Governance & Finance
Smart Cities Dive invites nominations for the 2026 Public Service Awards, recognizing exemplary public servants. The awards continue the legacy of the American City & County Exemplary Public Servant Awards after last year's merger. Nominees are evaluated on community impact, leadership, innovation, mentorship, results focus, and collaboration. The deadline is March 31, 2026, and submission is free. Photo guidelines apply.
Whole Foods Market's departure from Chicago's Englewood neighborhood in late 2022, after six years of operation, has become a focal point for discussions on food access, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The store, once hailed as a game-changer for the economically challenged South Side community, closed amid criticism from local officials and residents. This article explores the factors behind the closure, the community's response, and the broader implications for grocery chains operating in low-income areas.
This article examines how San Francisco and Seattle are addressing the shortage of public toilets in the U.S. San Francisco's Pit Stop program, inspired by a 13-year-old's plea, has grown to 33 locations, while Seattle's nonprofit Real Change campaigned for permanent bathrooms but saw funds redirected during the pandemic.
Living wage ordinances, which apply only to certain workers, may not significantly alter local economies, but experts say their greatest effect could be on public opinion and the momentum behind current minimum wage campaigns.
