Mayors Define the 'Smart City'

The 'smart city' concept, writes Danielle McLean, promises to "eliminate the hassles of urban life and make cities safer, greener and more efficient." But as the pandemic shifted priorities and technology did not deliver on its bold promises, Smart Cities Dive "wanted to find out what being a smart city means today and how cities are implementing smart-city initiatives throughout the country."

The article details responses from 15 large U.S. cities about their smart city plans, the limitations and challenges they've encountered in implementing technological fixes, and how they approach inequality.

In general, these respondents say the goal of smart cities is to improve residents’ quality of life. Local leaders say they achieve that goal by using technology and data responsibly as tools for decision-making and experimentation.

McLean describes the answers of mayors from around the country who describe the benefits they hope to derive from technology, including more efficient use of city resources, improved quality of life for residents, and enhanced public engagement. Many mayors express the hope that smart cities will prove to be more equitable and 'human-centered.'