The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has created a new Standing Committee on Technology and Innovation. The Committee will study and make recommendations regarding broadband deployment, cybersecurity, and city digital services. It will also work to promote best practices and help set USCM’s policies on these issues.
The Committee will initially focus on broadband and accessing the funding included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for infrastructure deployment and digital equity. It will also concentrate on the threat of cybersecurity attacks against municipalities across the country. Other areas of study will include: government procurement, the gig economy, disinformation on the internet, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, consumer privacy, smart cities, and data governance.
Bruce Harrell, mayor of Seattle, WA, has been named the first chair of the new committee.
President Miami Mayor Francis Suarez named Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell as the first chair “With Mayor Harrell’s leadership, this new standing committee will keep mayors and cities at the cutting-edge of what’s possible in the market and in government,” said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, the president of USCM. “Technology changes rapidly, and we want to ensure mayors and cities stay nimble and are the drivers of digital progress.”
“We thank Mayor Suarez and Mayor Adler for proposing, and the Executive Committee for establishing, this needed standing committee on technology and innovation,” said Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and executive director. “The Conference is so pleased to have Mayor Harrell guide its work on new and emerging technologies. Broadband and cybersecurity are pressing issues for cities, especially as new federal dollars become available from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this standing committee, the Conference can help mayors continue to make cities hubs for innovation.”