Philadelphia ranked in the top 10 of the smartest cities in the nation, for its smart tech and sustainability efforts.
A new study ranking the smartest cities in the United States has Philadelphia ranked at number 10, according to Andreea Neculae for CoworkingCafe.
The rankings were heavily determined by how each city is doing in terms of technology-driven urban development. It uses 13 key metrics, which are then categorized in three weighted groups: Smart Infrastructure and Connectivity, Sustainability and Green Initiatives, and Tech Job Market.
Read more: US: Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Ranks Among Smartest Cities in the Nation, New Study Finds
As 2026 approaches, American cities are undergoing unprecedented digital transformations that promise to reshape urban living.
With major global events on the horizon—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and billions in infrastructure investments—municipalities across the nation are racing to deploy cutting-edge smart city technologies.
Read more: America’s Biggest Smart City Projects Set for 2026
Intentional planning, low-risk pilots and getting the community involved are the first steps, a data scientist writes.
Artificial intelligence is arriving fast in public life, and cities like Philadelphia are at a crossroads: Deploy these tools to automate the status quo or to reimagine how the government listens, responds and serves.
When done well, AI can make services more accessible, consistent and responsive. When done poorly, it widens the gaps and obscures accountability. The challenge isn’t just technical — it’s civic. Now is the time to face it.
Read more: US: AI could transform city services in Philadelphia. Here’s how to do it right.
The key to success is implementing a partnership approach that considers how to put together a set of solutions that meet a city’s unique needs.
When the notion of the smart city arises, I often think of a former colleague who developed an early smart city event in 2002, highlighting the efforts of the Grant County, Washington, Public Utility District's early open-access fiber network.
Later, large companies like Cisco and IBM grabbed headlines by making large investments to develop technologies to support smart sensors, integrated public transport, digital healthcare systems, and energy-efficient solutions.
The new projects include work on pedestrian spaces and community development. At the same time, the city plans to deploy an upgraded, "first-of-its-kind" emergency command center at the famous Thanksgiving Day parade.
As New York City awaits the inauguration of a new mayor — Zohran Mamdani is scheduled take the oath of office on Jan. 1 — the city’s public-sector professionals are seeking fresh technological edges.
Read more: US: NYC Launches Fresh Smart City Technology Pilot Program