NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The City of Newark has won a grant from IBM to help officials identify ways to improve delivery of municipal services, government efficiency and citizen engagement.
Mayor Cory Booker announced the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Grant on Thursday.
Newark is among 24 cities worldwide to receive grants, which can reach up to $400,000.
Under the terms of the grant, IBM Corp. will offer the services of technology specialists. They will consult with city leaders on ways to make programs such as health care, public safety, transportation, budget management and other programs more technologically efficient.
That will be followed by a series of recommendations for improvements.
Booker says the grant will help Newark continue to leverage technology to make government more efficient and effective.