Smart Cities: Vision on-the-Ground

Abstract

When “Smart City” is heard, it is most often interpreted as meaning a city that uses sensors, beacons, data, screens, mobile, and other technology tools. Sometimes it is interpreted to include city use of social media, search engines, browsing, and way-finding. It is usually intended as connoting communities that are prosperous, energy efficient, automated, environmentally friendly, and fun. The phrase is, perhaps, most often spoken by those who imagine, design, build, sell, and delight in digital and similar technologies. When some hear “smart cities,” however, they interpret it also—or instead—to mean equitable, just, safe, rich in work, education, and cultural opportunities, as well as clean, open, and inclusive of traditional and still relevant characterizations of a desirable city. This chapter discusses some of the challenges Austin, Texas believes it faces in retaining and improving its desirability. It is a sample of what Austin’s government, residents, universities, and private sector partners are exploring in design, experimentation, and use of technologies so that Austin will be the kind of cutting-edge Smart City that includes the best of the traditional desirable city.