Smart Cities Round Up - 25 OCTOBER 2024

Cities across the US are ramping up efforts to improve digital equity, ensuring all residents have access to technology and digital services. Recent initiatives in Boston and Seattle, reported by SmartCitiesWorld this week, have showcased this commitment, targeting underserved communities through strategic funding and partnerships.

In City of Boston , the city has awarded $1.4 million in grants to 36 community-based organisations as part of its largest-ever Digital Equity Fund. Spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, this initiative, funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), aims to close the digital divide, empowering underserved residents with access to essential technology and digital literacy training.

Similarly, City of Seattle is advancing digital equity through its Technology Matching Fund Grants. Non-profit organisations and community groups are eligible for up to $45,000 in funding, with the total grant pool reaching $455,000. Unique to Seattle’s approach is the "community match" requirement, where awardees must contribute back through local engagement and resources.

These initiatives are more than just financial investments. They reflect a growing understanding that digital access is essential for social inclusion, economic opportunity, and overall quality of life in modern cities. By bridging the digital divide, Boston, Seattle, and other cities are building more inclusive, equitable urban environments where every resident can thrive.

Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld

Here is a round up of our other News this week:

1. Tallinn to replace waste management with circular economy
2. Digital Dubai collaborates with Microsoft for technical innovation
3. Global Future Councils call for collective action to tackle global crises
4. Which cities are the most sustainable destinations?
5. Greater Oslo optimises electric bus fleet
6. Dubai joins SDG Cities Global Initiative
7. Atlantic Aviation prepares for eVTOL operations in New York
8. Funding awarded for digital equity initiatives across Boston
9. City of London publishes climate action progress report
10. WeGO announces Seoul Smart City Prize winners
11. Lyt launches signal pre-emption tech for first responders
12. Jacksonville powers AV operations with 5G private network
13. UK announces £22m in new smart data services
14. Edinburgh approves latest smart city strategy
15. Vancouver approves innovative infrastructure funding model
16. Phoenix reveals results of second phase of pavement cooling
17. Smart city sound detection solutions expand to UK
18. Pays de la Loire Region unifies ticketing on public transport
19. AI lidar used to improve airport safety and efficiency
20. Seattle provides grants for retrofits and digital equity

WEBINAR:

Webinar: Driving Efficiency with Digital Twins and AI in Water Management

VIDEO:

City AI Series: Improving public and facility safety in cities

CITY PROFILES:

1. SmartCitiesWorld City Profile 2024 – San Diego

2. SmartCitiesWorld City Profile – City of Madrid