DelBene, Clarke Introduce Bill to Expand Smart City Tech

Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) introduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act to expand smart city technologies and improve federal coordination of these programs.

Smart technologies are revolutionizing urban living by improving community safety, mobility, and resilience against natural disasters, while also expanding communication and services. These innovations help cities cut costs, alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and lower energy use, all while generating economic growth and expanding opportunities for communities of all sizes.

With an estimated $41 trillion expected to be invested globally in smart technology over the next two decades, U.S. cities must catch up. Research shows that every dollar spent on government technology can save nearly $4. Despite these clear benefits, the U.S. is currently lagging in smart city development.

Smart city technologies are already making an impact in cities across the nation, including in Redmond, where an adaptive signal is being deployed to improve traffic management. This system will detect pedestrians in crosswalks, adjust light timings for safer crossing, and modify traffic signals based on real-time volumes to reduce congestion and make our intersections safer and less stressful for roadway users.

The Smart Cities and Communities Act would authorize $1.1 billion to:

• Enhance federal coordination of smart city programs, including improved reporting and demonstration of the value and utility of smart city systems.

• Provide assistance and resources to local governments interested in implementing smart city technologies, making them more accessible in suburban and rural areas.

• Develop a skilled domestic workforce to support smart cities.

• Improve the quality and performance of smart city technologies while assessing and enhancing cybersecurity and privacy protections.

• Foster international collaboration and trade in smart city technologies.

"Investing in smart city technologies is critical opportunity for our nation to maintain its position as a global leader in innovation and improve the livability of our communities," said DelBene. "Equipping local governments with the necessary tools will allow cities to develop clean infrastructure that cuts pollution, generates good jobs, and strengthens the middle class. The Smart Cities and Communities Act is a great step forward in improving the quality of life for communities throughout America."

"We have a responsibility to the American people to improve the quality-of-life of every citizen by providing clean air, resources and tech to make our cities safer, and climate resilient communities to combat the devastating impacts of climate change," said Clarke. "That is why I am proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, in reintroducing the Smart Cities and Communities Act - legislation promoting the use and expansion of smart city technologies. This legislation will deliver equitable opportunities and improve the infrastructure to our American cities as our nation transitions as the global leader of climate policy."

"BSA applauds Representatives DelBene and Clarke for reintroducing the Smart Cities and Communities Act. This forward-looking legislation will help ensure local communities can widely and fairly access the benefits of smart city technology, and support investments into connected communities that are effective, less expensive, and more environmentally sound," said Craig Albright, BSA SVP of US Government Relations.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.