In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Harvard Business School professor and former mayoral Chief of Staff Mitch Weiss, who talks with him and Boston CIO Santi Garces about the transformative power of artificial intelligence and GenAI. Using Weiss's framing of possibility government, they discuss current and future uses of AI in city government and why cities should focus on transformative problems. 

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by communications expert and strategist Cameron Trimble, founder and CEO of Hip-Politics, to discuss the evolving role of local digital influencers in city government communications. Trimble explains exactly how local governments can leverage digital creators to spread important messages in an authentic and engaging way and highlights the importance of multimedia strategies as a crucial tool in reaching today’s audiences in a fractured media landscape.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by MIT Professor Sarah Williams and Boston CIO Santi Garces to explore the ways that generative AI is transforming how cities - and residents - use data. Williams shares insights from her work at the Civic Data Design Lab, discussing how GenAI can help make sense of vast amounts of qualitative data, from city council minutes to community feedback. Garces reflects on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into municipal decision-making and civic engagement. Together, they highlight the potential for community-driven, small language models that empower residents and make city services more transparent and effective.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

In this episode, host Professor Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Amanda Ford from the Mayor's Office of Innovation in San Francisco City to discuss how her team is successfully breaking down data silos to improve services for the city’s most vulnerable residents. Amanda provides insights into the Office's innovative approach, which includes leveraging integrated data systems, fostering trust and collaboration across agencies, and a willingness to take risks. She also shares how this work has successfully helped the "high utilizer" population.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

It's the start-of-the-new-year episode, where host Stephen Goldsmith and producer Betsy Gardner swap roles to discuss all things data, digital, governance, AI and policy-making from 2024. Listen to Pr. Goldsmith's reflections on the last twelve months and predictions on 2025, with a bonus lightening round of questions!  References include Data-Smart City Pod Episode 67, Episode 65, and Episode 62, and articles about Tacoma, Tucson, and Nashville.  

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith and CIO Santi Garces discuss the potential to revolutionize urban governance with generative AI. Garces, the chief information officer for the city of Boston, joins Pr. Goldsmith to talk about the transformative power of GenAI in urban governance. In the first episode of this recurring conversation, they share how GenAI is already revolutionizing the way cities collect and use data, interact with residents, and empower city employees.

Fast Company article: Boston experimented with using generative AI for governing. It went surprisingly well.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Heiko Aydt, head of the Digital Twin Lab at the Singapore-ETH Centre. They discuss how digital twins are transforming urban climate research and policy, with insights drawn from the groundbreaking Cooling Singapore project. Dr. Aydt explains the development of the Digital Urban Climate Twin, strategies for testing policy implications through modeling, and navigating cross-sector collaboration. 

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter. 

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith talks with Grace Robiou, director of the EPA’s Office of Children's Health Protection. They discuss how local governments can leverage EPA resources to prioritize children's health in environmental policies. Robiou highlights the unique vulnerabilities children face from environmental hazards, the importance of localized engagement, and the tools available to cities for data visualizations. The conversation covers practical steps cities can take to address issues like extreme heat and poor air quality with a focus on using data to direct resources and attention.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter. 

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Forrest Claypool, public servant and former chief of staff to Mayor Richard Daley, about his career in Chicago's public sector and his new book, "The Daley Show." Claypool reflects on his experiences leading key city departments and shares insights on leadership, managing cross-departmental teams, and using data for effective governance. He also discusses Mayor Daley’s legacy of transforming Chicago into a more vibrant and livable city, offering lessons for today's urban leaders.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter. 

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Kelly Turner, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Geography at UCLA and Associate Director of the Luskin Center for Innovation. Dr. Turner delves into the concept of "shade infrastructure," exploring how cities can effectively use shade from both natural and built features to combat extreme heat. She highlights innovative approaches to urban shade, including the integration of building design and shade sails plus how schools can incorporate cooling strategies. Dr. Turner also discusses how cities can be involved with programs and receive funding at the federal level.

Referenced websites: heat.gov, Luskin Center heat equity page, and The Center for Heat Resilient Communities 

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.