IBM Executives Arrive in Providence to Begin Work on Smarter Cities Challenge Grant Program

Two-week visit to culminate in report on August 19 at the Biltmore Hotel.

This week, members of IBM's elite Executive Service Corp arrived in Providence to begin working with City officials and stakeholders in the community as part of the Smarter Cities Challenge Grant Program that was announced in March.

Providence was among 24 cities worldwide that IBM selected in its first Smarter Cities Challenge, a competitive grant that the company will award to 100 municipalities globally in the next three years. The technology and services that Providence will receive from IBM under the Smarter Cities Challenge grant are equivalent to as much as $400,000.

Over the next two weeks, IBM will work with leaders across sectors in the City of Providence to address the challenge of developing a shared framework for data-driven land management.

"I am thrilled to welcome IBM back to Providence this week and explore new ways to use technology to streamline and improve City Government for businesses, citizens and the greater good of the community," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "I am certain that continued collaboration between all parties involved in this important work will result in a smarter, stronger Providence."

In its application, the City of Providence asked IBM for support in developing a framework for data-driven land management in the Knowledge District in light of the 19.5 acres of newly-developable urban land that opened up as a result of the relocation of I-195. The plan is to use IBM's Smarter Cities grant to develop a new land use decision making process that incorporates both information drawn from across the city and the views of many stakeholders in the community.

During their stay, the IBM team will be headquartered at the new municipal building on 444 Westminster Street. The visit will culminate in a report with recommendations for how the City can move forward. A final presentation with Mayor Taveras will take place on Friday, August 19 at the Biltmore Hotel from 9-10AM. To RSVP please contact Melanie Jewett at mjewett@providenceri.com or 401-680-8522.