Data-Smart Cities@DataSmartCities

Highlighting cities solving problems and engaging communities with data. Directed by @GoldsmithonGov at @CenterforCities @Harvard Listen: #DataSmartCityPod

 Cambridge, MA
Based in United States
datasmart.hks.harvard.edu
Joined March 2013
SNAP changes are taking effect this month. On last fall’s #DataSmartCityPod, Dr. Sara Bleich explained the new work requirements and cost shifts, and what mayors can do now: clear communication, state advocacy, and documenting local impact. 🎧 Recast: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/re…
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NEW on the #DataSmartCityPod: @GoldsmithonGov talks with Jessica MacLeod, former Chief of Strategy and Performance in @sfgov, about cross-department teams, AI that tracks if problems move, and small experiments that scale. ➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/be…
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We were part of the @CenterforCities Open House this month — great to see so many @Harvard students, staff, and faculty curious about data, tech, and local government!📸 Explore our work: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ Get involved with the Center: cities.harvard.edu/
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The @Kennedy_School's Government Performance Lab has been helping cities implement alternative response programs—approaches that safely divert 911 calls. A persistent gap: no shared data for measuring performance. A new GPL toolkit changes that.➡ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/me…
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NEW ARTICLE: @GoldsmithonGov's latest for @Governing looks at how cities are using vision language AI to catch neighborhood problems before residents have to call them in: abandoned cars, illegal dumping, grass that's gotten out of control. 📌More here: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/to…
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This is episode #100.👏 We flipped the script: host @GoldsmithonGov answers your questions on his time in city hall, why responsiveness builds public trust, and what he thinks people in public service today need to know. Listen here!➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/10…
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AI is only as responsive as the systems that back it. @GoldsmithonGov's new paper names the four components – technical, semantic, governance, and legal – that turn AI insight into coordinated action. 📌datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/as…
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Cities and residents often see the same neighborhood differently. In @BloombergCities' The Forum, @GoldsmithOnGov argues AI's biggest use in local government is closing that gap—giving both sides the same evidence to act on. 📌bloombergcities.jhu.edu/news…
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The Community Data Health Initiative helps cities take on environmental challenges that affect people’s health—starting with air pollution & extreme heat. Check out event recordings and resources from our summer webinar series supporting this work➡️ edf.org/webinars-and-resourc…
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NEW ARTICLE: @austintexasgov is addressing the housing crisis with a set of levers city government already controls. Read the full piece➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/le…
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NEW PAPER📌Interoperability is a leadership philosophy: how a city organizes its data, procurement & vendor relationships so AI tools plug into one foundation it controls. Done well, residents see easier participation, fewer errors & improved conditions. ➡️datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/as…
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This summer, cities across the country have seen record-breaking heat. Join us this Wednesday, 8/19 at 1pm ET for a webinar on best practices for local leaders looking for solutions. Register now➡️ edf.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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NEW #DataSmartCityPod episode: Host @GoldsmithonGov talks with Dr. Helen Arteaga, @nycgov's Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, who oversees 16 agencies covering the full life cycle of a resident. ➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/se…
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A new, free dashboard offers health data on more than 1,200 U.S. cities, down to the neighborhood level. Join us on 8/13 at 1pm ET to learn how to navigate the tool and make better-informed public health decisions in your city. Register now➡️ edf.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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The City Clean Air Hub is LIVE👏 The Community Data Health Initiative launched the one-stop resource connecting mayors, chiefs of staff, and city leaders with the data tools, case studies, and policy insights they need to chart a path to cleaner air. 🔗cityairhub.org
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AI is changing how cities gather input from residents. Leaders can now think of feedback as a spectrum: 📬High-burden: meetings and testimony 📲Low-burden: a quick poll or a photo texted to the city 🔎No-burden: sensors and signals that anticipate needs ➡️datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ne…
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Our team at the @CenterforCities is growing our Responsive Cities Network📢 The @knightfdn–supported network helps 10 cities use data and AI to listen and respond to residents, build trust, and solve problems with communities, not just for them. 🔗datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/jo…
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Last month we held our first in-city kickoff for the Service Innovation Fellowship in @bouldercolorado—with team workshops, site visits & planning sessions. Backed by @knightfdn, the Responsive Cities Network helps cities use data & AI to improve public services and build trust.
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NEXT WEEK➡️ Don’t miss our City Clean Air Hub launch! On Tuesday, July 21 at 1PM ET, the Community Data Health Initiative will launch the City Clean Air Hub, a one-stop resource to help cities track air pollution and design cleaner air strategies. 🔗edf.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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📌Excited to share our latest journal paper! "Enacting StatGPT" is out now in @worldscientific, mapping where AI can transform city performance management, built on workshops with 14 US cities ➡️ worldscientific.com/doi/10.1…
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Don't miss today's new #DataSmartCityPod episode joined by Kim Leary of the Good Services Lab at the @CenterforCities. Explore what makes a city service truly "good" and why responsive government starts with designing around the resident's journey➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/go…
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💡What does city governance look like when AI enters the picture? In our new paper on Next Level Responsiveness, @GoldsmithonGov & @cswope revisit the Responsive City Cycle to show how data and AI have supercharged nearly every step. More in the paper➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ne…
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We’re thrilled to announce our first set of panelists for the webinar launch of the City Clean Air Hub on Tuesday, July 21st at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT. Register to join us here➡️ edf.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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Air pollution is a public health crisis – and it's not hitting everyone equally. 📍Join us on 7/21 for the launch of the City Clean Air Hub, built to help mayors and city officials take targeted, data-driven action for cleaner air. Register here: edf.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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July is statistically the hottest month in the U.S. & the #FIFAWorldCup isn't over yet. Here's what city leaders, public health officials, and event planners need to know🔗 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/lo…
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We're thrilled to introduce our inaugural Service Innovation Fellows through our Responsive Cities Network.👏 Supported by @knightfdn, RCN is a 3-year initiative helping 10 cities use data and AI to understand needs, improve services, and strengthen trust in local government.
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The #FIFAWorldCup is underway, and extreme heat is a real public health risk for fans, workers, and athletes at matches this summer. The good news: cities don't need expensive infrastructure to protect health. Find the top 3 low-tech options➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/lo…
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SAVE THE DATE🗓️On July 21, the Community Data Health Initiative is thrilled to launch the City Clean Air Hub – a one-stop resource to connect city leaders with the data tools and policy insights they need to chart a path to cleaner air. Don’t miss it! edf.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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Before deploying AI on city data, @DeniceRoss46 says to question: What's the use? What are the stakes? Is the data quality high enough? Don’t miss this brand new #DataSmartCityPod episode with @GoldsmithonGov➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/fe…
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💡CompStat & CitiStat changed how cities measure performance. AI can take it further. Our new StatGPT Workbook gives cities a blueprint for bringing AI into performance management, built on workshops with 14 cities & real prototypes. Access the workbook➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/en…
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Milwaukee is taking on childhood lead poisoning with data, equity, and urgency. @MayorMKE and city agencies target high-risk blocks, replace lead service lines, and protect kids most at risk: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/mi…
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Cities that treat data as core infrastructure are better positioned to meet their housing goals. @GoldsmithonGov highlights how Fairfax County is using maps, dashboards, and layered data to build a more responsive housing system. More in @govtechnews➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/gi…
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Many cities offer affordability programs, but complex, duplicative sign-ups can keep residents from actually getting help. Seattle’s CiviForm changes that with 1 application for 16 benefits, designed around access, privacy, and continuity. Check it out: ow.ly/O5MW50YWApE
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NEW in @Governing: Director @GoldsmithonGov on @AndreforAtlanta’s $5B Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative – concentrating investment in 7 neighborhoods, centering health & equity, and using a cross-agency strike force to deliver.➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/at…
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NEW ARTICLE: Milwaukee uses data to take on some of the worst cases of childhood lead poisoning in the country – and it’s working. Read how the city targets high-risk, historically redlined neighborhoods and replaces lead pipes at scale to protect kids: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/mi…
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📢“Now is the time to serve.” In case you missed it, @GoldsmithonGov shared insights on convening civic and neighborhood leaders, and how this can inspire a city to greatness on @thephilacitizen podcast ‘How to Really Run a City.’ Give it a listen: thephiladelphiacitizen.org/h…
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🎧New #DataSmartCityPod: Host @GoldsmithonGov talks with @tedsvo of @Kennedy_School about what it really takes to prepare your city for Agentic AI. Listen here for Teddy’s insights, then check out the full episode➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/bu…
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“This really is the moment for cities to make a choice to think differently.” Don't miss the latest #DataSmartCityPod: Dr. Francisca Rojas of @publicinno shares how tech & design can enhance neighborhoods & rebuild trust – even within legacy systems. 🎧 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/re…
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Looking for what actually works at the intersection of data, innovation, and local government? Our monthly Data-Smart newsletter shares case studies, best practices, and tools for more responsive, data-driven cities. Sign up here➡️ datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ne…
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New from @GoldsmithOnGov in @govtechnews➡️ @fairfaxcounty uses GIS, 3D maps & public dashboards to plan affordable housing, track progress & engage residents — starting with a map, not a meeting. Check out the progress: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/gi…
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Many cities still run on a 20th-century operating system. Agentic AI is a chance to rebuild it – if mayors lead. 📌Learn how it can unlock better jobs for public employees and better services for residents: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/si…
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Don’t start with AI. Start with the problem. 💡In last week's Responsive Cities Network webinar, @urbaninstitute helped cities assess their AI readiness. Thanks to @knightfdn's generous support, RCN cities not only gain technical skills, but shape real results for residents.
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How can cities rebuild trust in neighborhoods shaped by disinvestment and broken promises? Director @GoldsmithOnGov shows how St. Louis is using a 3D digital twin of the Ville to make equitable development visible, participatory, and accountable. ➡️datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/eq…
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Weekend listen🎧: City leaders want to innovate, but they’re often stuck solving today’s problems with yesterday’s tools. Dr. Francisca Rojas of @publicinno joins the #DataSmartCityPod to discuss how tech, design & AI can truly respond to resident needs. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/re…
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It was an honor to host the Spring 2026 Project on Municipal Innovation convening, where leadership from US cities came together to grapple with the growing affordability crisis. 💡Follow along as we share spotlights and stories from these critical discussions!
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“CiviForm has endured & grown over 3 mayoral administrations in Seattle because of the results it delivers for residents…” Seattle’s CiviForm unifies applications for 16 city benefit programs, reducing admin burden and improving continuity. Read how: ow.ly/ZslM50YW243
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What does AI "for good" look like in the criminal justice space? There are clear opportunities just waiting for the right person, start-up, or city 👇 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/pr…
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We’re thrilled to kick off the latest convening of the Project on Municipal Innovation, bringing together mayoral chiefs of staff from US cities! We're digging into how cities can confront affordability and sharing solutions that make cities more equitable and livable.👏
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NEW ARTICLE ➡️ When accessing public benefits means navigating multiple portals and repeated paperwork, many eligible residents never get the support they qualify for. @CityofSeattle's CiviForm tackles this by unifying 16 benefit programs into one co-designed application.
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Local leaders and emergency personnel need to know: AI models are advanced enough to deploy in disasters, helping synthesize vast quantities of information to inform decision-making around resident safety and resource distribution. Learn more: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ai…
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Rather than asking "Who's at risk of committing a crime?" what if we asked "Who has risk factors that actually need housing support, job training, mental health services?" Prediction ➡️ prevention. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/pr…
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Smart use of technology can improve both outcomes & trust in how government responds to homelessness. @LAHomeless has a GIS app that reduces confusion & increases accuracy in PIT counts, designed around what frontline workers & volunteers actually need. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/te…
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1/🧵 AI is being deployed across the criminal justice system. The stakes are high. When AI gets it wrong, the consequences can be irreversible. But when it gets it right, it can help officers de-escalate, support people who need housing instead of jail, & mitigate bias.
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Children’s early years shape their lifetime opportunities. Are you considering all the factors that impact them? Hear how Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is working to eliminate hazards like lead pipes that have life-long effects on health and learning. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ch…
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"You don't have to choose one or the other." @cityofmilwaukee Mayor @CavalierJohnson on the #DataSmartCityPod Environmental & pub health goals are not only aligned with other mayoral priorities, they're often critical to their success. 🎧datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ch…
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Imagine being able to combine infrastructure intelligence w/ resident reporting to best plan a Public Works budget. Mike Dennehy (Boston DPW, Cyvl), discusses how he'd capture unreported issues, manage infra decisions & allocate budget w/ AI tech: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ai…
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1/🧵 If we know that resident-generated reports don't tell the whole picture, then how can we adjust what data is used for decision-making to prevent inequities? This is a big Q, and many cities are actively working to correct or mitigate gaps that exist in things like 311.
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For cities exploring GenAI, this is a moment to think boldly about the future of government. Want to know more? Listen to the full episode 🎧 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ag…
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4/🧵 We encourage new and old readers to explore this updated paper and learn more about the balance of accountability and discretion in the age of AI! datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ai…
Data-Smart Cities@DataSmartCities
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3/🧵 Written by @GoldsmithOnGov (@Kennedy_School and @CenterforCities) and Juncheng "Tony" Yang (@HarvardGSD), this paper explores how AI can reshape gov't bureaucracy and increase employee discretion while maintaining strong accountability.
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We're happy to share that @terynzmuda has joined our team as Executive Director! We're excited to have her on board to support our continued work on advancing responsive governance & effective local practices. Please join us in welcoming Teryn to the team 🎉 @CenterforCities
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Are you thinking about scaling from the very beginning of your pilots? Listen to the full episode for advice on scaling AI pilots 🎧 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ag…
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Cities can collect data on cracked sidewalks & potholes. But does this help prevent harms & address repairs equitably? Without explicit frameworks, AI monitoring systems risk becoming expensive digital filing cabinets. @TheRealKhahlil explains: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ai…
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As we close out 2025, we're sharing our most popular articles and episodes from the last year. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/th… We're honored to serve as the central resources for city leaders, especially during challenging times, as these are also moments of great promise and potential.
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Did you know that: 🧒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 per year for adults with low income. datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/sn…
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Great session yesterday #NYCClimateWeek! 👏 @AtkinsonCenter & @EDFHealth for hosting such an informative event, & to all the panelists & featured speakers! Couldn't make the event? Listen to panelist Trisha Stein, @CityofDetroit on the #DataSmartCityPod datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/na…
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Tomorrow! Join the @AtkinsonCenter, the @EnvDefenseFund and members of our Community Data Health Initiative team for a conversation on using data to safeguard community health and resilience. Livestream and in-person options available so sign up below! atkinson.cornell.edu/project…
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We're excited to share that Pr. @GoldsmithOnGov joined @The_CLC_SG as a Visiting Fellow! It's always exciting for us at the @CenterforCities at Harvard University when we get to engage with other centers for urban + civic research 💡 #ResponsiveCity #UrbanGovernance #SmartNation
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Rounding out our week of new website features, we're highlighting the people behind Data-Smart! datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/st… Take a look at our redesigned staff page, learn about the team behind our work, and get in touch!
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Continuing our highlights, today we're showcasing our redesigned pod page! datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/po… With our new site design, you can now easily find & subscribe to the #DataSmartCityPod on your fave app. Take a look, listen to some episodes & subscribe so you never miss a drop!
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Let's get reacquainted! With our new site redesign, we're highlighting projects to help new & returning visitors learn about our work! Today we're showcasing our Community Data Health Initiative: datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/cd… @EnvDefenseFund @OurMayors @MeharryMedical @RWJF @kresgefdn
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Our whole team is thrilled to share the newly redesigned Data-Smart City Solutions website 🎉 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ Check out the improvements detailed below, and see our new look for yourself at datasmart.hks.harvard.edu - same URL, new look!
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New resource out today! A guide for mayors and city officials looking to address the health impacts of air pollution 👇 datasmart.hks.harvard.edu/ad…
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