WASHINGTON — Arlington, Virginia, is being recognized as one of the top communities in the world for its economic and social improvements.
International think tank and foundation, Intelligent Community Forum named Arlington as one of the world’s Smart 21 Communities of 2015. It was one of four communities in the United States to receive the honor.
The Smart 21 list reflects 21 communities around the world that are making innovative, intelligent moves to improve the area. The communities are selected based on five indicators: broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital inclusion and marketing and advocacy.
“It is an honor for Arlington to be listed among these prestigious communities from around the globe,” Cindy Richmond, acting director of Arlington Economic Development, said in a news release.
“Arlington has worked hard to become a community that not only attracts national high-tech and research companies and is known as the heart of the growing eastern tech corridor, but also is incredibly resilient and offers its residents excellent quality of life.”
The 2015 ranking makes it the fourth time Arlington has made the Smart 21 list.
Also on the list are four other U.S. communities; four from Australia; four from Taiwan; three from Canada; and one community each from Brazil, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya and New Zealand.
The other U.S. communities are Aurora, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Dubuque, Iowa and Mitchell, South Dakota.
Arlington and the 20 other communities are in the running for the designation of Intelligent Community of the Year, which will be awarded in June 2015.
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