Spokane’s Urbanova Set to Drive Innovation and Economic Development for Cities of the Future

October 3, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Recently, Avista along with partners Itron, Inc., City of Spokane, McKinstry, WSU Spokane and the University District Development Association, announced Urbanova. Urbanova's goal is to harness data to gain insights, empower people and solve urban challenges in new ways. It will enable healthier citizens, safer neighborhoods, smarter infrastructure, a more sustainable environment and a stronger economy. The collaborative effort is already yielding results with smart city projects, including a smart and connected streetlight pilot, “Shared Energy Economy” model and smart city research grants.

"As new technologies continue to change the energy landscape, Avista is proud to be one of the founding partners to come together to create a smart city technology proving ground that anyone can utilize and that everyone will benefit from -- in the heart of Spokane,” said Heather Rosentrater, Avista vice president of energy delivery. “Each partner brings expertise and leadership in their respective fields. Aligning our efforts will support projects that can enhance the livability, workability, sustainability and quality of life in cities, starting with Spokane. It will also create a testing ground for companies and innovators who are working on smart city solutions to be replicated around the world.”

For more information, visit urbanova.org