This episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid features Shin-pei Tsay, Director of the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics for the City of Boston. The discussion explores Boston's innovative strategies for urban transformation, including proactive climate adaptation, heritage preservation through technology, and fostering inclusive mobility. 

 

Our guest shares insights on projects like cooling interventions to combat heatwaves, the evolution of neighbourhood-based urban systems, and the role of systems thinking in addressing complex city challenges. From balancing historic preservation with modernisation to envisioning Boston in 2074, this episode highlights how cities can leverage innovation to enhance liveability and resilience.

 

Overview of the episode:

[00:01:47] Teaser Question: "If you can imagine Boston 50 years from now, what does it look like, and what is the most used means of transportation in 2074?"
[00:06:15] Our guest's background: Shin-pei Tsay shares her career journey, including her roles in civic advocacy, urban design, mobility policy, and her time at Uber.
[00:09:11] Introduction to New Urban Mechanics: Shin-pei explains the origins and mission of Boston’s New Urban Mechanics as a civic innovation team.
[00:12:12] Integrating policy, technology, and design: A practical example of how these elements came together in the Citizen Connect project, a precursor to the 311 system.
[00:14:52] Favourite project: Shin-pei discusses cooling interventions to address Boston’s increasing heatwaves and systemic climate challenges.
[00:19:36] From reaction to proactivity: Insights into how Boston is transitioning from reactive measures to proactive planning for resilience.
[00:21:58] Systems thinking: The importance of systems thinking in tackling transportation, equity, and climate issues.
[00:24:36] Building trust and partnerships: Strategies for fostering trust with diverse stakeholders, from citizens to private organisations.
[00:30:17] Balancing innovation and heritage: An example of preserving Boston’s cultural heritage while modernising urban infrastructure, such as the Areaways project.
[00:32:59] Biggest challenge: Shin-pei highlights time as the greatest constraint and emphasises the importance of empathy and deep listening in addressing urban challenges.
[00:36:13] Podcast Segment: "Hot Take of the Day" – Shin-pei predicts the role of drones and autonomous technology in the cities of the future.
[00:38:33] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"