Opinion: Page 4

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders


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    The image by Chad Davis is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    A parametric approach to pandemic resilience

    We do not have years of precedents to formulate a response to COVID-19. Therefore, pandemic planning processes must be agile and flexible to incorporate continuous uncertainty and change.

    Jason King and Evangelos Pantazis • Nov. 6, 2020
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    Getty Images
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    Digital transformation in utilities starts on the frontlines

    As COVID-19 kicks the utility industry's digital efforts into high gear, companies should first focus on building a connected workforces.

    Cristian Grossmann • Nov. 2, 2020
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    Wikimedia Commons
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    Prop 22 will shake up fundamental insurance policies

    No matter which side of the fence the California ballot measure falls, it will shake up the gig economy and impact operator insurance strategies.

    Wil Hamory • Oct. 29, 2020
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    "Inside Empty CTA L Brown Line Car" by Raed Mansour is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Transit must think outside the box to rebuild ridership

    Associations have developed frameworks to guide public transit agencies toward recovery, but they may not go far enough to innovate the industry.

    Ben Haynie • Oct. 26, 2020
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    Retrieved from PXHere.
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    The pandemic is accelerating smart city tech

    ​COVID-19 is poised to bring the same widespread change as other pandemics have by accelerating the global adoption of emerging tech.

    Ronald Chagoury Jr. • Oct. 21, 2020
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    Photo illustration by Brian Tucker / photo by rclassenlayouts via Getty Images
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    Shutting off water in a pandemic? With the right tech, we shouldn't have to.

    Thousands of Americans are at risk of water shut-offs due to financial constraints. Why is this, when technologies exist to make water more affordable for everyone?

    Christine E. Boyle • Oct. 19, 2020
  • UAVs can play a vital role in the future of smart cities

    Drones could provide important and diverse contributions to cities, offering cost-efficient services for everything from environmental monitoring to traffic management.

    Daniel Browning • Oct. 13, 2020
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    The pandemic requires innovation to future-proof our industries

    In our current sink-or-swim moment, companies can benefit from a proactive approach to innovation, rather than be caught on the back foot in years to come.

    Jeff Schmidt • Oct. 5, 2020
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    Amazon
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    Preparing cities for a post-pandemic retail market

    Trends that persist post-COVID will require sweeping infrastructure changes far beyond the ability of cities or retailers to implement alone.

    DeAnn Campbell • Oct. 2, 2020
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    Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Partnerships key in addressing aging stormwater infrastructure

    Public officials are realizing a viable and proven opportunity to answer water management challenges through community and private partnerships.

    Keisha Brown • Sept. 28, 2020
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    Julia von Alexander, former Southwestern University student
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    P3s hold the key to a clean energy future post-COVID

    Making climate progress is still within our grasp, but the critical first step is to recognize the perks of collaboration, and then to reach across the aisle. 

    Bill Prindle • Sept. 25, 2020
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    Danielle Ternes
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    Governments must demand better election technology

    The 2020 election will likely be the most contentious in a generation. We need to ensure we are using modern tools that provide the voting security needed in the 21st century.

    Matt Dunne • Sept. 22, 2020
  • 7 must-ask connectivity questions for transit agencies

    Through creative thinking and intelligently managed connected technologies, public transit can come back better than ever — with room to improve services for many years to come.

    George Mulhern • Sept. 18, 2020
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    The image by Phila. Bikes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Delivery vehicles are a necessary target to patch city revenues

    Passenger vehicle revenues from parking meters or enforcement are no longer sustainable. To truly shore up budgets, cities must monetize delivery vehicles at the curb.

    Aryan Davani • Sept. 17, 2020
  • In deploying electrified urban transport, look to university campuses

    Recognizing universities as urban innovation hubs, particularly for electrified transportation, can aid the transition to a new, better "normal" post-coronavirus.

    Rod Keller • Sept. 15, 2020
  • EV battery sustainability is a must to meet climate ambitions

    Better governance of the extraction of EV minerals is essential to the future of mineral-producing countries, the electric vehicle industry and global transportation.

    Ethan N. Elkind and Patrick R. P. Heller • Sept. 8, 2020
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    Retrieved from Pikist.
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    A worsening parking situation is suffocating Bostonians

    Boston residents have been speaking out against insufficient parking for some time now, and the local government's response has been lukewarm at best.

    Shuja Uddin • Sept. 3, 2020
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    Valadi, Sam. (2012). "Empire State - New York City" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    It's time to reimagine a greener New York that mitigates extreme heat

    The city should invest in more green infrastructure like parks, green roofs and street trees to tackle the health effects of extreme heat that disproportionately impact communities of color. 

    Cailin Crowe • Aug. 31, 2020
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    Esurance
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    It's time to make more affordable broadband a reality

    While it took COVID-19 to drive home the urgency of the digital divide, it also clarified the path forward: joining Wi-Fi and fixed wireless technologies can accelerate affordable broadband.

    Atul Bhatnagar • Aug. 25, 2020
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    The image by Albert Lugosi is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    In the race to re-occupancy, policies must consider how modern buildings operate

    City leaders must view the slow return to offices as an opportunity to make smart adjustments to building operations that can be modified amid shifting guidelines. 

    Tim Curran • Aug. 24, 2020
  • Residents need a seat at the table when planning smart cities

    By involving local users in the initial product selection and demonstrations prior to launch, barriers limiting residents’ use of smart city initiatives could be removed.

    Jared Mondschein • Aug. 20, 2020
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    A greenway is more than just a pretty park — it's a catalyst for change

    Greenways offer a breath of fresh air, but when planning and building them, leaders must realize their full potential for social and economic impact.

    Todd Antoine • Aug. 18, 2020
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    The business case for sustainable urban transport

    With such a strong business case and demonstrable ROI to speak for investments in sustainable transport, governments have a moral obligation to act.

    Meagan Crawford • Aug. 13, 2020
  • The complimentary benefits of active commuting during coronavirus

    A shift toward cycling can help city dwellers avoid crowded transportation while fostering health benefits that could alleviate the intensity of COVID-19. 

    Albert Still • Aug. 10, 2020
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    Reaping the benefits of the hyperconnected city

    A city must unlock the full economic, social, environmental and business value of technology —  through IoT, AI or mobile connectivity — to become one hyperconnected urban epicenter.

    Arnaud Legrand • Aug. 6, 2020