The city of Hilliard has made waves internationally, proudly showcasing its innovative prowess at the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Global Summit held this week in Barcelona, Spain. Hilliard's delegation, comprised of prominent community leaders, participated in discussions centered on harnessing technology to convert present-day hurdles into economic and societal strides.
With its year-on-year recognition, Hilliard once again emerged as a Top7 Intelligent Community, marking a significant achievement for the Ohio city. The title brings it one step closer to potential global recognition. "We’re proud that Hilliard is one of the smartest cities in the world, and highlighting our community on a global stage validates that we’re doing things the right way," said Hilliard City Manager Michelle Crandall, in a statement obtained by the City of Hilliard.
Despite intense competition, Curitiba, Brazil, was crowned the Intelligent Community of the Year at the summit's conclusion. Cities such as Coral Gables, Florida, and international regions, including Durham Region in Ontario, Canada, and Yunlin County, Taiwan, shared the finalist spotlight with Hilliard. Hilliard stood out as one of only two U.S. cities to make it to the final round in 2024.
During the summit, the city's representatives highlighted Hilliard's commitment to skilled workforce development and sustainability initiatives. Hilliard City Manager Michelle Crandall states via City of Hilliard, "The award recognizes that we are employing best practices that will attract and train a workforce that prepares Hilliard for future economic growth." These words, shared during one of the panel discussions, affirm Hilliard's dedication to creating opportunities for high-tech companies while fostering a high quality of life for its inhabitants.
