Data-Smart City Pod

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 KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-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 KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-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 KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-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 KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-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.