into longer-term leases. Public-private partnerships and state incentives are seen as crucial for these transformations.

Transit ridership in the U.S. has risen to over 70% of pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 147 million trips taken in late September. This increase could help public transit agencies address financial issues caused by reduced fare revenue. Federal COVID-19 relief funds are depleting, with most agencies expected to exhaust these funds by January 2024. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority faces significant budget deficits starting in 2025. Transit officials are considering various measures to address financial challenges, including service cuts, fare hikes, and equity-focused fare reductions.