Mapping the Future: How Urban SDK is Empowering Smart Cities and Public Safety

In the complex environment of urban infrastructure, the ability to turn raw data into life-saving decisions is a game-changer for public leaders. At the forefront of this shift is Urban SDK, a Jacksonville-based geospatial AI firm dedicated to helping city and state organizations build safer, more efficient communities. Led by co-founders Drew Messer (CEO) and Justin Dennis (COO), the company has transitioned from a specialized startup into a critical partner for hundreds of public agencies across the nation, proving that data-driven innovation is the key to modern governance.

The story of Urban SDK began in 2018 with a mission to equip local government leaders with a system of action. Since its founding, the company has focused on bridging the gap between complex geospatial data and the practical needs of state and local governments. This commitment to solving mission-critical problems has fueled a period of significant growth. Between 2021 and 2025, Urban SDK expanded its workforce by an impressive 400%, scaling its engineering and revenue teams to keep pace with a nationwide demand that now spans 40 states and over 300 agencies.

One of the defining shifts in the company’s history was the decision to move toward a more flexible, consumption-based model. By simplifying how agencies access traffic and safety data, Urban SDK lowered the barrier for smaller municipalities while maintaining the high-level value required by major state organizations. This strategic pivot increased deal velocity and allowed the company to establish a repeatable selling process that treats local governments as partners in a technological revolution rather than just clients.

The culture at Urban SDK is rooted in servant leadership and a “white glove” approach to customer service. Customers have direct access to the C-suite, and the company provides unlimited, tailored training to ensure every agency can successfully deploy its tools. Internally, this culture of support is mirrored in a management style that values every voice and clear lanes for career progression, which fosters a deep sense of accountability and pride in the work.

Beyond its software, the company’s impact is felt directly in the communities it serves. Urban SDK’s system of action enables officials to address citizen concerns, such as speeding or roadway congestion, with surgical precision and then measure the results of their efforts. Whether helping a city clear up a backlog of safety complaints or providing real-time data to assist in emergency management operations, the company’s technology serves as a vital resource for public safety. By providing a holistic view of roadway characteristics, from bike lanes to accessibility metrics, Urban SDK is helping leaders design cities that are not only efficient but equitable.

Earlier this month, Urban SDK announced a $65M growth round from Riverwood Capital to scale its AI-powered system of action for local governments. As Urban SDK continues to expand its market share and enhance its product roadmap, Urban SDK’s team remains focused on the human element behind the data. This mission-driven approach — investing equally in a best-in-class product and strong company culture — trickles down from leadership to employees to customers, and is a roadmap for all aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex world of government technology.

“Our mission has always been to equip the government teams serving our communities with the intelligence they need to protect lives and steward public resources responsibly,” says Messer.

Along with its current raise, the significance of being recognized as a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch is a powerful validation of Urban SDK’s trajectory. For a company focused on “shaping what’s possible,” this honor highlights their ability to scale smartly while maintaining a relentless focus on product-market fit. It celebrates the engineering team’s creative ability to solve complex problems and the leadership’s vision of making every city a model of precision and safety.

“As we engage with more cities, agencies, and partners in 2026, we believe our technology will continue shaping the future of smart cities across the US,” says Dennis.