At Envision Charlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina, energy efficiency is everything! The organization has helped the city reduce costs, become more ecologically friendly and has helped put Charlotte on the globally recognized SMART City map. As a public-private-plus initiative that bundles innovation and technology for the greater good of the community, Envision Charlotte works to…
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Iowa City Stays Current with New Software
The city of Camanche, Iowa is implementing a new software system to be used by their residents, members of the community and city workers. The software will allow Camanche citizens to apply or review permits easier. Along with applying for permits, the system will include extensive information regarding property information and property tax information. The…
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Technology Helps Citizens Understand City Management
What would you do if you were the Mayor of your city? That's the question being asked in São Paulo, Brazil! Brazilians are able to consider this question thanks to the new video game Cidade em Jogo (Cities in play) that allows residents to consider how they would handle the role. Conservation, education, mobility -…
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Minneapolis Ups Efficiency in 6 Buildings
Cities across the United States are taking the #EnergyEfficient initiative to reduce costs and make their homes healthier While giant cities (San Francisco, NYC, Phoenix) are often among these prestigious places, Minneapolis was just recognized for reducing green house gases and energy costs. The city hosted an energy challenge that included 15 individual buildings across the area.…
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The Portland Permit Problem
City officials in Portland are dealing with an interesting issue Residents in the area will have to enter a "lottery" if they wish to be married in a Portland park. Couples had to submit their information to the lottery in the beginning of November to be granted a permit for 2018 weddings in any of…
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In The News: Gates Building SMART City of His Own
New York City. Boston. Seattle. Denver. San Diego. These are a few of the top-ranked U.S. Smart Cities by Smart Cities Council. Phoenix, AZ was not previously listed, but NBC reported that Bill Gates is funding a futuristic metropolis set to sustain the city. The city, deemed "Belmont," is approximately 24,000 acres of land 45…
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Stepping Up Sustainability
The temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing and winter is coming But we're still making efforts to go green! The future of your city depends on reducing carbon footprints and living sustainability to ensure that resources aren't depleted. In addition to being crucial, green infrastructures add value to cities and reduce construction costs. Read on…
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Benefits of Working With Mobile Devices
Imagine coming to work 10 years ago attached to your cell phone Can you imagine your boss' reaction? You'd probably be called into their office or warned a few times before finally getting the boot! The notion of constantly being connected to mobile devices is still relatively new, but everyone from elementary school children to…
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The Efficient City Manager’s 2017 Bucket List
2018 is just 3 months away Did that scare you? Just trying to get our readers in the Halloween spirit! The year is flying by, and for many city managers, that means the clock is ticking on conferences, projects and deadlines. It's a busy time of the year (when is it not?) but there's always…
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A Bright Future: Smart Cities, Smart Lighting
Smart city prospects shine on - Los Angeles, California is taking a step in the direction of smart city innovation by implementing "smart outdoor lighting." The smart lights look like any average street light, but the technology they harbor have huge advantages. Street lights, public parking garages, walking/bike paths and even WiFi platforms are control…
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