FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 23, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act, legislation that would expand smart city technologies and improve federal coordination of these programs.

Smart technologies help improve community safety, mobility, and resilience against natural disasters, while also expanding communication and public services in large cities and small towns alike. 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 $1.4 trillion expected to be invested globally in smart technology over the next five years, 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.

This technology is already making an impact in cities across the nation, including Washington. In Redmond, it is being deployed to improve traffic flow and management. This system helps detect pedestrians in crosswalks, adjusts light timings for safer crossing, and modifies traffic signals based on real-time volumes to reduce congestion and make our intersections safer and less stressful for roadway users. In Bellevue, the city has a Smart Mobility Plan to help the city plan for shared-use mobility, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and data management.

The Smart Cities and Communities Act would:

  • 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.

“Ensuring our communities are equipped with the smart city technologies they need to be cleaner, safer, and more resilient to the changing climate must be among Congress’ highest priorities,” said Clarke. “In the face of the worsening climate crisis, we have a responsibility to provide every American with equitable access to the innovations that will protect them from whatever an uncertain future might bring. I am proud to stand alongside my colleague, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, to introduce this forward-looking legislation that will position the United States as a leader in the global movement towards climate resilience and facilitate the critical upgrades our communities are depending on Congress to deliver.”

“Investing in smart city technology will propel our nation into a bright future, powered by more livable communities,” said Rep. DelBene. “The Smart Cities and Communities Act allows local governments to equip themselves with the cutting-edge tools to increase connectivity and develop green infrastructure. This important development will strengthen the middle class by generating good jobs and cutting pollution, ensuring the United States maintains its position as a global leader in innovation.”

“BSA commends Representatives DelBene and Clarke for reintroducing the Smart Cities and Communities Act, which recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to transform local communities. By encouraging adoption of and investments in AI-driven solutions, and supporting robust AI training and data utilization, this legislation will help communities realize smart city benefits that are efficient, cost-effective, and enhance public services,” said Craig Albright, SVP of US Government Relations, Business Software Alliance.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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