U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COLUMBUS HOLD SMART CITY CHALLENGE KICK OFF MEETING

COLUMBUS, OH - The City of Columbus wrapped up a two-day kick-off with the United States Department of Transportation, representatives from federal, state and city government, philanthropy, universities, NGO’s and the private sector on Tuesday.  These parties are united around the single goal of solving Columbus’ transportation challenges using technology and innovation.  This meeting comes on the heels of receiving the U.S. DOT’s fully executed Smart City Challenge Demonstration Cooperative Agreement on August 30. This agreement authorizes the City to begin planning and implementing its “SmartColumbus” vision for the $40 million grant. “Since winning the Smart City Challenge, we have been working closely with our public and private partners to get this work underway,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This kick-off marks the first step in what is going to be a learning experience for all of us – and one we are eager to share with the world. We know everyone wants to know how they can get involved; we ask for everyone’s patience while we get organized to deliver on our commitments.”