As the pandemic forces cities to redefine their priorities, mayors around the country express their plans and hopes for technology and the 'smart city' of the future.
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.'
FULL STORY: 15 city leaders define a 'smart city'
How Autonomous Should Cities Be?
AI could automate many urban systems, but that may not mean it’s a good idea.
Tech Trends for Cities and States
Smart cities technology is well behind schedule, but the technology industry hasn’t given up on new digital solutions, self-driving cars, curb management, and AI-powered systems.
Top Websites for Urban Planning - 2022
Every year, Planetizen collects the websites breaking new digital ground in the world of planning and related fields.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
