Big Story: Building a Smart City Through Community and Technology
Key Takeaways:
Cary has become a national model for data-driven governance and community-focused innovation.
The town uses IoT sensors, smart water systems, and data analytics to monitor utilities, traffic, and environmental sustainability.
Leadership prioritizes resident engagement, using open data and mobile tools to keep citizens informed and involved.
Partnerships with SAS, Cisco, and local universities drive continuous experimentation and smart infrastructure growth.
Caryʼs government blends small-town values with modern tech adoption. From advanced water management systems that detect leaks in real-time to connected traffic signals that optimize flow, the townʼs “smart cityˮ vision focuses on efficiency and transparency. Its Innovation and Technology Services Department collaborates with research institutions to use predictive analytics for emergency response, waste reduction, and sustainability.
The town also runs a Smart & Connected Communities Program that began around 2016, outlining a strategy where technology and data analysis help optimize city functions and drive economic growth while improving quality of life. For example, Caryʼs “Simulated Smart Cityˮ campus at its Town Hall serves as a real-world testbed for IoT deployments like parking sensors, smart trash cans, and school-zone beacons, before scaling them to the whole town.
At its core, Caryʼs transformation isnʼt just about devices, but itʼs about people and purpose. The town emphasizes resident trust and accessibility. Its Open Data Portal hosts datasets from air quality to zoning for public use, enabling transparency and civic engagement. It shows how a mid-sized city can leverage its agile governance, tech-savvy workforce, and regional ecosystem (thanks to Research Triangle Park) to lead in municipal innovation, even without the budget of large metros.
Quick Hit News:
EDUCAUSE has released a 10-year action plan to guide colleges in using
generative AI, emphasizing skills development, ethical frameworks, and cross-campus collaboration. The plan encourages experimentation, flexible teaching guidelines, and shared governance models to prepare institutions for AIʼs evolving role in education. Read →
Cleveland startup RoadPrintz has unveiled a robotic road-painting system that applies crosswalks and traffic markings with precision and minimal labor. The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to purchase the $500,000 truck, expected to double productivity and improve worker safety. Read →
Tony Sauerhoff has been appointed as Texasʼs first chief AI and innovation
officer, leading a new division within the Department of Information Resources to support agencies in deploying artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The move follows his tenure as state CISO and signals a broader strategic shift toward hands-on innovation support. Read →
For the Commute:
AIʼs Impact on People and Culture with Mercy Noah (The Fractional Source Podcast, Episode 7)
Mercy Noah, a seasoned people strategist, joins hosts TJ and James Mitchell to unpack how AI is reshaping productivity, communication, and change management. She emphasizes AI literacy, empathy, and the need to balance automation with human connection. From strategic planning to workforce adaptation, Noah offers practical guidance for leaders aiming to integrate AI without losing the human touch.
Resources & Events:
📅 Digital Cities Survey Awards Event 2025 (Salt Lake City, UT - November 19, 2025)
Hosted by the Center for Digital Government, this event honors cities leading in digital services, cybersecurity, cross-sector partnerships, and emerging tech adoption. Held during the National League of Cities Annual City Summit, the awards spotlight innovation in resident-centered governance. Open to public sector attendees; NLC registration not required. Details →
📅 Florida IT Leadership Forum 2025 (Tallahassee, FL - December 2, 2025)
Public sector CIOs and IT leaders from across Florida will convene to explore emerging technologies, leadership development, and innovation strategies Sessions will cover AI implementation, talent pipelines, risk management, and the evolving role of CIOs as strategic change agents. The forum features keynote insights from elite fighter pilot Robert “Sharkˮ Garland and interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration and resilience in digital government. Details →
📊Report Spotlight: CIOs Prioritize Accessibility and AI Governance (NASCIO Survey)
The NASCIO State CIO Survey reveals a shift from reactive tech upgrades to proactive digital governance. With an April 2026 DOJ deadline looming, CIOs are racing to make state websites and apps accessible, despite funding gaps and policy uncertainty. Meanwhile, 82% of CIOs report daily GenAI use, and 90% are piloting AI projects, with 88% implementing guardrails for ethical deployment. The report highlights growing momentum for federal standards, deeper data maturity, and CIOs stepping into “change leaderˮ roles to modernize services. Read →
Insight of the Week:
The U.S. state and local governments are increasingly partnering with universities to accelerate nuclear and fusion energy development. University of Massachusetts Lowell, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and The University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign are among the institutions involved. These partnerships include developing advanced nuclear roadmaps, micro-reactor programs, and workforce development initiatives to build next-generation energy systems.
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