The U.S. Department of Transportation launched the Smart City Challenge earlier this week for cities to compete for a grant of up to $40 million. The ideal Smart City applicant has an approximate population between 200,000 and 850,000 based on 2010 U.S. Census data, and a population density of more than 15 percent in its urban area, according to DOT. This range includes a number of cities in California and more than 100 nationwide.

The Smart City Challenge demonstrates DOT’s continued support for the introduction of new technologies, such as automated and connected vehicles, to modernize our nation’s transportation infrastructure. The winning medium-sized city will receive a grant by showing what is possible when communities use technology to connect transportation to an interactive network. Through a two-step award process, DOT plans to select five finalists in March and announce the winner in June. For more information on the Smart City Challenge and award criteria, please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications are due Feb. 4.

In addition to encouraging the introduction of smart technologies into our commutes, DOT has also announced initiatives supporting smart planning associated with transit oriented development, which is also welcome news following the FAST Act being signed into law last week.