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A smart community thrives on innovation and exploration. Smart Raleigh, housed within the Office of Strategy and Innovation (OSI), collaborates closely with the IT department and other city departments to develop smart city projects that address community issues and opportunities while testing advanced technologies.
A Pilot Project is a short-term “test” of a new technology that is focused on improving the lives of citizens or improving local government efficiency in delivery of services.
Smart Raleigh Projects
Peach Road Cultural Center Smart Lights and Wi-Fi: This completed pilot project tested energy-efficient lights thar produced an outdoor public Wi-Fi network to serve a largely immigrant population and neighborhood with limited high-speed internet access. The project identified valuable savings and improved public safety uses of the smart lights. Learn more, visit Smart Lighting at Peach Road Park
Greenway Innovation Corridor: Based on input from the Raleigh Impact Lab, this project identifies a 1.5-mile section of the city’s greenway as an innovation corridor where we will deploy new ideas, both tech-related and non-tech-related. New innovations and programs include:
Learn more, visit our Parks Page
Regional Air Quality & Heat Monitoring. Based on our Regional Challenge at our Summit II, a handful of communities will connect several air quality & heat monitors. Data from these will be shared using a platform developed by JustAir, Inc. Community education events will be organized to inform the public on air & heat conditions and actions they and we all can take. This project is being launched in summer 2025 in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Orange County and with collaboration from NCSU.
Improved Waste & Recycling Efficiency. The City is testing out a unique, locally made, trash and recycling container at its Barwell Community Center and Raleigh Founded, North Street. The MyMatR device encourages recycling, having a “hole” for waste and recyclables—and informs the user (the depositor of the waste or recyclable) if they select the correct hole. The device uses visual AI and sorts the materials inside the box and will alert staff when it is time to change out the bags. This device is being tested this summer and fall.
Stay Informed
Discover how these pilot projects are making a difference and stay updated on our progress through our Smart Raleigh newsletter!
Questions? Contact our office at 919-996-3070
