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#118 US Mayoral Roundtable: Alderman Gilbert Villegas on Tech-Driven Governance
In this co-branded episode recorded in Chicago, US, co-host George Burciaga, Managing Partner of the U.S. Mayoral Roundtable, joins forces with us to interview Alderman Gilbert Villegas of Chicago’s 36th Ward and Chair of the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development.
The conversation explores how Chicago is embracing innovation to create more seamless, equitable public service delivery. Alderman Villegas discusses the reactivation of the Chicago Innovation and Technology Task Force, efforts to rebuild trust with the tech sector, and the development of a Smart Superblock—a pilot urban zone integrating AI, connectivity, smart infrastructure, and public safety technologies.
Together, they highlight how policy, partnerships, and practical experimentation are enabling Chicago to move from fragmented services to an integrated, people-focused Smart City strategy—while also championing minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.
Episode Overview
[00:03:23] Teaser Question: “If you could trade places with any other elected official for one day, past or present, who would it be and why?”
[00:05:29] Our guest’s background
[00:12:34] Overview of the 36th Ward and his role as Chairman
[00:14:30] Creation of the Technology Task Force and tech goals
[00:25:04] Future goals: The Smart Superblock pilot in 2025
[00:28:02] Excitement about AI in government operations
[00:31:12] Policies for supporting minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses
[00:33:12] What Chicago’s leaders are doing right in terms of leadership
[00:36:29] Personal definition and approach to leadership
[00:37:50] Example of standing up against resistance (redistricting and Latino representation)
[00:39:53] Open floor: Passion for policy and civic engagement
[00:44:01] Podcast Segment: “Trial and Error” – running for Congress and learning from failure
[00:47:53] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?
Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it!
Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.
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By BABLE Smart CitiesIn this co-branded episode recorded in Chicago, US, co-host George Burciaga, Managing Partner of the U.S. Mayoral Roundtable, joins forces with us to interview Alderman Gilbert Villegas of Chicago’s 36th Ward and Chair of the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development.
The conversation explores how Chicago is embracing innovation to create more seamless, equitable public service delivery. Alderman Villegas discusses the reactivation of the Chicago Innovation and Technology Task Force, efforts to rebuild trust with the tech sector, and the development of a Smart Superblock—a pilot urban zone integrating AI, connectivity, smart infrastructure, and public safety technologies.
Together, they highlight how policy, partnerships, and practical experimentation are enabling Chicago to move from fragmented services to an integrated, people-focused Smart City strategy—while also championing minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.
Episode Overview
[00:03:23] Teaser Question: “If you could trade places with any other elected official for one day, past or present, who would it be and why?”
[00:05:29] Our guest’s background
[00:12:34] Overview of the 36th Ward and his role as Chairman
[00:14:30] Creation of the Technology Task Force and tech goals
[00:25:04] Future goals: The Smart Superblock pilot in 2025
[00:28:02] Excitement about AI in government operations
[00:31:12] Policies for supporting minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses
[00:33:12] What Chicago’s leaders are doing right in terms of leadership
[00:36:29] Personal definition and approach to leadership
[00:37:50] Example of standing up against resistance (redistricting and Latino representation)
[00:39:53] Open floor: Passion for policy and civic engagement
[00:44:01] Podcast Segment: “Trial and Error” – running for Congress and learning from failure
[00:47:53] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?
Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it!
Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.