There Is Always Room For Improvement
By Ryan Parzick
At Cityfi, we know that cities are constantly evolving, and keeping up with the pace of change can feel overwhelming. From shifting political landscapes to innovations in mobility, urban spaces are being reshaped in real-time. In this edition of our newsletter, we dive into some of the most pressing topics in city building today—how third spaces and partnerships can drive resilience, the lessons U.S. cities can learn from Europe’s mobility strategies, and the ways technology and collaboration are shaping the future of urban governance. We also take you behind the scenes of how we help organizations adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.
Join us as we explore what’s next for cities and how we can work together to create places that are more resilient, sustainable, and people-centered. Let’s get started!
Navigating the Chaos: How Partnerships and Third Spaces Can Shape Our Cities’ Future
Image Source: stockcake.com
By Camron Bridgford
Even as a firm that specializes in urban change management, the current rate of change in our political, social, technological, and policy environments is dizzying. At Cityfi, we’re dissecting (what seems like) minute-by-minute updates in order to be thoughtful about how we help our clients - from cities, to non-profits, to private sector partners - better grasp the current landscape, and make strategic decisions to be more resilient in the face of many uncertainties.
This current moment was the perfect backdrop for my attending this year’s Knight Foundation Media Forum, a gathering of hundreds of civic leaders, philanthropies, journalists, academics, and city officials, to discuss everything from trust in our country’s institutions to third spaces that support a productive democracy, the role of AI in our workforce and media, and the challenges created by economic uncertainty, political changes, and rapidly changing communications landscapes.
Without mincing words, some of the outlook at the Forum felt bleak, or at a minimum, incredibly complicated to parse apart and tackle effectively. The changing landscape of the federal government, and the downhill repercussions to cities and their funding, priorities, and communities, is significant and real. The Forum addressed growing censorship across all sectors - from the arts to the private sector - and how this creates challenges for using traditional playbooks (whether for funding, programming, or policy) to effect change.
Similar to how classical journalism has shifted to a more complex web of traditional reporters, “citizen journalists" and Substackers, it is clear that city governments in particular must look to formulating stronger third-party partnerships and spaces to continue to develop priorities, challenge power where needed, and fund critical efforts. These third parties include civic institutions, libraries, incubators, business improvement districts, philanthropies, and downtown partnerships, among others.
From the Knight Forum, it was clear that even in these uncertain times, many of these third space players are continuing to move the needle forward on critical work, often because they are focused on a bottom-up approach that responds directly to their specific community’s needs, while still having a pulse on the broader ecosystem of city, state and national issues. While there always has and will continue to be the need for policies and resources from the top down, the Forum impressed upon me that this is a moment to really listen to our communities; to understand where their true challenges and gaps are; and for us to work with third spaces and institutions to creatively partner in meeting those needs at a time when more complex and bureaucratic institutions may be hamstrung.
Cityfi has a long history of working with libraries, non-profit organizations, philanthropies, innovation districts, and business improvement districts. Interested in talking more with us about what you are focused on within your third space? We would love to have the conversation.
Behind the Scenes: How Cityfi Helps Organizations Thrive
By Karla Peralta
At Cityfi, we believe that strong, resilient organizations start with asking the right questions to better manage change. That’s why organizational assessments are an important piece of what we do—they help agencies and teams identify their challenges, uncover opportunities, and prioritize what matters most for better operations and stronger outcomes.
We’ve worked with agencies of all shapes and sizes. And while the contexts differ, the themes are often familiar: loosely defined roles, inefficient processes, culture misalignment, or a disconnect between vision and day-to-day work. These aren’t always easy issues to name or solve—but that’s where we come in.
Our approach is thoughtful, hands-on, and grounded in change management best practices. We tailor every assessment to the client and their desired outcomes, but our process tends to follow a few key steps:
Get to the source. We start with document review and direct engagement—interviews, workshops, surveys—to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what staff experience every day.
Benchmark with purpose. Every organization is unique, but it helps to look sideways. We identify peers and comparable models to surface promising practices that might be adapted to meet your goals.
Prioritize and plan. We don’t just identify problems—we work with our clients to frame clear priorities and actionable strategies. These might include process improvements, shifts in organizational culture, or new tools to strengthen collaboration and accountability.
Build momentum. Change is hard—but we know how to make it stick. We help clients first focus on high-impact, easy-win actions that build trust, energy, and proof of progress.
Measure what matters. Lastly, we support the development of meaningful performance indicators so that teams can track improvements, demonstrate success, and course-correct when needed.
We know that organizational transformation takes time and care. But with the right tools, honest conversations, and a clear roadmap, real change is possible—and sustainable.
Want to learn more about how we approach this work or hear examples from our past projects? Reach out to Karla, Camron, or Story—we’d love to chat.
Learning from Europe's Mobility Trends: Lessons for U.S. Cities
By Evan Costagliola
As cities worldwide grapple with congestion, emissions, and the need for sustainable transportation options, Europe has emerged as a leader in shared mobility innovation. Recent trends from the European Shared Mobility Index 2024 reveal valuable insights that could help U.S. cities enhance their urban mobility systems.
Rightsizing Shared Mobility
Despite a 4% reduction in the total shared vehicle fleet across scooters, docked and dockless bikes, cars, and mopeds, Europe saw a 5% increase in trips and a 10% rise in fare revenue in 2024. This suggests that cities are rightsizing fleets while maintaining or growing demand by optimizing service availability and improving user experience. The U.S. can adopt similar strategies by analyzing ridership data to balance supply and demand efficiently, reducing clutter while maintaining service reliability.
Emphasizing Quality Over Quantity
Rather than focusing on sheer numbers of vehicles, European cities are enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. The rise in fare revenue, despite a smaller fleet, indicates that people are willing to pay for high-quality, reliable mobility options. For example, in some cities, station-based bike sharing grew while dockless stations shrank. In others, the opposite was true. U.S. cities could benefit by balancing both models in response to user preferences and physical limitations/advantages. Regardless of the model type, investing in well-maintained, strategically placed shared mobility services, will ensure accessibility and convenience.
Electrification of Shared Fleets
Electrification is a dominant trend across Europe’s shared mobility landscape. Over 51% of station-based bike fleets are now electric, supported by widespread deployment of charging stations. Cities like Barcelona and Monaco have fully transitioned to electric fleets, reducing operational costs and environmental impact while boosting ridership. Dutch car-sharing schemes are trending towards full electrification. U.S. cities can accelerate electrification to achieve operational efficiency and attract environmentally conscious users.
Integration & Multimodal Connectivity
Many European cities are successfully integrating shared mobility with public transit, offering seamless multimodal options. The U.S. can follow suit by prioritizing connectivity between scooters, bikes, car shares, and mass transit, reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Europe’s shared mobility trends reveal a key lesson: success isn’t just about expansion—it’s about optimization. By focusing on smart rightsizing, quality services, and better integration, cities can build a more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly mobility ecosystem.
Challenges and Opportunities: Urban Innovation
Photo Source: New York Focus
By Story Bellows
New York City is at a crossroads. As one of the most dynamic and complex urban ecosystems in the world, it faces challenges that demand bold solutions—solutions that balance sustainability, equity, and technological advancement. In a recent conversation between Partner Story Bellows and New York City mayoral candidate Michael Blake, a public servant with experience at local, state, and federal levels, it became clear that many of the issues he highlighted align with the work Cityfi has been championing in cities across the U.S. and beyond.
Blake identified key areas where New York must improve, including leveraging technology to enhance government efficiency and building infrastructure that serves all residents equitably. At Cityfi, we believe that sustainable urban transformation requires collaboration across sectors, clear communication, and aligned incentives—principles that resonate strongly with these priorities.
Technology as a Force for Good
A key theme in the discussion was the use of technology to streamline government processes and improve public services. From modernizing digital infrastructure to making city operations more transparent, Blake emphasized the need for tech-driven solutions to address inefficiencies. Blake noted, “we need to ensure that technology is working for the people, not the other way around … You can track an Amazon package, you can track your food, you can track a flight, but you can't track constituent services," highlighting the need for improved technological solutions in city governance. Whether it’s helping municipalities implement data-driven decision-making or ensuring that digital innovations serve all residents equitably, our approach is rooted in the idea that technology should be a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.
Sustainable and Equitable Mobility and Transportation
New York City’s transit and public infrastructure challenges were also front and center in the discussion. Blake underscored the need for investments in public transportation and green spaces. “If we want a city that truly works for everyone, we have to make transit more reliable and accessible,” Blake stated. He also had ideas on future solutions, like automated train cars to improve efficiency, and modifications of existing systems, such as the recently implemented congestion pricing. He stated, "The intent of it is necessary. We have to reduce traffic. We have to improve our environment. And you could find ways of course to generate revenue." However, he emphasized the need for careful implementation and consideration of its impact on different groups of citizens. This thinking aligns with our expertise in transportation and policy innovation, which allows us to craft solutions that not only address immediate needs but also create long-term value for communities.
The Power of Public-Private Partnerships
At Cityfi, we know that no single entity can tackle urban challenges alone. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a critical role in driving meaningful change. Blake spoke to the importance of forging strategic collaborations between government, businesses, and civic organizations—an approach that aligns with our own philosophy. Through our work, we’ve seen firsthand how well-structured PPPs can drive sustainable development while aligning public and private interests for the common good.
Cityfi’s mission is to help communities navigate change, harness new opportunities, and create cities that work better for everyone. The conversation with Michael Blake underscored a noticeable need to continue to expand that mission. While leadership and policies evolve, the fundamental challenge remains the same: how do we build cities that are resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking?
As we continue our work throughout the country and beyond, we remain dedicated to forging partnerships that turn vision into action. The challenges are great, but so are the opportunities—and by working together, we can create cities that thrive for generations to come.
SMARTer Curbs: A Meeting of the Minds
Photo Source: Open Mobility Foundation
By Erin Clark
Earlier this month, Erin Clark, Karla Peralta, and Karina Ricks traveled to Portland, OR to facilitate a two-day convening of the 10-city SMART Curb Collaborative, hosted by the Open Mobility Foundation (OMF). The convening focused on curb management topics including communications, vendor and technology performance, compliance with curb regulations, and “what’s next” as the cities enter the final months of their Stage 1 SMART projects.
We are always impressed with the commitment and creativity the members of this Collaborative bring to their curb management programs. Curb demands and how cities manage their curb space continues to evolve and become more complex, making the SMART grant funding and other investments in exploring technology solutions to help solve modern day challenges all the more important.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate with, advise, and learn from these trailblazing cities! Check out OMF’s 7 Lessons from the SMART Curb Collaborative Convening in Portland for more insight!
On a related note, Cityfi, in collaboration with the OMF and informed by the SMART Curb Collaborative, published a Curb Policy Guidance resource, which offers recommendations and considerations for regulations and policies that can enable effective curb management programs.
Looking to improve your city’s curb management? Reach out to Erin!
New York E-Bike Rebate Launch!
The State of New York’s first e-bike incentive program has officially launched as part of Project MOVER’s Pilot E-Bike Incentive Program! We are excited to have been a part of the process in collaboration with Shared Mobility Inc. (SMI), EIT InnoEnergy, Nelson\Nygaard, and the Village of Ossining. Please read the official announcement which contains the application form for all who are interested. Also, to contextualize the program more, please read the blog post from our partner Shared Mobility, Inc.
Demonstrations in DC - Request for Information
DC Mobility Innovation District (DC MID) launches Call for Projects!
The DC MID seeks innovative solutions and support from private-sector partners to address key mobility challenges in Washington, DC. Through this Request for Information (RFI), the DC MID aims to identify viable solutions and support needed to demonstrate cutting-edge transportation technologies, business models, and infrastructure improvements. Focus areas include first/last-mile transportation, e-mobility charging, safe streets, event congestion, and curb management.
The DC MID offers unique support, including partnership development, community insights, site host locations, government liaisons, and storytelling opportunities.
📌 Key Focus Areas:
First/Last Mile Transportation
Access to E-Mobility Charging
Safe Streets
Event Congestion
Curb Management
💡 Deadline: April 25, 2025
🔗 Learn more at this link
Have a groundbreaking mobility solution? Apply today here
Where in the World is Cityfi?
Check out where Cityfi will be in the upcoming weeks. We may be speaking at conferences, leading workshops, hosting events, and/or actively engaging in collaborative learning within the community. We would love to see you.
Smart City Expo USA - New York City, NY - April 2 - 3
Cityfi is pleased to be a partner of Smart City Expo USA taking place April 2-3, 2025 at the Javits Center. Story Bellows and Sarah Saltz will be among the exciting speakers including the CEOs of the Paris 2024 Olympics and FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities. Additional speakers include more than 100+ global leaders in AI, sports, security, infrastructure, finance, and climate speaking on ensuring U.S. cities are globally competitive and future-ready to host FIFA World Cup matches, Olympic Games, and more. Cityfi’s Carolina de Urquijo will also be in attendance, and all three of our team members are look forward to conversations with colleagues old and new! Please reach out to set up a time to meet with them.
Community Centered Approach to Smart Cities - Wednesday, April 2nd (10:30 AM - 10:50 AM)
Building smarter cities requires bridging technological innovation with community needs, and ensuring these innovations serve all urban populations is becoming a top priority. This session will explore how urban policy, civic innovation, and cross-sector collaboration shape smarter cities through public participation, equitable data practices, and human-centered design. It will highlight how emerging technologies can empower communities, drive social impact, and align with the diverse priorities of urban life. PartnerStory Bellowswill be moderating this panel.
Transportation for a Sustainable Future - Wednesday, April 2nd (11:20 AM - 12:00 PM)
Cities are driving toward a zero-emission future with clean, electrified fleets and modern EV infrastructure. This session will explore how advanced technologies and innovations in biofuels and other sustainable materials are leading cities into a more efficient and environmentally friendly future. Join Senior Associate Sarah Saltz as she moderates this conversation with a mix of public and private mobility experts.
Learn more and register at Smart City Expo USA. See you in NYC next week!
Chicago City Builders Book Club - Chicago, IL - April 23
If you live in Chicago, check out the Cityfi sponsored Chicago City Builders Book Club every 4th Wednesday of each month. Principal Marla Westervelt co-hosts this monthly book club where we bring together professional city builders to discuss Chicago-centric books that explore local urban and political issues. Come join us for an evening of food, drinks, and discussions with other local wonks. Next month’s book is There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz. You can learn more and reserve your spot HERE.
CoMotion Miami - Miami, FL - April 29 - 30
As a long-time partner to CoMotion, Cityfi is pleased to join leading global mobility innovators once more in the Magic City for two days of programs, panels, workshops and demonstrations. CoMotion MIAMI is energizing convergence of leading edge technology with thought-leading agencies. We look forward to seeing you there!
ITS European Congress - Seville, ES - May 19 - 21
As one of specialties, Senior Principal Evan Costagliola’s experience and knowledge on cross border collaboration will be on display as a panelist at the ITS European Congress in May. Details to come, so stay tuned …
NACTO Designing Cities - Washington, DC - May 28 - 31
The annual NACTO Designing Cities Conference brings together over 1,000 people passionate about advancing the state of transportation in North American cities—engineers, planners, government agency leaders, elected officials, advocates, and other transportation professionals of all career levels. Partner Karina Ricks will be participating on multiple panels, which is always both entertaining and highly informative! More details to be provided later, so stay tuned …
What We’re Reading
Curated by Ryan Parzick
Articles handpicked by the Cityfi team we have found interesting:
Autonomous Vehicles: Hail Waymo: Inside the company leading the robotaxi revolution
Environment: Bridges and Tunnels in Colorado Are Helping Animals Commute
City Planning: Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
CleanTech: California Now Has More EV Chargers Than Gas Pumps
Mobility: Yes, Paris has its own bicycle hearse and so does the United Kingdom
Civic Innovation: Could participatory budgeting give Atlantans a voice in city spending?
Digital Transformation: Pittsburgh CIO Is Improving Services From the Inside Out
Job Openings
Are you exploring opportunities for your next role? Check out these positions, and contact us at info@cityfi.co to learn more!
Louisville Metro Government Department of Transportation
All Things Cityfi
Your guide to our services, portfolio of client engagements, team, and…well, all things Cityfi.