City of Defiance Reflects on 2026 Smart21Recognition, Looks Ahead to ICF Global Summit

DEFIANCE, OHIO — In March 2026, the City of Defiance was named one of the Intelligent Community Forum's (ICF) 2026 Smart21 Communities of the Year. It marks the third time in four years that Defiance has earned this distinction, following previous recognitions in 2023 and 2024 — a level of consistency achieved by very few communities of Defiance's size anywhere in the world.

The Smart21 list recognizes just twenty-one communities worldwide each year, selected through a data-driven, merit-based evaluation against hundreds of communities in ICF's global database — with no fee or ability to pay for inclusion. This year's list spans ten countries, underscoring the international caliber of the company Defiance now keeps.

ICF's work carries weight well beyond its own network: the organization was invited to take part in the Nobel Peace Prize conference in Oslo in 2012, and in 2014 its community development model was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Smart21 designation reflects the sustained work of a broad coalition of local partners, and as the year has unfolded, it has also opened doors for Defiance well beyond Ohio, giving the community opportunities to share its story with international audiences and fellow Intelligent Communities around the world.

"This recognition belongs to our whole community," said Mayor Mike McCann. "It reflects the vision and hard work of our businesses, educational partners, community organizations, and residents — and it's given Defiance a platform to share what we're doing with communities far beyond our borders."

The City extends its sincere appreciation to Jen English, MS4 Coordinator, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in preparing Defiance's Smart21 application and in coordinating the community partnerships that made this honor possible.

Looking ahead, Defiance will build on this momentum at the 2026 ICF Global Summit, themed "Midwest Rising: A Testbed for a Changing Nation" and hosted this year in Columbus, OH. On October 15, 2026, the City will take part in a panel discussion titled "A Learning Community at the Confluence of Water, Technology, and Stewardship," further highlighting Defiance's work at the intersection of innovation and environmental stewardship. Representing Defiance on the panel will be Mayor Mike McCann and Dr. Agnes Caldwell of Defiance College, reflecting the close partnership between the City and the College. That partnership is anchored by the Defiance Research Alliance, which brings the City and Defiance College together around source water protection and collaborative water quality research, outreach, and education.

The City thanks its businesses, educational institutions, community organizations, and residents whose continued collaboration has helped position Defiance as a globally recognized Intelligent Community.

Click here for more information on Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Summit 2026.

Press release written and provided by City of Defiance.

Media Contacts: Defiance, Ohio - Jennifer English • jenglish@cityofdefiance.gov ICF - Matthew Owen • mowen@intelligentcommunity.org