What Are Smarter Cities? / Make Your City Smarter / General

General Questions

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• 1. What distinguishes the Smarter Cities ranking from other green or healthy rankings of cities?
• The greatest difference between our rankings and others is the range of cities we ranked and the recognition that they need to be grouped in separate size categories. Drawing from a  universe of 655 U.S. cities enabled us to view important subjects such as sprawl both from the perspective of large cities struggling to revive their urban core and that of suburban towns seeking ways to create more walkable, bikeable, compact communities. As a result, Smarter Cities provides detailed pictures we hope will speak to Americans living in all cities, not just the largest.
• 2. Why are there no international cities included in Smarter Cities? Aren’t European cities far ahead of American cities in going green?
• Many European cities are indeed far ahead of American cities when it comes to sustainability. Copenhagen, for instance, is often regarded as the green-city ideal, with its commitment to renewable energy and ambitious urban development program. Cities like Munich have long been recognized for bike-friendliness and clean, green spaces. But  in the United States, cities are making big strides toward becoming cleaner, greener and smarter.
  
  Because European cities have a different history than most American cities (and a longer history of environmental awareness) and issues that our distinct from ours, it is often difficult to make sound comparisons between cities on the two continents—in the same way that it is difficult to compare American cities with vastly different population sizes. In addition, European cities have very different governmental structures than American cities. Cities in the European Union are subject not only to national laws but also those of the E.U., which further complicates comparison with U.S  cities. Smarter Cities would like to include international cities in future assessments, although likely on a different scale with a focus on their particular challenges and accomplishments.