Grant Award Summary

The College of William & Mary received a $295,675 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041), effective February 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026, to develop and pilot a prototype system for data-driven monitoring and optimization of right-of-way permits. The project, conducted under the Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Track B initiative, will produce artificial intelligence and sensor-based technology capable of automatically detecting unpermitted street, sidewalk, and bike lane closures in real-time. Key deliverables include an operational prototype system integrated with anomaly detection algorithms and multi-objective inspection routing optimization to guide municipal inspectors, along with uncertainty-aware machine learning models employing human-in-the-loop validation methodologies.

In addition to the functional prototype system, the project will generate open-source software, comprehensive deployment guides, and training materials designed for public access and reuse by other municipalities and sensor modalities. The solution addresses critical municipal enforcement challenges by improving compliance with right-of-way closure procedures, recovering lost permit application fee revenue, and enhancing urban traffic flow and transportation safety. By combining advanced machine learning and systems engineering innovations with direct input from city officials, field staff, and civic organizations, the project demonstrates technical contributions in automation, optimization, and scalable enforcement mechanisms for urban right-of-way management.