New Urban Collaboratory tackles emerging city challenges in Benton Harbor

A $2-million University of Michigan-funded initiative called Urban Collaboratory will align faculty members researching smart city technologies and urban design with Benton Harbor leaders and residents. Together they will identify and address emerging challenges in 21st-century urban centers.

Among other things, experts are seeking to learn whether more residents without cars could get to jobs and training programs through a more strategic public transit system — one that supports the newest mobility technologies and the design of citywide mobility hubs.

In addition, researchers are hoping to show that a network of sensors designed to measure pollution and soil moisture — and communicate that information to an automated drainage system — will reduce flooding and improve water quality.

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