The Woodstock City Council has agreed to apply for a $75,000 Georgia Smart Communities Challenge grant and authorized up to $10,000 in cash and $40,000 in like-kind materials, services or donations as a local match.

The grant, with funding by Georgia Power and supporting research by Georgia Tech, would underwrite first-year planning and pilot studies.

A smart city uses data-capturing sensors and technologies to manage traffic and transportation systems, water supplies, information systems and other community services, according to a staff report to the council.

While Woodstock’s vision “still needs to be articulated” with more input needed from staff, elected officials and the public, “we envision a Smart Street network that is adaptive to new models of transportation and that meets the needs of drivers, transit riders and pedestrians alike,” staff said.

At the end of one year, Woodstock could have "a road map for a Smart Cities future … and perhaps a pilot program to lead into year two efforts," staff said. Information: https://b.gatech.edu/2GZhhpV

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Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo