From the OC Register:
Imagine going to a community center where you can use a digital smart table to get information on a myriad of city-related topics and activities. Or how about being able to borrow a tablet from the center, just like you would be loaned a book at the local library? That's the big idea that employees at the city of Irvine hope will win $5 million in Bloomberg Philanthropies' first ever Mayors Challenge. The national competition open to cities with a population of at least 30,000 was created to identify "ideas that solve major challenges and improve city life – and can spread to other cities," according to the contest statement... Although other staff members submitted proposals that included ideas related to solar energy and digital technology, this one was chosen because it was one of the most detailed and already involved community partners such as the academic community, represented by several colleges at UC Irvine, and the business sector, represented by Microsoft Corp., Reynolds said.

For the full story, please visit http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-372754-irvine-digital.html.