There is a wide range of how smart city technology can be deployed in a city. Some applications (such as smart kiosks, smart street lights, or traffic monitoring cameras) have highly visible hardware but what isn’t always apparent is if, how, and what data is being collected. With the increase of smart city technologies also comes a heightened awareness of the importance of transparent, easy-to-understand information about what technology is being deployed and for what purposes. This raises issues and important questions about data governance and data privacy for city residents, citizens, and visitors.
Three experts on the topic of building public trust in the era of digital transformation will come together at the Smart Cities Connect Conference and Expo in Raleigh, NC on May 9 to share their perspectives and insight. Lauren Tarin, Smart Cities Specialist at the City of San Antonio (Texas) will offer her experience in building resident-centric programs in city government. Dr. Ashley MacQuarrie, Principal Investigator and Program Director for Communities Speak, will give an overview of how research from Columbia University is informing public policy to address vulnerabilities faced by residents, families, and small businesses. Jacqueline Lu, CEO of Helpful Places, will bring an entrepreneurial perspective and discuss how the thoughtful application of technology can translate residents’ concerns into meaningful change.
This carefully selected panel will inspire new conversations about privacy, data governance, and the public trust. Attendees will receive actionable recommendations on how to build more responsive programs and communications to engage residents. You do not want to miss this panel at Smart Cities Connect!
Building Public Trust for Digital Transformation
May 9, 2024, Smart Cities Connect, Raleigh, NC
The rapid proliferation of technologies that facilitate data collection in the public right of way including location intelligence, IoT technology, V2X technology, beacon marketing, etc., is occurring at a time when trust in government is at an all-time low. While many of these technologies gather valuable data for cities, how can municipalities weigh these benefits against the risks to data privacy and public trust? How can cities work in tandem with residents to shape the parameters around the transparency, governance, and use of these tools? This panel seeks to delve into the complex intersection of technology deployment, community empowerment, and data governance strategies, emphasizing the need for equitable practices in the digital transformation of cities. Participants will hear about applied solutions from practitioners working to build accountability, transparency, and public process into smart city technology initiatives.
- Lauren Tarin, Smart Cities Specialist, City of San Antonio, TX
- Ashley MacQuarrie, Principal Investigator and Program Director, Communities Speak
- Jacqueline Lu, CEO, Helpful Places