Page 24 - The City of Greensboro Conditions and Trends

CITY OF GREENSBORO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONDITIONS & TRENDS

enables greater efficiencies in traffic movement and energy management, and enables real-time information
exchange and decision-making.

 Cloud Computing and Big Data: The increasing amounts of data gathered by devices, businesses, and institutions
creates data management challenges and opportunities. Cloud storage offers the opportunity to securely store and
manage this data, while making it available to authorized users. This lends itself to “Big Data,” defined as data that
is highly accurate, arrives in real-time, and comes from a wide variety of sources. Cities have used these to improve
trash pickup, analyze fire risk, and better manage road usage.

 Citizen Engagement: New technologies increase opportunities for residents to be engaged: first by providing a
wider variety of means, such as smart phone apps, for residents to report issues and interact with city officials and
second by providing more opportunities for citizens to have access to and use data similar to that used by
government officials. The amount of data, and the increasing amount of online software that provides mapping and
analysis capabilities, gives residents greater opportunities to think about local problems and engage on a deeper
level.

Technology and the Future of Cities

A report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology titled “Technology and the Future of Cities”
examines place-based technology strategies used by cities, many times using a “district” approach in small-scale trials
before going city-wide. The report groups technology trends into the following sectors.

 Transportation: Multi-modal integration, autonomous vehicles, and on-demand mobility services
Objectives: Timesaving; reduction in pollution, crashes, and noise; solutions for underserved
 Energy: Distributed renewable energy; district heating and cooling; low-cost energy storage; more efficient systems
Objectives: Increased efficiency; less pollution; increased resiliency
 Building and Housing: New construction techniques; adaptive space designs
Objectives: More affordable housing; healthier and more comfortable housing; increased resilience
 Water: Improved system design and management; quicker detection of problems
Objectives: Better integration of water, sanitation, flood control, and environmental quality
 Urban Manufacturing: On-demand 3D printing; small batch manufacturing; high-value added activities
Objectives: New jobs, converted urban space, close integration of living and work;
 Urban Farming: Food production and environmental services in non-traditional spaces within urban centers;
Objectives: Cleaner, more efficient production and better deliverability, including in underserved areas.

What This Means for Greensboro
New technology enables better delivery of city services as well as providing a platform for new industries and jobs. To make
Greensboro competitive in attracting new residents and businesses, local businesses and higher education will need to
work together. Technology itself is changing rapidly, and we are unlikely to forecast accurately what new technologies will
be created, how they will be used, and how this will affect cities. Taking advantage of technology and managing impacts will
take a responsive, nimble, and collaborative approach to governing.

DRAFT -24- March 15, 2018