In 2016, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) conducted a survey in partnership with the Smart Cities Council to learn more about the priorities and activities of U.S. local governments related to smart-city technologies.  The Smart Cities Council defines smart cities as communities that use information and communication technology to enhance livability, workability, and sustainability.  The results of this survey provide insight into the current use of smart city technologies in the U.S., as well as key motivators and barriers to the adoption of these solutions.  

The survey was sent on paper via postal mail to the chief administrative officers of 3,423 U.S. local governments with populations of 25,000 or greater.  Responses were received from 493 of the governments surveyed, yielding a response rate of 14.4%.  The following report reflects trends among the unweighted survey responses, and should only be considered to be representative of the responding governments.