ICF offers the world’s only certification program for Intelligent Communities. It identifies cities, counties and regions that are investment-ready and prepared to prosper economically, socially and culturally amid the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. It provides objective, third-party validation of the community’s potential and progress, based on internationally recognized standards.
“Our city is very proud of earning this prestigious international Certification. It was the result of a thorough third-party audit, review and analysis process that took multiple months and the detailed work of ICF’s team of experts. Our city proudly presented the Certification achievement to our community at a City Commission meeting, with the Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Commissioners in attendance.” – Raimundo Rudolfo, Chief Innovation Officer, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Why Certify?
Economic development value. Meeting the Certification standard provides objective validation that a community has high-quality connectivity, effective workforce development, a business innovation system and meaningful community engagement, digital inclusion and sustainability programs in place. These qualities combine to support the growth of innovative businesses, meet their talent needs and provide a high quality of life.
Community validation. The work of community building can be slow and difficult, leaving innovators to feel they are working in a vacuum. Certification offers validation that local projects and programs rise to a global standard regardless of the municipality’s location, wealth or resources.
Continuous improvement. As a Certified Intelligent Community, your municipality may gain free access to ICF programs including best practice reports, online training and a network of like-minded communities providing peer learning and engagement.
“Since becoming Certified, Durham Region has seen stronger alignment across partners, a clearer shared language and a more compelling narrative for investment and collaboration. Durham has long embraced innovation, collaboration and connected systems, and receiving Full Certification from ICF allowed us to elevate and validate that work on a global stage." - Alison Burgess, Director of Communications & Engagement, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
What does Certification deliver?
Certification delivers benefits including a Certified Intelligent Community logo and public listing, confidential reporting on results, press releases and promotion and ongoing participation in ICF programs. See the Certification process page for details.
Learn more about the Certification process →
Review the Certification standards →
View the list of Certified Intelligent Communities →
Apply for Certification →
“Hilliard is the first US city to receive Full Certification from ICF. That establishes our city as a top-tier city on a global scale. Since being Certified, Hilliard has been recognized as the Columbus Business First Best Suburb to do Business and Fast Company’s 2025 list of the 10 Most Innovative Companies in Economic Development." - Dave Meadows, Economic Development Director, Hilliard, Ohio, USA
