The Smart Cities and Communities Task Force, a body under the NITRD Cyber-Physical Systems Interagency Working Group, developed Connecting and Securing Communities to provide Federal agencies with guidance in supporting research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) of technology to enable U.S. cities and communities to build “smart” infrastructure, systems, and services. Five high-level recommended practices are provided to inform Federal agencies in supporting smart city and community efforts. Four effective approaches, illustrated by case studies from current and past Federal programs and projects, are provided to assist agencies in facilitating job growth and economic prosperity through Federally funded RDD&D in smart cities and communities. Connecting and Securing Communities envisions Federal agencies working with industry, local leaders, civil society, academia, and other key stakeholders to accelerate the development and implementation of new discoveries and innovations that enable cities and communities to achieve their local goals and address their most important challenges.