In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Heiko Aydt, head of the Digital Twin Lab at the Singapore-ETH Centre. They discuss how digital twins are transforming urban climate research and policy, with insights drawn from the groundbreaking Cooling Singapore project. Dr. Aydt explains the development of the Digital Urban Climate Twin, strategies for testing policy implications through modeling, and navigating cross-sector collaboration.

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith talks with Grace Robiou, director of the EPA’s Office of Children's Health Protection. They discuss how local governments can leverage EPA resources to prioritize children's health in environmental policies. Robiou highlights the unique vulnerabilities children face from environmental hazards, the importance of localized engagement, and the tools available to cities for data visualizations. The conversation covers practical steps cities can take to...

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Forrest Claypool, public servant and former chief of staff to Mayor Richard Daley, about his career in Chicago's public sector and his new book, "The Daley Show." Claypool reflects on his experiences leading key city departments and shares insights on leadership, managing cross-departmental teams, and using data for effective governance. He also discusses Mayor Daley’s legacy of transforming Chicago into a more vibrant and livable city,...

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Kelly Turner, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Geography at UCLA and Associate Director of the Luskin Center for Innovation. Dr. Turner delves into the concept of "shade infrastructure," exploring how cities can effectively use shade from both natural and built features to combat extreme heat. She highlights innovative approaches to urban shade, including the integration of building design and shade sails plus how schools can...

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Dr. Burghardt discusses the critical intersection of urban heat, health, and equity, particularly focusing on how extreme heat affects prenatal and early childhood development. She emphasizes the importance of place-based decision-making for city officials and how targeted interventions based on developmental stages can...

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Anika-Aduesa Smart, the director of GIS at LA Metro. Smart shares her path to this work and how her extensive experience informs her people-first approach - and her mantra "good data, better technology, best practices." She advocates for empowering employees and democratizing access to GIS tools while making a strong case for geo-spatial business intelligence.

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Detroit's Chief Strategy Officer Trisha Stein, who discusses her efforts in urban sustainability, highlighting Detroit's initiatives to combat the effects of climate change, promote clean and safe mobility, and foster community collaboration and leadership. Stein shares insights for city leaders aiming to create resilient and sustainable urban environments through innovative, cross-departmental strategies.

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Kate Robb, who discusses her innovative, data-driven approaches to enhancing urban public health. Robb offers valuable, proven insights for city leaders looking to improve community health, safety, and trust through enhanced housing inspections and collaborative city programs.

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Michael Ogletree, discussing his innovative strategies for improving Denver's air quality through collaborative efforts, low-cost sensors, and community engagement, providing actionable insights for city leaders.

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, exploring her strategies for embedding equity into every aspect of municipal operations. Mayor Woodards explains how to use data, mapping, and community engagement to not just talk about equity but actively implement it.

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Alan Clinton, the administrative planning officer for the county of Kaua'i, about the county's Sea Level Rise Constraint District Viewer, an award-winning data visualization for protecting and preserving the island coastline.

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith interviews Jacqueline Lu, co-founder of Helpful Places about the transition from traditional hardscapes to digital infrastructure, and how to prioritize trust and transparency while collecting data in the public sphere.

In this episode, Stephen Goldsmith interviews Tucson's Chief Equity Officer Laurice Walker and Equity Data Manager Laura Sharp about using data and mapping to reshape city policies and services to prioritize equity, and how to lay the groundwork for lasting transformation.

In this episode, Stephen Goldsmith interviews entrepreneur Brad Keywell, about the importance of time. They discuss how urgency, efficiency, and trust are crucial in maximizing outcomes and resident satisfaction, highlighting the need for leaders to prioritize decisive action and leverage technology to optimize processes.

In this episode, Stephen Goldsmith interviews Carin Clary, director of Homelessness and Housing at Harvard's Government Performance Lab, about the challenges faced by cities in addressing homelessness, the role of data in guiding effective interventions, and innovative approaches to reshaping homeless response systems.

In this episode Stephen Goldsmith talks with Jorrit de Jong, director of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, about his new research on the crucial role of collaborative capabilities, data analytics, and innovation in addressing complex urban challenges.

In this episode hear an exclusive conversation, moderated by host Stephen Goldsmith, with Chao Guo, professor of nonprofit management at the University of Pennsylvania and G.T. Bynum, mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In this episode Stephen Goldsmith interviews Jennifer Pahlka, former Deputy Chief Technology Officer and founder of Code for America, about her new book, "Recoding America."

In this episode hear an exclusive speech by Victoria Brown, at the time serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff at HUD, with a bonus Q&A on the relationship between local and federal housing innovation, creative applications of funding, and how city leaders can generate consensus on housing solutions.

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith interviews Marta Segura, the Chief Heat Officer for Los Angeles, about developing climate mitigation strategies for the city, the importance of cross-agency collaboration, and how both data and community guide her work.

In this episode, hear an exclusive speech by author and professor Gregg Colburn with a bonus Q&A on the relationship between housing availability and homelessness, individual versus systemic causes, and how city leaders can approach solutions.

Professor Stephen Goldsmith interviews Luis Videgaray, director of the MIT AI Policy for the World Project and former Foreign Minister and Finance Minister of Mexico. In this episode they explore the dynamic landscape of AI usage in cities, from procuring tools responsibly to leveling up adoption.

Professor Stephen Goldsmith and Clarence Anthony, the CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities, discuss how leading at the local level means leading first, which allows cities to lead the national conversation on innovation and equity work.

Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews MIT professor and dean Dan Huttenlocher on artificial intelligence, use cases for generative AI in government, and balancing the human with the digital in a bureaucracy.