Intelligent Communities pursue tech-centric economic and community development in a new way. They put technology to work for their people and employers – but not only through smart city services that save money and increase convenience. They pursue technology as a foundation for economic growth. They encourage established companies and startups to create new solutions. They partner with educators and business to build the skilled workforce employers need. And they help their citizens through the challenges and changes this brings.

Together, they break through the usual institutional barriers of local government to achieve more: a dynamic, prosperous and inclusive local economy that supports a strong and connected local society and a rich and meaningful local culture. These are the things that, together, make a great place to live, work, build a business or career and create a path for the next generation.  Not just for today, but by equipping people, businesses and institutions to adapt to technology innovation that seems to know no limits.

ICF is a network of communities and partners in the business and nonprofit sectors that provides economic development, training, certification, membership and consulting services. Based on the best practices of more than 200 cities, counties and regions, we help communities build those innovative, inclusive and prosperous economies and cultivate strong social connections and rich and meaningful cultures. We do it for communities large and small, in urban clusters and outlying suburbs and rural places. We believe that digital connectivity and technology create the opportunity for almost every community to develop economic, social and cultural vitality - because we have seen it in communities on five continents.