In conversation with Emily Yates, Director of Smart Cities with the City of Philadelphia, we explore the City's newly launched SmartCityPHL and the programs and partnerships driving the adoption of technology and data to realise better community outcomes. Often described as America's largest poorest city, and the birthplace of democracy, Philadelphia's journey in smart cities started back in 2017 and has resulted in an endorsed program of investments that cover bridging the digital divide, enhanced urban infrastructure, sweating existing assets and establishing a master data strategy.