Projects
Norwich City Council, GB to combat flooding with 'spongy city' initiative
Norwich City Council has decided to transform the city into a 'spongy city' to combat future floods. This initiative involves designing urban areas to absorb rainwater more effectively through measures like green roofs, permeable pavements, and increased greenery. The project aims to reduce the impact of future floods by allowing water to naturally seep into the ground rather than overwhelming drainage systems.
Norwich City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Ann Arbor, MI to create state's first sustainable energy utility
Ann Arbor, Michigan, voters have approved the creation of a sustainable energy utility, making it the first municipality in the state to adopt such a model. This utility will focus on providing renewable energy at lower costs and is expected to start operations in 2026, with initial projects including solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades. The utility will be funded without new taxes, through on-bill financing where savings from energy upgrades offset costs.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Phoenix, AX launches $60 million shade plan
Phoenix has launched a comprehensive $60 million Shade Phoenix Plan to mitigate the effects of extreme heat by increasing tree canopy and shade structures. The plan includes planting over 27,000 new trees and constructing 550 new shade structures, focusing on areas with the greatest need for heat mitigation. More than half of the investment will target low-to-moderate-income communities, aiming to provide equitable access to shade and cooler environments.
Phoenix, AZ
United States
Chicago, IL launches recycling assistance app for residents
Chicago has introduced the Recycle Coach app to help residents manage waste and recycling more effectively. The app, available on Apple and Google Play stores, provides hyper-local waste management information, including schedules and a database on what can and cannot be recycled. This initiative is part of a broader partnership with the Illinois EPA and aims to reduce contamination at recycling facilities, increase landfill diversion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Chicago, IL
United States
Tampa, FL expands connected vehicle program
Tampa has implemented a pioneering connected vehicle pilot project, involving over 1,000 vehicles communicating with traffic signals and roadside units to improve traffic flow and safety. The 18-month project includes equipping personal cars, buses, and streetcars with technology that interacts with infrastructure like traffic signals at strategic points across downtown Tampa and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.
Tampa, FL
United States
Milton Keynes City Council, GB uses drone mapping to create digital twin
Milton Keynes City Council, in collaboration with Cranfield University and Satellite Applications Catapult Westcott DronePort, is trialing the use of drones to create a digital twin of the city center. This initiative aims to improve how essential and emergency services are delivered by mapping the area in detail for highway surveys and accident response. Drone flights will gather data to support services like smart traffic monitoring, secure parcel deliveries, and emergency responses.
Milton Keynes Council, GB
United Kingdom
Spokane County, WA launches high-tech crime center
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has launched a new Real Time Crime Center to enhance public safety through advanced technology. The center allows deputies to access real-time data from various sources like surveillance cameras and social media to respond to incidents more effectively. This center is the first of its kind in Washington, aiming to prevent and solve crimes more efficiently.
Spokane County, WA
United States
Sacramento, CA employs AI-aided bus cameras to bust bike/bus lane violators
Sacramento is set to install parking enforcement cameras on 180 Regional Transit buses to address illegal parking in bus stops and bike lanes. The AI-powered cameras will detect violations, capture video evidence, and after manual review by enforcement officers, tickets will be mailed to vehicle owners. This initiative follows a pilot program where over 300 violations were detected in just two months, highlighting the need for such enforcement.
Sacramento, CA
United States
Hickman County, TN uses AI dashcams to enhance policing
In Hickman County, TN, a rural area with limited law enforcement resources, new AI-powered dashcams from Motive are being deployed to enhance policing. These dashcams not only record criminal activities but also monitor officer driving behavior to improve safety for both the public and police. This technology represents a broader trend of AI integration in government services, potentially transforming small-town policing by providing more accountability and safety.
Hickman County, TN
United States
Leduc, AB taps AI to keep plastic out of organics carts
Leduc has introduced smart technology to detect contaminants in waste, aiming to improve recycling and waste management processes. The system uses sensors and AI to identify non-recyclable items in waste streams, helping to reduce contamination rates. This initiative is part of the city's broader commitment to sustainability and enhancing the effectiveness of its waste diversion programs.
Leduc, AB
Canada
East Lansing, MI turns to AI to reduce household recycling errors
A 24-week pilot program with the city, Canada-based Prairie Robotics, The Recycling Partnership, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy used cameras on the mid-Michigan city’s recycling collection trucks paired with computers powered by artificial intelligence to collect household-by-household data on what people placed in their curbside recycling bins or carts. The program analyzes residents' recycling behaviors and provides customized feedback.
East Lansing, MI
United States
Dubuque, IA to launch an AI-driven traffic system
Dubuque City is utilizing AI technology to improve traffic management by analyzing real-time data from traffic signals and road conditions. This system (called the Smart Traffic Routing with Efficient and Effective Traffic System) aims to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians. The initiative is part of the city's broader efforts to integrate smart technology into urban planning and transportation systems.
Dubuque, IA
United States
Louisville, CO adopts fully electric waste management fleet
Louisville has introduced the nation’s first fully electric garbage truck fleet, consisting of 25 vehicles designed to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the city while also cutting operational costs. The launch positions Louisville as a leader in adopting electric vehicle technology for municipal services, setting a precedent for other cities to follow.
Louisville, CO
United States
Pacifica, CA launches award-winning virtual assistant search tool, Rose AI
The City of Pacifica has introduced an AI-powered chatbot named Rose to improve resident engagement and service delivery. Rose assists with answering common questions, streamlining communication, and providing information on city services, thereby enhancing efficiency. This innovative approach has played a significant role in Pacifica earning the MISAC Innovation Award, reflecting its commitment to leveraging technology for better governance.
Pacifica, CA
United States
Las Vegas, NV deploys AI-driven private 5G network
Las Vegas has introduced the world's first AI-driven private 5G network, designed to enhance connectivity and smart city capabilities. This innovative network will support various applications, including public safety, traffic management, and smart infrastructure, while ensuring data privacy and security. The initiative aims to position Las Vegas as a leader in technology and urban development, attracting businesses and improving residents' quality of life.
Las Vegas, NV
United States
Calgary, AB launches Wave Tech Centre to boost innovation across city departments
Calgary has launched a new Wave Tech Centre aimed at fostering innovation within city departments by leveraging technology and collaboration. The center will serve as a hub for developing and implementing digital solutions to improve municipal services and operations. This initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to enhance efficiency and meet the evolving needs of its residents.
Calgary, AB
Canada
Guadalajara, JA dramatically weeds out corruption with new licensing system
The City of Guadalajara launched a new licensing system (Visor Urbano) aimed at reducing corruption by increasing transparency and streamlining processes for businesses. The Visor Urbano program is an open-source, fully customizable digital platform that streamlines the issuance of construction licenses and business permits—making the process efficient and transparent.
Guadalajara, JA
Mexico
San Francisco, CA streamlines conversion of office spaces into residential units
San Francisco has introduced new building code guidelines aimed at facilitating the conversion of office spaces into residential units downtown. These guidelines are designed to streamline the permitting process and encourage developers to repurpose vacant offices amid a growing housing crisis. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and address the challenges posed by the shift in remote work trends.
San Francisco, CA
United States
Nashville, TN employs "Chew Crew" program to manage urban landscapes
Nashville is introducing the "Chew Crew," a program that employs goats to manage urban landscapes and control vegetation naturally. This initiative aims to maintain green spaces sustainably, reducing reliance on chemical herbicides and heavy machinery. The goats will help manage overgrown areas, promoting biodiversity and improving the city's environmental health.
Nashville, TN
United States
Palo Alto, CA pilots AI-powered city council summaries
The city of Palo Alto piloting new technology that will create AI-powered summaries of city council meetings. This technology will distill complex discussions into concise, easy-to-understand summaries, making it easier for residents to engage with local governance. The initiative seeks to enhance community participation and ensure that citizens are well-informed about local issues and decisions.
Palo Alto, CA
United States
Chandler, AZ turns to advanced metering to fight drought
Chandler, AZ is implementing advanced water metering infrastructure (AMI) to combat drought and improve water management. The new technology will allow for real-time monitoring of water usage, helping the city identify leaks and inefficiencies. This initiative aims to promote water conservation and ensure a more sustainable water supply amid increasing drought conditions.
Chandler, AZ
United States