Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, GB partners with Boldyn Networks on smart column pilot
Kingston received £250,000 from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's Smart Infrastructure Pilots initiative for the two-year trial. Boldyn Networks will install 10.4 kilometers of fiber-optic line in support of 20 smart columns throughout the borough. Each column enables Wi-Fi connectivity and high-quality CCTV images. Air quality and footfall sensors are among the customization options available with this technology.
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, GB
United Kingdom
East Sussex County Council, GB conducts RoboPets pilot for residents with early-stage dementia
The one-year pilot delivered 50 robotic dogs or cats to residents working with the county's Occupational Therapy team. RoboPets provide companionship for dementia patients as they experience worsening symptoms. The realistic companions also act as conversation starters between residents, carers, and loved ones. A successful rollout led East Sussex County Council to recruit 50 more participants in need of RoboPets.
East Sussex County Council, GB
United Kingdom
Seattle, WA Health 99 pilot provides follow-up services in fentanyl overdose cases
The Seattle Fire Department responds to an average of 15 overdose calls daily, with most calls involving fentanyl. A Health 99 unit comprised of a firefighter and a city caseworker works with overdose patients after emergency interventions are completed. This team identifies patient needs like substance use treatment, housing, and healthcare for referral to partner organizations. Health 99 focuses on overdose hotspots like Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square.
Seattle, WA
United States
Weber County, UT collaborates with Qnergy on the conversion of landfill methane to electricity
A Qnergy PowerGen generator was installed at a county landfill closed in 1996. PowerGen technology converts methane and other gases into electricity using a frictionless combustion system. The generator requires little regular maintenance and achieves nearly 100% destruction of methane. Electrical output of up to 5.5 kilowatts will be sent to nearby Fort Buenaventura Park. County officials and Qnergy are also working with VeriCarbon on monetizing carbon credits for expanded PowerGen use.
Weber County, UT
United States
Alameda, CA tests the impacts of guaranteed income payments with its Rise Up Alameda pilot
Rise Up Alameda issues $1,000 monthly payments to 150 randomly selected applicants for two years. Eligible residents are aged 18 or older and earn up to 50% of the city's Area Median Income. The application process was made accessible with a multi-lingual online application and three drop-in hubs. There are no restrictions on how the monthly payments are spent. City officials allocated $4.6 million in federal ARPA funding to fund the pilot with project partner Operation Dignity.
Alameda, CA
United States
Queenstown-Lakes District Council, NZ trials environmental sensors in recreational reserves
The Ben Lomond and Mount Iron reserves each received five Attentis pole-mounted sensors. The sensors gather around-the-clock measurements of pollen, air quality, soil moisture, and structural movement. Reserve patrons can plan their trips by checking data on a mobile app. Thermal images are sent via the Spark NZ network to emergency personnel for early detection of wildfires. Council officials will evaluate the technology's effectiveness during a summer pilot.
Queenstown-Lakes District Council, NZ
New Zealand
Yarra, VIC promotes zero-carbon commerce with the Business Renewables Buying Group
Victoria businesses using at least 500 mWh of electricity per year were recruited to the pilot group. A facilitator was selected to leverage the group's purchasing power for 100% renewable electricity contracts. Participating businesses benefitted from reputational boosts, reduced energy costs, and streamlined procurement processes. The Business Renewables Buying Group was led by Yarra in collaboration with Darebin, Melbourne, and Merri-bek councils.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Darebin, VIC
Australia
+2Phoenix, AZ deploys Sensor Industries devices for its toilet leak detection pilot program
City officials identified leaky toilets as a leading source of water loss in Phoenix. The pilot adds SI-Toilet sensors to restrooms in select city facilities, businesses, and college residence halls. SI-Toilet sends real-time leak alerts to maintenance staff for repairs and SI-Dash for system-wide monitoring. Leak detection technology is part of a Sustainable Desert Development Policy including drought-tolerant planting, improved irrigation, and efficiency checkups.
Phoenix, AZ
United States
Chandler, AZ conducts Language Assistance Technology Assessment for more accessible services
Touch-screen translation devices are rotating through 15 public buildings during the six-month pilot. The devices support Braille keyboards and audio translation in 120 languages during conversations with staff. Chandler is also testing a mobile broadcast feature whereby a user can translate a presentation by a single speaker through their smartphone. User and staff surveys evaluate how well these technologies assist the city's diverse population in accessing city events and services.
Chandler, AZ
United States
Warrnambool, VIC connects interested retirees with job vacancies through Un-retiring the 'Bool
This first-in-Australia program seeks retired residents interested in temporary or part-time work. Workers and businesses register for free through the council's online survey. Participating seniors indicate their ideal schedule, qualifications, and professional skills. Local businesses receive contact information for qualified participants and handle interviews with prospective workers. An autumn 2023 pilot attracted 85 workers and 50 companies, thus leading to a second round in summer 2023.
Warrnambool, VIC
Australia
Philadelphia, PA supports increased transit use by city employees with free SEPTA pass pilot
The two-year pilot is possible because of Philadelphia's participation in the SEPTA Key Advantage program. The city's 22,000 employees enrolled in the pilot through the Jawnt platform or 13 in-person distribution events. Philadelphia purchases SEPTA passes at a significant discount over their retail prices through Key Advantage. This program adds a valuable component to Philadelphia's employee benefits package and reduces traffic congestion from daily commutes.
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Isle of Wight Council, GB responds to non-emergency falls with Wightcare Community Falls Response
The council and Isle of Wight Trust Ambulance Service partnered on a dedicated team for in-home falls by seniors. First responders to 999 or 111 calls determine if falls require ambulance trips and contact the team for falls without serious injury. Team members respond in an average of one hour, thus eliminating the possibility of long periods on the floor. Wightcare Community Falls Response reduces hospital admittance rates and better allocates emergency resources.
Isle of Wight Council, GB
United Kingdom