The City of Waco received a $1,440,405 Project Grant award on July 15, 2025, from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Immediate Office of the Secretary under the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program (CFDA 20.941). The grant will fund a demonstration project in downtown Waco that implements artificial intelligence-enabled edge sensors and the MobiMaestro algorithm to enhance pedestrian and bicycle usage, improve vulnerable road user safety, and increase human-scale access to businesses. The project is scheduled for completion by January 14, 2027, and represents a Stage One planning and prototyping initiative within the SMART program's $100 million annual funding authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
This award supports the City of Waco's efforts to deploy advanced smart city technologies that leverage data analytics and intelligent infrastructure to address real-world transportation challenges in an urban downtown environment. The SMART Grants Program funds such demonstration projects to build data and technology capacity within eligible public sector entities while improving transportation efficiency and safety through technology interventions. The City of Waco, as a recipient, will deliver the technology deployment and operational outcomes specified in the project scope during the approximately 18-month performance period.