Title
Smart City PHX Initiative Update
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Arts Subcommittee an update on the Smart City PHX Initiative.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix Office of Innovation and Information Technology Services contracted with International Data Corporation (IDC) to develop Phoenix's first Smart Cities roadmap to advance the use of data and smart technologies across City departments, connecting with approved City plans and priorities. IDC is a global leader in helping cities to advance in the areas of data, innovation, and Smart Cities technologies.
A Smart City puts people first, elevating the use of data and technology to streamline processes, save money and enhance quality of life for residents. Examples of "Smart City" technologies include: the use of sensors (leak detection, air-quality monitoring, heat), smart parking apps, real-time tracking of public transit, autonomous vehicles, open-data platforms and dashboards, digital citizen services, smart street lighting, urban heat mapping, among others.
The development of the Smart City PHX Roadmap included convening a citywide Smart Cities working group, made up of leadership in key departments, and conducting work sessions with City leadership and staff to identify department successes, explore opportunities and consider barriers to advancement. An analysis of current Smart Cities projects found more than 130 across departments. These include: Water Services Department's AI wastewater monitoring; Street Transportation's passive detection technology for bicyclists and pedestrians, digital kiosks, Automated Road Analyzer, and Cool Pavement Program; Microsoft Copilot; remote water monitoring and leak detection; inCitu augmented reality community engagement platform; Phoenix Convention Center's ParkPHX tool; the Public Transit Department's real-time passenger information system; Planning and Development's Shape PHX; and PHX Sky Harbor is leading the way in autonomous, driverless passenger pickup and drop-off. In 2023 and 2025, the City of Phoenix received top honors in the Smart Cities North America Awards competition.
Strategic use of data is the foundation for the Smart City PHX Roadmap. Phoenix is one of only three cities in North and South America to have achieved Platinum-level certification from What Works Cities, a global standard for well-managed, data-driven local government. The City Manager's Performance Dashboard and Open-Data Portal represent two areas of excellence. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in the evolution of the roadmap, advancing opportunities while mitigating risks. Collaboration is key. Phoenix is a lead member of The Connective Phoenix, a consortium of cities and towns, Arizona State University, Maricopa Association of Governments, among others, advancing Metropolitan Phoenix as a model for a Smart Region.
The development of the Smart City PHX Roadmap includes robust community outreach, including more than 520 responses to a Smart Cities community survey, with promotion through Mayor and City Council offices, city newsletters and social media channels. A majority of respondents have a positive view of advancing Phoenix as a Smart City. Community events are taking place at Phoenix Public Library branches in each Council District. In May of 2025, more than 150 residents, academics and businesses participated in the Innovate PHX Challenge hackathon to explore Smart Cities solutions focusing on public spaces, active transportation and accessibility. These ideas are currently being evaluated.
The next steps include: finalizing the Smart City PHX Roadmap to be presented to the Phoenix City Council; advancing the City's Smart Cities working group; and submitting citywide applications for the 2026 Smart Cities Awards.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Inger Erickson and Deputy City Manager John Chan, and Information Technology Services and the Office of Innovation.