This paper considers the processes of digitalization of urban management, which forms the prerequisites for solving the problem of the development of the concept of smart cities. As a result, the historical aspects of the formation of the Smart City concept are distinguished. Based on this, elements of the Smart City concept are highlighted at the present stage, such as vision, ecosystem, management, technological background, and financing. Generalization of the results of the study of the processes of digitalization of smart city management has made it possible to distinguish its traditional components, which include transport, energy, utilities, urban environment, security, and "smart" house. In order to ensure effective monitoring of the implementation and development of digital services in the smart city management system, it is proposed to use "city smartophores". The systematization of the Smart City formation experience provided an opportunity to distinguish the relevant models of digitalization of urban governance – decentralized, centralized, and local. The scope of application, initiators, advantages and disadvantages, and prospects for the development of each of them are determined. Unlike other results of the study of the effectiveness of the development of smart cities, it is suggested that the most vivid picture of ensuring a comfortable life in the city is demonstrated by the size of its population. It is proved that it is in the developed cities of any country in the world that there are positive rates of population growth. Quantitative criteria for determining the upper and lower limits of the efficiency of smart city development according to the selected indicator have been developed. The practical application of the results of the study is the possibility of predicting further directions of development of the smart city based on a quantitative assessment of the level of its digital transformation