Austin received a bit of exciting news earlier this month – At SXSW, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced that Austin has been chosen as a finalist in the US Department of Transportation’s “Beyond Traffic: The Smart City Challenge.” The prize is a $40 million grant to support technology-driven mobility solutions, along with up to $10 million from a private company (Vulcan Inc.) to support the deployment of electric vehicles and other carbon emission reduction strategies. Austin was chosen as one of seven finalists out of 78 cities that applied. A final decision will be announced in June.

“Austin possesses the spirit of innovation required to redefine mobility for the 21st century,” said Mayor Steve Adler, in a press release. “No other city is better positioned than Austin to realize the potential of the Smart City initiative. Moreover, no U.S. city is in more need of innovation in transportation to address our most pressing challenges of mobility and affordability.” More info>>