A “smart city” often evokes images of a futuristic, high-tech metropolis. However, an analysis of projects recognized by leading international forums reveals that innovation isn’t always about cutting-edge technology.

This is how Curitiba has earned awards for initiatives such as a solar power plant built on a former landfill, a health appointment app, and community gardens on abandoned land. The term smart city generally applies to municipalities that address urban challenges in a sustainable, connected, and efficient manner.

In this episode of The Intelligent Community, ICF Co-Founder Lou Zacharilla speaks with Dan Mathieson, Former Mayor of Stratford.

Each year, the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Awards Program offers a series of high-profile events to inspire and connect leaders from across the globe. Mark your calendars for these key conferences in the 2025 Awards cycle, each hosted in an Intelligent Community renowned for its forward-thinking initiatives and unique contributions to the global Intelligent Community movement.

No início de novembro, será revelada qual a comunidade mais inteligente do mundo de 2024 pelo Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a instituição global que estabeleceu o conceito de cidades inteligentes há quase 30 anos. Neste ano, duas cidades paranaenses competem pelo título: Curitiba, que pelo quarto ano consecutivo figura entre as sete finalistas, e Assaí, cidade do Norte Pioneiro que conquistou a maior autoridade em comunidades do mundo, John G. Jung.

O fundador do Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), John Jung, está em Curitiba para a avaliação da cidade antes da eleição da comunidade mais inteligente do mundo. A capital paranaense é uma das sete finalistas ao prêmio, que será entregue em novembro em Barcelona, durante o ICF Global Summit. Assaí, no interior do estado, também concorre ao título em 2024. As duas cidades paranaenses são as únicas da América Latina na lista deste ano.

NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 June 2024 - On June 19, 2024, at the Hilton Taipei Sinban Hotel, the New Taipei City Government, in collaboration with the international organization ICF (Intelligent Community Forum), co-hosted the "2024 NTPC Smart City International Forum and ICF Top7 Global Cities Announcement." The forum's theme was "AI: The Innovation Accelerator," which explored how artificial intelligence has contributed to economic growth, sustainability, and human welfare. The event attracted overseas dignitaries, representatives from consulates, and industry leaders from nearly 30 countries, fostering lively participation.

On June 19-20, New Taipei City (NTPC) hosted the 2024 Top7 Conference, “AI: The Innovation Accelerator,” which brought together city leaders and technology experts from Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.

Communities from Brazil, Canada, Taiwan and the United States become finalists for Intelligent Community of the Year to be named at the ICF Global Summit in November in Barcelona

(New York, NY, USA & New Taipei City, Taiwan – June 19, 2024) – In an announcement today at the end of a live conference in New Taipei City, the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) named the Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2024. The 22nd annual Top7 list includes cities and counties from Brazil, Canada, Taiwan and the United States. One of these seven finalists in the think tank’s annual awards program will be named the Intelligent Community of the Year at the ICF Summit in November. (www.icfsummit.com)

In alphabetical order, the Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2024 are:

• Assaí, Paraná, Brazil
• Coral Gables, Florida, USA
• Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
• Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
• Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Hilliard, Ohio, USA
• Yunlin County, Taiwan

Hilliard is an intelligent, tech-savvy community on a global scale.

Earlier this year, the City was named a Top7 Intelligent Community of the Year by the Intelligent Community Forum. The honor distinguishes Hilliard as a model of economic and social transformation in the 21st century and a leader in advocacy, innovation, broadband development, and digital inclusion. ICF acknowledges Hilliard as a world-class community charting new paths to lasting growth and prosperity.

I get territorial when it comes to pride of place. It may be the psychic balm for the chronic case of homesickness I get whenever and wherever I travel.

With the exception of my university years, I have lived an entire life in the state of New York. In three places. I have lived in New York City for 40+ years. I grew up in the Finger Lakes region of the state, and for the past 20 years, spend time at a residence in Long Island in the eastern part of the state.

These places have been – for the most part – wonderful places for someone with my temperament. I have lived the life I dreamed of and wanted. I have built communities and friendships that are solid and long-lasting within the circumference of a few city blocks and internationally!