International local government news 12.11.24

Here are the latest newsworthy and interesting stories from the local government sector that caught our attention. In this round-up of what’s happening right now in the world of local government, you’ll find best practices, inspiration, and more from across the sector.

CANADA: Calgary set to plant nearly a million trees
In a $61 million move, the City of Calgary is set to plant some 930,000 trees. In partnership with the Government of Canada and its 2 Billion Trees scheme, the city’s tree canopy is set to receive a significant boost. Mayor Jyoti Gondek said that “by planting 930,000 new trees, we will provide more shade to cool our streets, increase our biodiversity, more effectively manage stormwater and enhance our collective social and mental wellbeing”. The scheme represents a major step in its plan to boost its tree canopy coverage from 8.25% in 2022 to 16% in 2060. The city has planted over 200,000 trees and seedlings on public land over the past two years, and provided a further 7,500 trees to residents to plant on their property.
SmartCitiesWorld

FRANCE: Traffic restricted in central Paris
In a bid to cut pollution and congestion, the City of Paris has launched a Limited Traffic Zone, banning cars from driving into the city’s four most central arrondissements if their final destination is elsewhere. However, while the move was first floated in 2021, the policy’s start date was only announced four days in advance, surprising motorists. The approach applies to a five square kilometre area where between 175,000 and 250,000 through-journeys are made. Authorities hope the move will cut that figure at least in half. The 100,000 residents who live in the affected area will not be affected, nor will people with disabilities, buses, taxis or emergency services, while key workers will be able to apply for permits. Penalties will also be implemented in stages: rule-breakers will only be advised in the first six months.
CityLab

USA: The cities using AI to catch people blocking the bus lane
Several of America’s biggest cities, including LA, NYC and DC, have partnered with a new AI startup, which specialises in technology to record vehicles blocking bus lanes. The tech sees bus-mounted cameras capture and log the offending vehicles, with these drivers then fined. The AI maps out details of bus stops, bus routes, lane line, with programmed algorithms for cameras to detect when a vehicle is obstructing a bus lane. Every piece of “evidence” collected is then reviewed by a human. The uptake comes as cities across the country invest in new bus lane infrastructure to prevent delays and speed up travel times.
Next City

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