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Austin, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Denver; Kansas City, Missouri; Pittsburgh; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco are finalists for the Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge, Secretary Anthony Foxx announced�� March 12 at the South by Southwest conference in Austin.

The seven cities are competing for up to $40 million in government funding and $10 million from Vulcan Inc. to fully integrate innovative technologies��— self-driving cars, connected vehicles and smart sensors��— into their transportation networks.

“The level of excitement and energy the Smart City Challenge has created around the country far exceeded our expectations,” Foxx said. “After an overwhelming response — 78 applications total — we chose to select seven finalists instead of five because of their outstanding potential to transform the future of urban transportation.”

The finalists will receive a $100,000 grant to further develop their proposals. DOT will work with officials in each city to connect them with the department’s partnerships and provide technical assistance.

Foxx announced the Smart City Challenge on Dec. 7.

Top 7 Smart Cities Finalists with ! — Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther)