T4America Blog

We’re now accepting applications for the Smart Cities Collaborative

The Smart Cities Collaborative is back! We’re now accepting applications from cities to join our third cohort.

We’ve learned a lot since we launched the Smart Cities Collaborative in 2017—notably, that in order to benefit from new mobility technologies, cities need to understand how to leverage a critical but often-ignored asset: the curb.

Curbs are where transportation and land use meet. Yet while demands on curb space rapidly increase, the tools on how to share this limited resource have not. We’ve heard repeatedly from cities that they need more information and experience with curb management. Which is why we’re doing things a little bit differently this year.

This cohort will have two groups of cities: pilot cities and peer cities

Unlike previous years, the 2020 cohort will be divided into pilot cities and peer cities. Peer cities will learn from pilot cities, who will receive support from Transportation for America to conduct a one-month pilot using new curb management technology.

Why pilots? We’re past theorizing. We spent the last few years thinking about how technology can improve transportation and quality of life—now it’s time to put it into action.

We need to find out what actually improves people’s lives, as well as identify the various challenges to providing multiple uses of curb space in a way that supports broader regional goals, makes the transportation system operate more efficiently, and serves the community more equitably.

Applications are due by October 20. If you are interested in applying as a pilot city or peer city, please visit the Smart Cities Collaborative homepage.

We are also holding an informational webinar for prospective applicants on October 8. Please join us!