Four local government receiving $100,000 in grants and university expertise are kicking off technology projects focused on improving their communities' walkability and digital infrastructure.

Four cities around Georgia each received $50,000 in the second year of the research university's Georgia Smart Communities Challenge program.

Four communities have been named as winners. They receive funding and research support as the governments now begin yearlong research projects.

The program will join governments, industry and researchers from across the state and award up to 0,000 in direct funding for each winning project.