Cities are increasingly marketing themselves as “smart cities” — hyper-connected, sensor-equipped communities — in their latest economic development pitch to attract workers and businesses.

Why it matters: Metropolitan areas across the country are trying to take advantage of new technologies to become more efficient and sustainable — two qualities that appeal to younger generations of workers, as well as the startups and big corporations who want to employ them.

“Smart city” is the buzzword adopted by tech firms and mayors to describe areas that mash together fast internet, sensors and automation to power “smart” streetlights, energy meters, water monitors and transportation systems.
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