CivStart will help the cities, including New York and Philadelphia, find tech solutions to local issues over the next year.

The group's third annual startup cohort gains access to its adviser network and can work with established companies like Amazon Web Services.

If the public will interact with a project, they shouldn't be exposed to confusing terms that obscure the purpose of a project, IT officials told a conference audience.

Ten startups will enter a 24-month program to develop solutions aimed at improving quality of life, public safety and public health for underserved communities.