The Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center (SSC) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an enabling platform for interdisciplinary collaboration to understand and transform the impact of urbanization at the scientific, economic, and human levels. UAB’s contribution to sustainability derives from the university’s unique capabilities to generate new knowledge and cutting-edge science. Through the Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center (SSC), UAB acts as an engine of innovation that can transform the community by developing smart technologies and information systems, better transportation models, green construction, renewable energy, and sustainable environment, which results in increased economic development, healthier workforce, and better quality of life for all. Such innovation-based growth will lead to societal transformation, and UAB is proud to be at the forefront of this process, leading the way to the future.