Washington, DC uses automated cameras for bus lane enforcement
WMATA buses in the District of Columbia are now using automated cameras to enforce bus-only lanes and bus stop zones. The new initiative, called Clear Lanes, is modeled after similar programs, including San Francisco and New York City, and will be the first to use automated camera technology to enforce bus stop zones in addition to bus-only lanes.
Washington, DC
United States
Milton Keynes Council, GB launches MK Tech Fund for start-ups
Milton Keynes City Council partnered with the Milton Keynes Investors Group to create the MK Tech Fund, a new funding scheme designed to provide financial support to tech-based start-ups based in Milton Keynes who have fewer than ten employees and who have been trading for less than three years. By ‘tech’ the city council means the business is either developing new technology or using existing technology in an innovative way. Funding comes from the city council’s £3.5m Economic Recovery Plan.
Milton Keynes Council, GB
United Kingdom
New York, NY releases Responsible Artificial Intelligence Action Plan
The city has released an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, thought to be the first of its kind for a major US city. The document sets out how the city will develop a framework for agencies to evaluate AI tools and risks, help city government employees build AI knowledge and skills, and support the implementation of these technologies.
New York, NY
United States
Ballerup, DK is partnering with Movia to run an 8-month trial of driverless buses
The Municipality of Ballerup is partnering with Movia, Denmark's largest transport company, to test driverless buses in the Lautrup business area. During the 8-month trial period, the driverless buses will be running scheduled services, offering on-demand services, and be fully integrated with public transport. The experiment will help test solutions to the challenges of increasing congestion and long travel times in that area.
Ballerup, DK
Denmark
Woodbury, GA enhances community connectivity with a publicly owned Wireless Internet Service
A two-year development process resulted in faster broadband access than offered by the area's lone service provider. Woodbury's wireless mesh network started with a two-month trial at three locations. Wi-Fi routers at two water towers expanded connectivity to a larger group of users. Woodbury will work with researchers from Georgia Tech to advance the Wireless Internet Service as part of the 2021 Georgia Smart Communities Challenge.
Woodbury, GA
United States
Tempe, AZ expands on successful wastewater surveillance program with COVID-19 Dashboard
Tempe was among the first American cities to measure wastewater for COVID-19 genome sequencing. Weekly data from seven collection points are presented on the city's COVID-19 Dashboard. The website hosts color-coded ratings and long-term trend lines of new cases by ZIP code. A vaccination section shows percentages of first-dose recipients and fully vaccinated residents. City officials track 911 calls for suspected COVID-19 cases in the dashboard to better allocate first-response resources.
Tempe, AZ
United States
London Borough of Harrow, GB develops digital twin with Esri UK and Cyclomedia
CycloMedia cars equipped with high-definition cameras and LiDAR sensors gather street-level imagery. The borough's GIS team and Esri UK integrates the footage into the council mapping system. Each virtual address features curbside images as well as public data like property taxes, council surveys, and street assets. Borough officials anticipate the digital twin will reduce manual inspections and expedite project completion.
London Borough of Harrow, GB
United Kingdom
Charlotte County, FL partnered with mySidewalk to launch an interactive health dashboard
The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County partnered with mySidewalk to launch the Charlotte County Community Health interactive dashboard where residents can easily access health information and stay informed of local health events. The dashboard includes data on the relationships between environment, behaviors, illnesses, and length of life so residents can examine these health data indicators.
Charlotte County, FL
United States
Whitby, ON encourages purchases from local businesses with parking ticket forgiveness program
Town officials sent letters to residents who received parking tickets from March 1, 2020, to January 31, 2020. The letter offered forgiveness in exchange for purchases from local businesses worth the total fine. Ticket copies and proofs of purchase are sent by e-mail to the parking office for forgiveness. This incentive program along with rapid testing for businesses and expedited outdoor patio permits support local shops during COVID-19.
Whitby, ON
Canada
Ipswich, QLD previews future opportunities for local businesses on Forward Procurement Schedule
The schedule posted on the Transparency and Integrity Hub shows planned council purchases of $200,000 AUD or more for the next 18 months. A color-coded chart displays purchase amounts in categories like business services, grounds maintenance, and software. Council officials planned four workshops to guide companies through procurement needs and policies. The Forward Procurement Schedule and Buy Ipswich policies favoring local company bids provide opportunities for economic growth.
Ipswich, QLD
Australia
London Borough of Hounslow, GB recruits local businesses for ShopLocal voucher program
Borough officials plan 20-pound digital vouchers for every household using national COVID-19 relief funding. Interested businesses based in Hounslow register online for free to accept the vouchers. Shoppers will use the eVouchers app or printed copies of the voucher code for redemption at participating shops from August to December 2021. An interactive map of ShopLocal businesses and a multimedia awareness campaign will be in place prior to distribution.
London Borough of Hounslow, GB
United Kingdom
Tacoma, WA responds to chronic economic struggles with guaranteed income pilot
Project partners like United Way of Pierce County will identify at least 100 households for the Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT) pilot. Priority consideration is given to employed residents from underrepresented populations with limited incomes and assets. Eligible residents are selected at random for payments of $500 per month without any restrictions for one year. The program uses $600,000 in funds from Mayors for Guaranteed Income and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
Tacoma, WA
United States