1. The markets for electric vehicles and charging networks are growing

As cities develop and implement their smart city transformations, many are rightly focusing on transportation as a key component—and on EVs because they can contribute to reduce carbon emissions which in turn contributes to livability and sustainability. As you read our story, ask yourself if your city is ready for what looks more and more like the future of transportation.

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2. Smart buildings

Cities have many reasons to get smart. Climate mandates. Economic development. Operational efficiency. New research suggests that you can make gains on these and other goals by working towards smart buildings. First, by updating the city’s own buildings. Second, by using building codes and incentives to encourage the private sector to follow suit.

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3. Smart education

Microsoft is offering an early version of its Minecraft: Education Edition to K-12 educators so they can familiarize themselves with the game and learn how they can use it in their classrooms. A variety of lesson topics are available, including digital citizenship, city planning for population growth, literacy, factors and multiples, the effects of deforestation and more..

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4. New system gives a FULL picture of your city's traffic

Council Lead Partner Microsoft is partnering with Cubic on a new platform called NextTraffic, which brings all of a city’s traffic systems together. Traditionally, different systems may collect congestion information from sensors embedded in the roads, people monitoring video feeds on other systems may verify that information, and operators using still different systems adjust ramp meters or program message signs.

Using the cloud as a layer of glue, the system pulls everything from weather and sensor information and advanced data analytics into an integrated platform that's able to interact with traffic signals, dynamic speed and lane controls and signs. The same integrated platform can also feed into dispatch systems and power traveler information systems that help commuters make smarter choices.

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