A city based on circular economy principles would reframe itself as a closed loop, where production of goods is linked to waste streams, where energy is created locally, and where the cities’ people, businesses and governments build on that value to be healthier, more prosperous, with a lower carbon footprint.

New platforms will enable utilities to embrace emerging mobility and transportation-to-grid business models.

Pervasive citywide connectivity will support new revenue streams for municipalities.

While several utilities have successfully rate-based microgrids, many also have struggled.

Navigant’s managing director introduces a series providing a comprehensive look at what is needed to build smart communities.

Smart communities work by creating a triangle of collaboration with the utility, technology provider and community.

"Street lights as critical real estate to develop into small cell technology for advanced communications is exciting."

"Smart lighting is a foundation for implementing smart city technology."

"We were in the top ten of the country with enabling texts to 911 statewide."

"The digitally literate workforce – a farmer, a mechanic, a nurse, or software engineer – all require a level of digital literacy, computational thinking, in the new economy."