Antelope Valley Press

Palmdale is Smart Cities contest finalist

National council’s challenge recognizes sustainabi­lity, resilience, use of 5G

- By RAYMOND GARCIA Valley Press Staff Writer

PALMDALE — The City was recently named a finalist in the Smart Cities Readiness Challenge 2020.

As a member of the national Smart Cities Council, the City was invited to participat­e in the 2020 challenge. Readiness Challenges are competitio­ns where cities are educated about how to achieve certain benefits such as sustainabi­lity, resilience or even the use of 5G.

“Despite these challengin­g times, Palmdale continues to look for ways to stay on the cutting edge to improve our community in all facets, including the area of technology,” Mayor Steve Hofbauer said.

City staff defined projects that promoted sustainabi­lity and resiliency, and developed an integrated master plan for implementi­ng smart technology initiative­s focusing on three key areas technology/innovation, public safety and sustainabi­lity.

“As Palmdale progresses toward becoming a leading Smart City, City staff are always on the lookout for cutting-edge technologi­es and operationa­l methods and are actively engaged in collaborat­ion with our local stakeholde­rs to identify and develop areas to enhance the livability and workabilit­y in the community,” City Manager J.J. Murphy said. “It is an honor to be recognized for these efforts.”

The Smart Cities City Council is

a global organizati­on that supports cities around the world in their pursuit to embrace technology and data as a force for good. This year’s theme is “Cities Helping Cities.”

After submitting the applicatio­n in October, the City was named as a finalist and was asked to submit a video narrative about its Smart City initiative­s to engage with other cities who share similar goals and who may be experienci­ng some of the same issues faced during this unpreceden­ted time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit www.youtu.be/PgE6FesAKW­Q to watch the video.

As of Wednesday through Jan. 5, residents can vote for the City using a five-star rating system online at www. smartcitie­scouncil.com/content/2021-q1-finalist/all?

For details about the City’s participat­ion in the program, contact the Environmen­t and Technology division at 661-267-5970.

 ?? COURTESY PHOTO ?? Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at Palmdale City facilities. The City was recently named a finalist in the Smart Cities Readiness
Challenge 2020. The event teaches cities how to achieve benefits through smart technology.
COURTESY PHOTO Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at Palmdale City facilities. The City was recently named a finalist in the Smart Cities Readiness Challenge 2020. The event teaches cities how to achieve benefits through smart technology.

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