“There are few things in life that are free. Being recognized as an Intelligent Community may just be one of them.”

That was the beginning of the blog on August 5, 2015 about the benefits that communities can expect by successfully applying to be recognized as a SMART21 Intelligent Community via https://www.intelligentcommunity.org/nominations. I have often been asked what the benefits are from the unique ICF Awards Program and I have referred them to the original blog from August 2015. But three years later, I felt we needed to update the original. Besides, the original listed only 12 benefits. Today, we are listing an amazing Top 20 Reasons.

Father Walter Wagner is the Pastor of the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer & St. Catherine of Sienna in Manhattan where he serves as the Prior for Dominican priests and brothers serving the community and the healthcare ministry. The Order has been in NY for 150 years. Part 1 of 3.