7 Lessons from the SMART Curb Collaborative Convening in Portland

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March 20, 2025

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OMF Staff

This month, the Open Mobility Foundation (OMF) convened the 10-city SMART Curb Collaborative in Portland for two days of deep discussions, knowledge sharing, and a hands-on look at innovative curb management strategies. As cities continue to digitize and modernize curb policies and practices, this gathering revealed key lessons about technology adoption, compliance, data storytelling, and the future of curbside management. Here are our top takeaways:

1. Seeing is Believing

One of the highlights of the convening was the guided tour of B-Line’s zero-emission delivery operations and the City of Portland’s zero-emission delivery zone. Seeing sustainable last-mile logistics in action—and the underlying technology (and data) used to communicate between the company and the City—reinforced the value of real-world demonstrations. These experiences help city leaders and stakeholders better understand how policies and technologies function outside of reports and presentations. Seeing live demonstrations like this offers tangible proof points, fosters engagement, and inspires new approaches.

2. Data is as Valuable as the Story It Tells

Effective curb management requires more than just collecting data—it requires translating that data into actionable insights. Cities like Seattle and Boston are investing in digital maps and machine learning to better understand curb usage. At the same time, cities must improve how they communicate findings to decision-makers and the public. A clear narrative that connects data to real-world impact is key to gaining buy-in and driving policy changes that improve the lives of residents.

3. Technology Needs to Serve the Cities, Not the Other Way Around

From solar-powered cameras to AI-driven curb mapping, technology plays a crucial role in curb management. Cities want to foster innovation and utilize these advancements to benefit their residents. However, they also must ensure vendor performance while contending with delays and other issues in the tech ecosystem. The consensus? Technology should adapt to and further city needs, not force cities to adjust their operations. Some cities are exploring ways to develop in-house solutions for greater flexibility and cost savings or reform their procurement practices to bring in the right partners.

4. Compliance is a Challenge, But Solutions Are Emerging

Ensuring compliance with curb regulations remains a critical issue. Cities are exploring a mix of education, incentives, and other tactics to encourage adherence. Discussions highlighted that immediate steps like structured permitting and direct engagement with curb users can drive improvement, but aren’t enough on their own. A key takeaway: compliance isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about making the right choices easy and practical.

5. CDS Adoption is Growing, But Needs More Support

The Curb Data Specification (CDS) is helping cities create a shared language for curb data, offering a valuable toolkit to improve day-to-day operations. From asset management and permit reviews to sign inventories, cities are already seeing how CDS can streamline processes and improve efficiency. While adoption is growing, many vendors still don’t fully conform to CDS, limiting its broader effectiveness. Cities discussed strategies for accelerating adoption, including incorporating stronger contract requirements and demonstrating the immediate operational value of CDS. Over time, as CDS evolves, it may also deliver even greater benefits to curb users and the broader mobility ecosystem.

6. Scaling Curb Initiatives Requires a Long-Term Vision

From the zero-emission delivery zones in Portland to air quality sensors in Minneapolis and data validation strategies in San Jose, cities are thinking big about curb management. However, scalability remains a challenge with projects operating on short-term grant funding. Cities are building long-term business cases to secure sustainable funding, integrate with other urban systems, and justify continued investment.

7. Failing Forward: The Value of Learning Through Experimentation

One of the most important takeaways from this convening is the value of both success and failure. Through USDOT’s SMART grant program, cities were tasked with executing ambitious projects on tight timelines. This challenge pushed public agencies to embrace rapid iteration, test new approaches, and adapt in real-time. While cities have seen many wins, they’ve also identified roadblocks and learned what doesn’t work. These lessons are just as valuable as successes, informing future iterations and making curb management smarter, more efficient, and better suited to real-world needs. Programs like SMART help governments become more nimble, proving that innovation isn’t just about getting it right the first time—it’s about continually improving and pushing the envelope.

Looking Ahead

This convening reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in solving complex curb management challenges. Cities are learning from each other, identifying shared obstacles, and pushing for better technology and policy solutions. As the SMART Curb Collaborative continues, OMF will remain a key partner in advancing digital curb management and ensuring that cities have the tools they need to build safer, more efficient, and accessible urban streetscapes.