Data-Smart City Solutions
@datasmartcities.bsky.social
Highlighting cities solving problems and engaging communities with data. Directed by Stephen Goldsmith @goldsmithongov.bsky.social at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. Listen: #DataSmartCityPod
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/
"For mayors who are leading on this agenda, what we're seeing is a real recognition that this is a leadership issue. It's not just a data nerds in the corner issue. It's actually fundamental to how a city operates in the modern era." #GenAI https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/city-leadership-ai-era
City Leadership in the AI Era | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
November 26, 2025 at 1:25 PM
"For mayors who are leading on this agenda, what we're seeing is a real recognition that this is a leadership issue. It's not just a data nerds in the corner issue. It's actually fundamental to how a city operates in the modern era." #GenAI https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/city-leadership-ai-era
“When you build your data, think about accessibility.” Keegan Clifford, GIS Coordinator, Montgomery Parks https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/digital-accessibility-mont-parks
Trailblazing Digital Accessibility with Montgomery Parks | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
November 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
“When you build your data, think about accessibility.” Keegan Clifford, GIS Coordinator, Montgomery Parks https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/digital-accessibility-mont-parks
ICYMI: the value of public service and a new @harvardkennedy.bsky.social opportunity #AmericanServiceFellowship datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/recognition-...
by @goldsmithongov.bsky.social
by @goldsmithongov.bsky.social
The Recognition — and Nurturing — Our Public Servants Need | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
November 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
ICYMI: the value of public service and a new @harvardkennedy.bsky.social opportunity #AmericanServiceFellowship datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/recognition-...
by @goldsmithongov.bsky.social
by @goldsmithongov.bsky.social
What happens when a city replaces paper-based permitting & inspections with a streamlined digital system?
In San Antonio it meant faster results, happier residents, & a model for other cities. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/san-antonio-permitting-service
#PublicSector #DigitalTransformation
In San Antonio it meant faster results, happier residents, & a model for other cities. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/san-antonio-permitting-service
#PublicSector #DigitalTransformation
November 20, 2025 at 4:30 PM
What happens when a city replaces paper-based permitting & inspections with a streamlined digital system?
In San Antonio it meant faster results, happier residents, & a model for other cities. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/san-antonio-permitting-service
#PublicSector #DigitalTransformation
In San Antonio it meant faster results, happier residents, & a model for other cities. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/san-antonio-permitting-service
#PublicSector #DigitalTransformation
🎧 In our latest #DataSmartCityPod, @goldsmithongov.bsky.social speaks with Rochelle Haynes @whatworkscities.bsky.social and Carrie Bishop
of @bloombergdotorg.bsky.social about how cities can pair intentional community engagement with #GenAI and #data. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/city-leaders...
of @bloombergdotorg.bsky.social about how cities can pair intentional community engagement with #GenAI and #data. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/city-leaders...
City Leadership in the AI Era | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
🎧 In our latest #DataSmartCityPod, @goldsmithongov.bsky.social speaks with Rochelle Haynes @whatworkscities.bsky.social and Carrie Bishop
of @bloombergdotorg.bsky.social about how cities can pair intentional community engagement with #GenAI and #data. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/city-leaders...
of @bloombergdotorg.bsky.social about how cities can pair intentional community engagement with #GenAI and #data. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/city-leaders...
"If we can clear out some of the tedium & create more space for play, more space for actual human collaboration because you're offloading all of these tedious things, a lot of great things are going to come out of that." https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/genai-actually-boost-public-sector-creativity
November 19, 2025 at 4:35 PM
"If we can clear out some of the tedium & create more space for play, more space for actual human collaboration because you're offloading all of these tedious things, a lot of great things are going to come out of that." https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/genai-actually-boost-public-sector-creativity
🗺️🌳Trailblazing digital accessibility! @montgomeryparks.bsky.social is showing how to build apps the right way, by centering accessibility from day one. Their Parks and Trails Atlas goes beyond legal checkboxes to truly serve ALL residents. #GISDay #GIS datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/digital-acce...
Trailblazing Digital Accessibility with Montgomery Parks | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
November 19, 2025 at 3:41 PM
🗺️🌳Trailblazing digital accessibility! @montgomeryparks.bsky.social is showing how to build apps the right way, by centering accessibility from day one. Their Parks and Trails Atlas goes beyond legal checkboxes to truly serve ALL residents. #GISDay #GIS datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/digital-acce...
The TN Department of Environment and Conservation has a high-tech, data and GIS driven approach to preserving natural resources and maintaining safe, accessible parks for all visitors. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tennessees-gis-powered-conservation-efforts
November 18, 2025 at 1:20 PM
The TN Department of Environment and Conservation has a high-tech, data and GIS driven approach to preserving natural resources and maintaining safe, accessible parks for all visitors. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tennessees-gis-powered-conservation-efforts
San Antonio is setting a new standard for local government service delivery. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/san-antonio-...
By digitizing the permitting & inspection process, re-engineering workflows, & prioritizing a culture of customer service, the city has seen dramatic improvements - see more 👇
By digitizing the permitting & inspection process, re-engineering workflows, & prioritizing a culture of customer service, the city has seen dramatic improvements - see more 👇
San Antonio Digitizes Permitting, Focuses on Customer Service | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
November 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
San Antonio is setting a new standard for local government service delivery. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/san-antonio-...
By digitizing the permitting & inspection process, re-engineering workflows, & prioritizing a culture of customer service, the city has seen dramatic improvements - see more 👇
By digitizing the permitting & inspection process, re-engineering workflows, & prioritizing a culture of customer service, the city has seen dramatic improvements - see more 👇
What does the future of #climateaction look like? Integrated solutions that put health, equity, and tech at the center. Dive into the latest highlights from #NYC #climateweek and #UNGA80. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/rethinking-climate-health-impact-metrics
November 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
What does the future of #climateaction look like? Integrated solutions that put health, equity, and tech at the center. Dive into the latest highlights from #NYC #climateweek and #UNGA80. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/rethinking-climate-health-impact-metrics
Tucson is rethinking how city resources are distributed, using a data-driven approach to city services, aiming to address longstanding gaps in infrastructure and access. See how this works in our recent article below: https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equity-experts-changing-cities
November 6, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Tucson is rethinking how city resources are distributed, using a data-driven approach to city services, aiming to address longstanding gaps in infrastructure and access. See how this works in our recent article below: https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equity-experts-changing-cities
"Your ability to go in & have a dialogue with data is something that is quite possible these days. You're not waiting for the database engineer to get freed up...that is a skill set that people should lean into..." https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/genai-actually-boost-public-sector-creativity
November 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
"Your ability to go in & have a dialogue with data is something that is quite possible these days. You're not waiting for the database engineer to get freed up...that is a skill set that people should lean into..." https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/genai-actually-boost-public-sector-creativity
"Historic budget cuts and stricter work requirements will reduce SNAP access, but city leadership can soften the blow." See insights from Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich in our 1-page resource guide, a companion to her recent #DataSmartCityPod https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-what-mayors-need-know
November 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Historic budget cuts and stricter work requirements will reduce SNAP access, but city leadership can soften the blow." See insights from Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich in our 1-page resource guide, a companion to her recent #DataSmartCityPod https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-what-mayors-need-know
Sometimes the data challenge is too much data - so how can you organize it all for employees & the public? In TN, the Department of Environment & Conservation uses #GIS as the backbone: learn more by reading below. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tennessees-gis-powered-conservation-efforts
November 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Sometimes the data challenge is too much data - so how can you organize it all for employees & the public? In TN, the Department of Environment & Conservation uses #GIS as the backbone: learn more by reading below. https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tennessees-gis-powered-conservation-efforts
Protecting natural resources is critical work. See how Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers and team manage recreation demands, combat invasive species, and maintain water and park safety with #GIS 🗺️
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tenne...
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tenne...
Inside Tennessee’s GIS-Powered Conservation Efforts | Data-Smart City Solutions
As rapid population growth pressures Tennessee's natural resources and parklands, the state is leveraging advanced GIS technology and real-time data to balance urban development with conservation, str...
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 31, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Protecting natural resources is critical work. See how Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers and team manage recreation demands, combat invasive species, and maintain water and park safety with #GIS 🗺️
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tenne...
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/inside-tenne...
Many thanks to @sarasti.bsky.social for joining @goldsmithongov.bsky.social on the #DataSmartCityPod🎧 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/genai-actual...
They explore where #AI hype ends & real transformation begins, why faster isn't always innovative, & how cities can use #GenAI to offload the tedium.
They explore where #AI hype ends & real transformation begins, why faster isn't always innovative, & how cities can use #GenAI to offload the tedium.
How GenAI Can Actually Boost Public Sector Creativity | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 30, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Many thanks to @sarasti.bsky.social for joining @goldsmithongov.bsky.social on the #DataSmartCityPod🎧 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/genai-actual...
They explore where #AI hype ends & real transformation begins, why faster isn't always innovative, & how cities can use #GenAI to offload the tedium.
They explore where #AI hype ends & real transformation begins, why faster isn't always innovative, & how cities can use #GenAI to offload the tedium.
"There's a lot of areas of opportunity [of] disinvestment or redlining over the years...what data would you get that would help you figure out, 'okay, these three places have potential?'" https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/charles-waldheim-future-american-city
Charles Waldheim on the Future of the American City | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
"There's a lot of areas of opportunity [of] disinvestment or redlining over the years...what data would you get that would help you figure out, 'okay, these three places have potential?'" https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/charles-waldheim-future-american-city
What is simplified reporting and why is it important to take this action?
Hint: simplifying reporting for SNAP and other benefits programs saves money and prevents benefit loss from churn.
Learn more here https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
Hint: simplifying reporting for SNAP and other benefits programs saves money and prevents benefit loss from churn.
Learn more here https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP | Data-Smart City Solutions
In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich, professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and former USDA Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity. Dr. Bleich breaks down major recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—…
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
What is simplified reporting and why is it important to take this action?
Hint: simplifying reporting for SNAP and other benefits programs saves money and prevents benefit loss from churn.
Learn more here https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
Hint: simplifying reporting for SNAP and other benefits programs saves money and prevents benefit loss from churn.
Learn more here https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
"We need new finance mechanisms that can deploy resources quickly and effectively and new measurement systems that capture the full value of prevention and resilience." https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/rethinking-climate-health-impact-metrics
October 28, 2025 at 3:15 PM
"We need new finance mechanisms that can deploy resources quickly and effectively and new measurement systems that capture the full value of prevention and resilience." https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/rethinking-climate-health-impact-metrics
“When you talk about ward equality and ward equity, which wards are they going to start with? Oftentimes historically, they've looked at their mapping and recognized that they start with wards that tend to be more affluent."
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equity-experts-changing-cities
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equity-experts-changing-cities
October 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM
“When you talk about ward equality and ward equity, which wards are they going to start with? Oftentimes historically, they've looked at their mapping and recognized that they start with wards that tend to be more affluent."
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equity-experts-changing-cities
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equity-experts-changing-cities
Did you know:
🧒Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are children
💵 Every $1 in SNAP benefits produces up to $1.50 in local economic activity
🩹Participation in SNAP is linked to $1,400 lower healthcare costs/year for adults w/ low income
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-what-mayors-need-know
🧒Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are children
💵 Every $1 in SNAP benefits produces up to $1.50 in local economic activity
🩹Participation in SNAP is linked to $1,400 lower healthcare costs/year for adults w/ low income
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-what-mayors-need-know
October 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Did you know:
🧒Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are children
💵 Every $1 in SNAP benefits produces up to $1.50 in local economic activity
🩹Participation in SNAP is linked to $1,400 lower healthcare costs/year for adults w/ low income
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-what-mayors-need-know
🧒Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are children
💵 Every $1 in SNAP benefits produces up to $1.50 in local economic activity
🩹Participation in SNAP is linked to $1,400 lower healthcare costs/year for adults w/ low income
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-what-mayors-need-know
Read our latest: @khahlil.bsky.social's insights from #UNGA80 and #ClimateWeekNYC 💡 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/rethinking-c...
Discover how world leaders are connecting #climate & public health — and why new metrics, healthier #infrastructure, & smarter #AI are key to a resilient, equitable #future.
Discover how world leaders are connecting #climate & public health — and why new metrics, healthier #infrastructure, & smarter #AI are key to a resilient, equitable #future.
Rethinking Climate, Health, and Impact Metrics at UNGA 80 and Climate Week NYC | Data-Smart City Solutions
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 21, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Read our latest: @khahlil.bsky.social's insights from #UNGA80 and #ClimateWeekNYC 💡 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/rethinking-c...
Discover how world leaders are connecting #climate & public health — and why new metrics, healthier #infrastructure, & smarter #AI are key to a resilient, equitable #future.
Discover how world leaders are connecting #climate & public health — and why new metrics, healthier #infrastructure, & smarter #AI are key to a resilient, equitable #future.
Today is #WorldFoodDay, so take a listen to our newest pod with Dr. Bleich, What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP, to hear how local leaders can help minimize harm from historic budget cuts and stricter work requirements.
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP | Data-Smart City Solutions
In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich, professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and former USDA Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity. Dr. Bleich breaks down major recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—…
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Today is #WorldFoodDay, so take a listen to our newest pod with Dr. Bleich, What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP, to hear how local leaders can help minimize harm from historic budget cuts and stricter work requirements.
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
https://datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/what-mayors-need-know-about-snap
The @cityoftucson.bsky.social's Office of Equity is using data & GIS tools to prioritize city services where they’re needed most. See their practical lessons for other cities focused on equitable resource allocation.
#CityPlanning #Equity #DataDriven datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equi...
#CityPlanning #Equity #DataDriven datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equi...
How Tucson’s Equity Experts Are Changing the Way Cities Work | Data-Smart City Solutions
Tucson is pioneering a new approach to city services by using data and an Office of Equity to ensure every neighborhood gets the support it needs, setting an example other cities can follow.
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 16, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The @cityoftucson.bsky.social's Office of Equity is using data & GIS tools to prioritize city services where they’re needed most. See their practical lessons for other cities focused on equitable resource allocation.
#CityPlanning #Equity #DataDriven datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equi...
#CityPlanning #Equity #DataDriven datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/tucsons-equi...
Our latest #DataSmartCityPod w/ Dr. Sara Bleich @hsph.harvard.edu is packed with insights. Check out our 1-page guide, presenting info from her ep, to learn how #mayors can support residents. And be sure to share the link & PDF version! #SNAP #PublicHealth datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-wh...
SNAP in 2025: What Mayors Need to Know | Data-Smart City Solutions
This companion piece to our recent podcast, What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP, presents information from the episode as an easy-to-read one-pager for mayors and other city leaders.
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
October 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Our latest #DataSmartCityPod w/ Dr. Sara Bleich @hsph.harvard.edu is packed with insights. Check out our 1-page guide, presenting info from her ep, to learn how #mayors can support residents. And be sure to share the link & PDF version! #SNAP #PublicHealth datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/snap-2025-wh...