Providence to receive IBM Smarter Cities grant

PROVIDENCE – Providence was named as a recipient of the IBM Smarter Cities grant along with 23 other cities worldwide, Mayor Angel Taveras' office announced on Wednesday.

The Smarter Cities Challenge is a competitive grant that will be awarded to 100 municipalities globally in the next three years; Providence will receive technology and services equivalent to $400,000.

IBM consultants and technology specialist will study how intelligent technology might unite and advance difference aspects of life in Providence, and then outline strategies to make the city “healthier, safer, smarter, more prosperous and attractive to current and prospective residents and businesses.”

Recommendations will support economic development, delivery of municipal services, citizen engagement and improved efficiency.

“We selected Providence because of its commitment to the use of data to make better decisions, and for its desire to explore and act on smarter solutions to its most pressing concerns,” said Jennifer Crozier, IBM director of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs.

A news conference with more information on the project will be held on March 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Providence City Hall; the city worked with the Ocean State Consortium of Advanced Resources on the IBM proposal.