12 Smart Cities Revolutionizing America

Technology has been changing the world we live in. Every day, a new gadget or app makes life a little more convenient. On a larger scale, cities across the United States are finding ways to improve our way of life and the environment. These are some of the cities at the forefront of innovation that may just be the norm of the future.

1. Dallas, Texas

City officials have become particularly interested in water management due to Dallas’s weather being prone to droughts. Smart devices have been implemented to detect leaks as soon as possible and monitor water usage throughout the city. Due to leaks, Dallas hopes to save tens of thousands of dollars of water every year.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has initiated some green invectives to help their city’s residents. Devices have been installed to dim street lights when unnecessary, aiming to save electricity. They have also installed water sensors to detect leaks. Lastly, security cameras have been installed to find the source of gunshots and apprehend criminals for safety reasons.

3. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, USA — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With many tech companies moving to Austin, it is no wonder Austin has implemented some smart devices in its city. The city has designed a grid to help the growing number of electric cars charge anywhere and offers 5G Wi-Fi throughout the city. Additionally, the city’s electric grid will help expand the incorporation of renewable energy sources.

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle has been continuously trying to reduce its carbon footprint for years. They were one of the earliest cities in America to make strides towards this reduction. The city has created the Innovative Advisory Council to reduce homelessness, improve food shortages, track and manage earthquakes and their damages, and improve parking.

5. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte has been making strides to increase their sustainability in the past few years. Recently, they partnered with Microsoft to expand the availability of Wi-Fi to their residents. In addition, they are striving to improve traffic monitoring to lower carbon emissions and reduce their carbon footprint.

6. San Francisco, California

Being the neighbor of the country’s technology capital, San Francisco has thrived from being close to Silicon Valley. The city’s primary focus on the bay is to reduce its energy usage. They have a goal of powering the city with 100% renewable resources. The future goal is to create an electric grid enabling autonomous driving throughout the city center. The grid would allow these cars to connect with each other, provide a safe driveway, and avoid traffic congestion.

7. Washington D.C., District of Colombia

Our nation’s capital is one of the most innovative cities in our nation. It has implemented movement analytics to observe transportation movements throughout the city to help with criminal activity. It is also used to help with traffic, and those who know about traffic in D.C. know the seriousness of this problem.

8. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston was one of the first cities to implement a smart plan. The key difference is that Boston lets their residents submit their data rather than just collecting data anonymously. Some of these apps allowed users to submit work invoices for potholes, broken street lights, graffiti, and other neighborhood issues. Lastly, they were the first to track school buses so parents could monitor their kid’s schools’ whereabouts.

9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Pittsburgh has been revolutionary with the way they have handled their traffic situation. Sensors throughout the city gather data, which an AI (Artificial intelligence) system analyzes and breaks down a way to improve the flow of traffic. This AI system can manage smart stoplights to maximize efficiency. Since these were implemented, the city has reported a decrease in car emissions by 21% and wait times by 41%.

10. Boulder, Colorado

BOULDER, COLORADO, JANUARY 27, 2014: Visitors visit the downtown areas of Boulder, Colorado. Boulder Downtown area, including the Pearl Street Mall, is in the western part of present-day Boulder. — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Boulder has made its goal crystal clear: 100% renewable energy by 2030. Boulder is taking a community investment approach by encouraging its residents to invest in solar and hydroelectricity and being transparent in energy costs. Boulder wants to create a city where everyone is on board to increase sustainability and fight global warming.

11. San Jose, California

San Jose has stated that their primary concerns are public safety, sustainability, and usability. City officials have been monitoring air quality and climate sensors to better understand air and sound pollution. With Silicon Valley within arms reach, look for San Jose to be innovative in the next few years in various carbon-reducing techniques.

12. New York City, New York

The most populous city in the country is making some big strides in managing water, waste, traffic, tourism, and mobility. The city uses more than a billion gallons of water daily, so sensors have been installed to track usage. Kiosks have been installed for people to charge their phones and get the latest news and waste sensors to traffic air pollution. The biggest city in America is taking control as the leader in providing a better environment for the next generation.