Four reasons why smart communities will take 2023 by storm

The last three years have been a rapid-fire series of challenges for local government leaders, from a devastating pandemic targeting the population’s most vulnerable to widespread economic downturn. After navigating this volatility, leaders are seeking out new and innovative strategies to future-ready their communities and reach their goals.

One such strategy is the development of a smart community. These digitally transformed environments are unlocking the future of secure, connected and resilient living, and in 2023, we can expect them to be a top priority for municipal leaders. Not convinced? Here are four reasons why smart cities will become the gold standard in the new year, and why local governments can’t afford to be left behind.

1. Citizens expect leaders to focus on social equity
Research shows investing in social equity and justice is a must for local governments, with 77 percent of surveyed city leaders indicating their smart city initiatives include social equity requirements.

Families and businesses are seeking out communities that are diverse and inclusive, and which ultimately reflect their own values. Digitizing city infrastructure and examining the data can help local government leaders achieve this.

This includes expanding access to internet and technology services, investing in programs that support underserved communities, delivering greater transparency through interdepartmental data sharing and addressing deferred maintenances in buildings that provide public services, including libraries, senior centers, town halls and fire and police complexes (that often have community center common areas for citizens to utilize). When planning smart community initiatives, it’s important that everyone has a seat at the table; communities should also actively seek out localized partners from underserved communities to provide leadership and support throughout the project’s lifespan.

2. Net zero communities are the future of local government
As the effects of climate change are felt across the globe, citizens expect their local government leaders to prioritize resiliency in pursuit of a healthier community and planet. Components of a “resilient community” can be ones that focus on pandemic and crisis response efforts, predictive analytics investments, microgrid development and work force enhancement initiatives. Smart communities are increasingly becoming the key to an environmentally conscious municipality and can kick-start the roadmap to net zero if carbon reduction is one of their priorities.

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