| | AUGUST 20248CIOReviewIN MY OPINIONOperationalizing Smart Cities: San Antonio's ApproachIn San Antonio, we focused on operationalizing the smart city concept. To achieve this, we developed a consulting model called Smart Cities as a Service (SCaaS), which has empowered city departments to effectively test and expand the use of cutting-edge technologies. Our efforts included the establishment of a robust governance structure that fosters alignment among different departments and shared services, such as procurement, IT, legal, sustainability, and communications. This comprehensive approach is designed to expedite the prototyping and implementation of innovative solutions throughout the city.Keeping it Local and Building TrustIn order to achieve the goal of a people-centered approach, it is crucial for local governments to prioritize understanding the needs of their constituents. It is especially important to ensure that residents, especially underserved populations, have a voice in decision-making processes. As the smart cities team for San Antonio, we achieve this by active engagement through initiatives such as launching surveys for employees and residents, participating in community events, and hosting cross-departmental mixers to foster collaboration. By embracing a broader definition of "people" and involving external stakeholders and city employees, local governments can cultivate trust, inclusivity and launch initiatives that directly align with the actual needs of the community. The rapid advancement of transformative technologies such as AI, digital twins, metaverse, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and blockchain is reshaping the world at an unprecedented pace. Gone are the days when the average citizen could comprehend how steam could power locomotives. In are the days when even software engineers do not fully understand how the algorithms they create make decisions.Local governments face the challenge of prioritizing citizen safety, security, and privacy while delivering responsive, proactive, and efficient services. In a time of political polarization and dwindling trust in government, it becomes crucial to rebuild that trust and foster community cohesion. Amidst the pressing global issues we face, such as increased natural disasters, gun violence, civil unrest, and a global pandemic, the concept of the "smart city" offers a beacon of hope. By leveraging emerging technologies and reimagining public administration, local governments can become more nimble, responsive, and effective in addressing contemporary challenges and future opportunities.Evolving Public AdministrationThe evolution of public administration theory has transitioned from a rigid hierarchical structure that prioritized mechanical-like efficiency to a customer-centric approach and, more recently, to a postmodern framework that embraces collaboration and networked governance. In the 21st century, local governments have an opportunity to define a new operating model. By hyper-localizing solutions, incorporating community input, and forming collaborative partnerships, governments can address complex challenges effectively. Establishing dedicated smart cities programs enables local governments to learn, adapt, and thrive in the face of evolving needs.By Geoffrey Urbach, Smart City Senior Manager, City of San AntonioEMBRACING SMART CITIES:REBUILDING TRUST, FOSTERING COLLABORATION, AND DRIVING SCALABLE IMPACTGeoffrey Urbach
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