Congress members propose $220M Smart Cities bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal legislation introduced on Monday would set aside $220 million per year to replace outdated infrastructure with smart technologies like connected roadway infrastructure, environmental sensors, and data analytics, State Scoop reports.

In addition to government assistance and resources, the Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017 also calls for structured federal coordination in the establishment of smart city programs, including improved reporting processes and a higher demonstration of the value of smart cities.

The bill authors — Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) — suggest that such a law would allow local workforces to thrive as workers become more tech-savvy and develop the necessary skills to support smart cities. For the full story, click here.