In today’s uncertain and tumultuous environment, it’s more important than ever for government agencies to make informed decisions. Data is a powerful tool to drive smarter decisions, but only if it’s properly acted upon. Leaders who think holistically and embrace actionable data and analytics will be able to set the groundwork for positive growth in their communities and pivot, as needed, when faced with an unexpected situation. This is what forms the core of a smart city.

What is a smart city?

A smart city collects data from a variety of different sources and then analyzes that data to offer its citizens, business owners, and tourists a real-time view of what’s happening in their city. For example, smart cities can collect data from traffic cameras and sensors, analyze it to identify an accident blocking multiple lanes, and then dynamically send an alert to their citizens to avoid the area.

The ability for a city to analyze, visualize, and respond to the data it’s collecting is what separates a smart city from a “not-so-smart” city. A smart city isn’t just deploying sensors for sensor sake. It’s collecting the data from those sensors and leveraging the data to create greater efficiencies, such as shortened emergency response times, reduced water consumption, or improved public transportation systems.

All shapes and sizes

Smart city initiatives aren’t just for major metro areas. Communities of all sizes can benefit from technology that enables them to collect more data and glean new insights. Every city can be a smart city. There’s no perfect size, use case, or geographical location.

Smart cities are not about what’s happening today. It’s about leveraging what’s happening today to build a better, safer, and more efficient, tomorrow.

4 steps for success

Here are four steps city leaders can take to start building a successful smart city.

1. Start small. Smart city initiatives can be overwhelming when they get rolling. That’s why you should start small. Don’t try to boil the ocean all at once. Pick one neighborhood, or one use case that’s important to your city and start there. Once you’ve successfully implemented one project, then move onto your next initiative. Becoming a smart city is a journey that you can continue to build upon and therefore expand your projects over time.

2. Don’t go at it alone. Smart city projects are successful when you involve trusted partners. Reach out to the cable providers, transportation companies, and marquee businesses in your town. You also want to engage your citizens in the process. Not only do you want secure buy-in from your constituents before kicking off a project, but you should also consider the entrepreneurial population in your city that you can tap into. The more partners you involve, the more ideas you’ll receive to pave the way towards success.

3. Develop a dedicated team. Your CIO or City Manager isn’t enough support to drive a smart city project. To be successful, you need a dedicated team. Consider launching or reaching out to innovation districts or identify members in different government departments as potential talent to build your team.

4. Set realistic timelines. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. If you’re planning to tell your citizens or major stakeholders that you’ll be finished with your project in six months, you may not have enough time to show success. You have to set realistic timelines and expectations for success. Smart cities are not built overnight. They’re not a “one and done” project. Remember, smart cities are a journey. 

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This is just skimming the surface. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to future-proof your city against unforeseen disruption for a smarter tomorrow. Contact Spectrum Smart Cities today.