The Intelligent Community
In the official podcast from the Intelligent Community Forum, we speak with the movers and shakers in the intelligent community movement around the world. Hear how communities are embracing the 21st century for economic prosperity, enriching their cultures, and improving the quality of lives of their citizens.
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Dynamic Metros Rule, Part 2
08/06/2025
Dynamic Metros Rule, Part 2
ICF has its international awards program for which it is famous. But that does it take to become one of America’s ”Most Dynamic Metro Areas?” and where are they located? Heartland Forward’s Chief Reseach Officer discusses the results of the ”think and do tank’s” long-awaited report and drops facts behind the reason that, despite the fact it has 39% of the national population, this vast American expanse of talent, resources and states, from North Dakota to Texas, only attracted 10% of investment - until recently. But things are changing, as Lou learns in part 2 of his conversation with Dave Shideler. David Shideler serves as the chief research officer for Heartland Forward’s research team which includes visiting senior fellows Richard Florida and Maryann Feldman. With a mission to help improve the economic performance in the heartland and change the narrative of the middle of the country, the original research efforts focus on four key pillars: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital, health and wellness and regional competitiveness. Shideler joined Heartland Forward after more than a decade at Oklahoma State University, serving as a professor and Community and Economic Development Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics. In these roles, he oversaw projects in community and rural development and small business development, and published peer-reviewed research articles on the economic impacts of internet access, incentive programs, and local food production. Shideler holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics and an M.A. in Economics from the Ohio State University, an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. in Community and Rural Development from Clemson University.
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Dynamic Metros Rule
07/23/2025
Dynamic Metros Rule
ICF has its international awards program for which it is famous. But that does it take to become one of America’s ”Most Dynamic Metro Areas?” and where are they located? Heartland Forward’s Chief Reseach Officer discusses the results of the ”think and do tank’s” long-awaited report and drops facts behind the reason that, despite the fact it has 39% of the national population, this vast American expanse of talent, resources and states, from North Dakota to Texas, only attracted 10% of investment - until recently. But things are changing, as Lou learns. David Shideler serves as the chief research officer for Heartland Forward’s research team which includes visiting senior fellows Richard Florida and Maryann Feldman. With a mission to help improve the economic performance in the heartland and change the narrative of the middle of the country, the original research efforts focus on four key pillars: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital, health and wellness and regional competitiveness. Shideler joined Heartland Forward after more than a decade at Oklahoma State University, serving as a professor and Community and Economic Development Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics. In these roles, he oversaw projects in community and rural development and small business development, and published peer-reviewed research articles on the economic impacts of internet access, incentive programs, and local food production. Shideler holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics and an M.A. in Economics from the Ohio State University, an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. in Community and Rural Development from Clemson University.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/37520420
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Discussing Smart21 Community Brightlands-Limburg, Netherlands with Mr. Stephan Satijn
07/09/2025
Discussing Smart21 Community Brightlands-Limburg, Netherlands with Mr. Stephan Satijn
ICF's Lou Zacharilla speaks with Mr. Stephan Satijn, Regional Minister for Economy, Finance & Business Operations, Province of Limburg, in this sit-down interview discussing the Brightlands-Limburg Region, a Smart21 Community of 2025. Perhaps best known as the place where the Maastricht Treaty was signed to establish the European Union, the Brightlands-Limburg Region has undergone a decade of growth and transformation. Through a concentrated effort to leverage existing industries and a strong university presence, the Region has developed an "ecosystem of ecosystems" focused around four campuses spread throughout the province: Brightlands Chemelot Campus, focused on materials, circularity, and sustainable chemistry. Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus, specializing in health. Brightlands Smart Services Campus, concentrating on data science and AI. Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo, dedicated to food, nutrition, and the bio-based economy. The future looks "bright" for Brightlands-Limburg as well, as the Region is in heavy pursuit of the Einstein Telescope Project - a topic that Mr. Satijn and Lou discuss at length in this discussion.
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Two-time Top7 Community, Part 2
06/25/2025
Two-time Top7 Community, Part 2
Fast Company Magazine shocked a lot of people when it published its list of the most Innovative Companies for Economic Development and – whoa! – a city appeared. An Intelligent Community in the USA state of Ohio: Hilliard. The ICF network knows Hilliard as one of the leading cities and a two-time Top7 community. But this was a big-time recognition. How much of it had to do with being an Intelligent Community? The City Manager, Michelle Crandall tells us in this podcast. Michelle currently serves as the City Manager for the City of Hilliard, Ohio, USA (population 38,000). She began this position in January 2020 as Hilliard’s first ever City Manager, following a charter change in the City’s form of government. Previously Michelle was with the City of Dublin, Ohio for more than 25 years in a variety of roles, including Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager and Director of Administrative Services. Michelle serves as vice-chair for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), chair of Broadband Access Ohio (BAO), and immediate past chair of the Central Ohio Mayors & Managers Association (COMMA). She previously served on the International City and County Management Association (ICMA) Executive Board as a Vice-President representing the Midwest region, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Innovation. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Wittenberg University and a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University. Additionally, she attended the University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service Executive Leadership Development Program (LEAD) and the American University Washington Semester Program. Under Michelle’s leadership, the City of Hilliard was named by Fast Company in 2025 as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in the category of Economic Development. In both 2023 and 2024, the City of Hilliard was named a Top7 Intelligent Community by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) and was named the Best Suburb to Do Business by Columbus CEO. In 2023, Michelle was named among Columbus Business First’s inaugural class of “Women of Influence”, being honored as a “Trailblazer”. Additionally, in 2018 Michelle was the recipient of a Richard Childs Fellowship through the Kettering Foundation in partnership with the National Civic League and a recipient of a Japan Local Government Center CLAIR Fellowship.
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Two-time Top7 Community, Part 1
06/11/2025
Two-time Top7 Community, Part 1
Fast Company Magazine shocked a lot of people when it published its list of the most Innovative Companies for Economic Development and – whoa! – a city appeared. An Intelligent Community in the USA state of Ohio: Hilliard. The ICF network knows Hilliard as one of the leading cities and a two-time Top7 community. But this was a big-time recognition. How much of it had to do with being an Intelligent Community? The City Manager, Michelle Crandall tells us in this podcast.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/36953575
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Looking Ahead at the Top 7 Conference
05/28/2025
Looking Ahead at the Top 7 Conference
The Top7 Communities of 2025 will be announced in Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain – a Smart21 Community and leading community in Spanish intelligent community development. Las Rozas is a city of just under 100,000 people, and is home to nearly 15,000 companies and self-employed workers. Its success has been from a combination of strong mayoral leadership, multi-level workforce development, and an innovation ecosystem largely driven by Las Rozas Innova, the Municipal Company for Innovation, Technological Development, Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship. This event is being produced in collaboration with the city of Las Rozas de Madrid and Las Rozas Innova. Hear from Executive Director, Matt Owen, about this special, three-day event and from the Mayor of Las Rozas de Madrid Spain, Jose de la Uz. Tune in next week for a special episode featuring the Province of Limburg's, Regional Minister, Stephen Satijn.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/36753140
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Smart and Smarter Canada, Part 2
05/14/2025
Smart and Smarter Canada, Part 2
Canada has contributed more Intelligent Communities to the ICF global network than any other country. In 2025 Canada once again placed four of its regions and cities on the list of ICF’s Smart21, the first step in the annual Awards program. How does Canada achieve this hard-won annual goal? And what do this year’s communities have to say about sustainability, economic development… and that little dispute with their neighbor, friend and largest trading partner! A great roundtable conversation with four of Canada’s best. Our guests include: Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Grey County, Ontario, Canada Wendy Dupley, Economic Development Advisor, Langley, BC, Canada Donna Gillespie, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, Kingston, Canada Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Durham, Canada
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/36563415
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Smart and Smarter Canada, Part 1
04/30/2025
Smart and Smarter Canada, Part 1
Canada has contributed more Intelligent Communities to the ICF global network than any other country. In 2025 Canada once again placed four of its regions and cities on the list of ICF’s Smart21, the first step in the annual Awards program. How does Canada achieve this hard-won annual goal? And what do this year’s communities have to say about sustainability, economic development… and that little dispute with their neighbor, friend and largest trading partner! A great roundtable conversation with four of Canada’s best. Our guests include: Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Grey County, Ontario, Canada Wendy Dupley, Economic Development Advisor, Langley, BC, Canada Donna Gillespie, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, Kingston, Canada Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Durham, Canada
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/36374920
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A New Idea for Urban Mobility: A Conversation with Doug McCollough
04/16/2025
A New Idea for Urban Mobility: A Conversation with Doug McCollough
Doug McCollough has been CIO of leading digital cities, including Dublin, Ohio where he helped lead that small city to multiple awards, including ICF’s Top7. He recently took over the role of Executive Director for the ICF Institute, and was recently names the first-ever Executive Director of the Beta District, which spans several cities in the most important industrial corridor of Central Ohio. And he is producing a Future of Mobility Conference in May that will bring new ideas to the life of urban movement. Known for his sharp turns toward innovation and intellectual prowess when it comes to understanding the link between connectivity, economic growth and social development, McCollough has been a leader in ICF’s global intelligent community movement and one of its most popular speakers. Doug McCollough works to connect people to opportunities, remove barriers, and promote change in initiatives ranging from Smart and Connected Cities, IT Workforce Development, expanding broadband access, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and Blockchain. Now serving as the Executive Director of The Beta District in Central Ohio, which organizes innovation, development, and investment in Smart Mobility industry sectors, he speaks as a Subject Matter Expert and advocate on using technology for community development. Doug is also the CEO of Color Coded Labs, which targets underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized communities, seeking gritty working adults for new, transformative career pathways in the technology industry, and co-founder of The Columbus Rising Project, which fights against the digital divide by sharing basic tech skills in the Columbus, Ohio region. Prior to his current work, Doug held positions within the State of Ohio Departments of Public Safety, Commerce, Industrial Commission, and Medicaid. He served as the Director of Information Technology for the City of Richmond, Virginia, and as CIO for the City of Dublin, Ohio. He is on the boards of , , and , is a cofounder of Black Tech Columbus, and former Trustee for the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Doug earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo in Information Systems and Operations Management and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame.
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What It Takes to Make a Better World - A Conversation with Andre L. Jones
04/02/2025
What It Takes to Make a Better World - A Conversation with Andre L. Jones
Guyana is defined by its dense rainforest. Culturally connected to the Caribbean region, it has become a richer country due to its oil production and GDP per capita. But it has high levels of poverty. Especially in the rural areas. One person with an understanding of connectivity from his years in the satellite and telecommunications industries decided to go back home to tackle this fundamental issue, which is central to ICF’s purpose. Born in one of the poorest regions of Guyana, executive Andre L. Jones started WANSAT Networks to provide connectivity and development to the rural areas where he grew up. The story is a great one. Inspiring. How he approached the project is instructive to any rural district seeking to go on a journey toward Intelligent Community status. Andre L. Jones co-founded WANSAT Networks, Inc. to provide connectivity to underserved and unserved areas in his birth country of Guyana. Born in one of the poorest regions of the nation, he witnessed firsthand the challenges that rural communities faced due to their isolation. When oil was discovered in Guyana, for example, the nation experienced rapid economic expansion, but the benefits did not reach many rural areas. Andre turned the years of expertise in the satellite communications industry he had developed as a successful businessman in the United States toward the problem, securing vital partnerships with leading companies operating in the region like Intelsat, Viasat and Telefonica. Through these partnerships, WANSAT was able to deliver connectivity to remote regions unreached by fiber and terrestrial networks, providing those isolated communities with access to essential services and communication options. WANSAT has installed satellite terminals in remote communities throughout Guyana, allowing previously unconnected citizens to access the government’s telemedicine program, including remote consultations and general healthcare access. This connection is a lifeline for remote villages, providing timely diagnoses and medical advice that were previously out of reach. WANSAT connectivity also facilitates distance learning, enabling rural students to participate for the first time in programs such as the government’s GOAL initiative. Students in remote areas now have access to educational resources and opportunities that were once unimaginable, leveling the playing field and fostering a brighter future for these communities. Guyana’s gold mining industry has been another major beneficiary of WANSAT connectivity. Miners, who often face prolonged isolation from their families, now benefit from satellite internet that keeps them connected to their loved ones. This connectivity not only enhances social cohesion, but also improves workplace safety and personal security, mitigating the extreme hardships that come with long separations. To ensure that WANSAT’s connectivity offerings continue to benefit communities throughout Guyana, Andre has established training programs to equip local youth and former defense personnel with the knowledge of how to install and maintain satellite systems. He actively collaborated with Guyana’s largest telecom provider, GTT (now One Communications), to ensure sustainable development and increased regional participation in the nation’s rapid economic growth. For Andre, WANSAT is not simply about technology, but about ensuring that no one is left behind in Guyana’s economic transformation.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/35976250
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Digital Trust & One Million Trees for New York Part 2
03/19/2025
Digital Trust & One Million Trees for New York Part 2
The New York City’s Department of Parks’ first Director of Data Analytics who contributed the key ingredients to the success of the city’s Million Trees Research Conference and knows her way around urban forests discusses her new venture, Helpful Places, and how digital trust can be imbedded in the organization of community governments. It’s a fascinating conversation with one of the world’s most sought-after speakers. Canadian-based Lu, who also discusses what she learned from her work on the highly controversial Sidewalk Labs project in Toronto tells The INTELLIGENT Community audience how it went “sideways” and what she learned Jacqueline advances technology transparency and legibility for people-centered smart(er) cities. She leads Helpful Places, a social impact enterprise advancing the adoption and stewardship of Digital Trust for Places and Routines (DTPR.io), an open-source visual language and nutrition label standard designed to increase transparency and legibility for urban technology. She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Data Equity, Council for the Connected World and a working group member and contributor to the G20 Smart Cities Alliance. Jacqueline’s experience spans public, private and non-profit sectors. As Data Lead at Mozilla Foundation, Jacqueline led the development and implementation of their data strategy. As Director of Digital Integration at Sidewalk Labs, she led incorporating innovation objectives, technology policy and data ethics into the company’s approach to urban development projects. As the inaugural Director of Data Analytics at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, she developed the agency’s data strategy, developed the open data program and founded its first data science team. Jacqueline also spearheaded the largest participatory street tree mapping project in U.S. history, culminating in the NYC Tree Map, a digital platform for the collaborative management of NYC’s urban forest.
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Digital Trust & One Million Trees for New York
03/05/2025
Digital Trust & One Million Trees for New York
The New York City’s Department of Parks’ first Director of Data Analytics who contributed the key ingredients to the success of the city’s Million Trees Research Conference and knows her way around urban forests discusses her new venture, Helpful Places, and how digital trust can be imbedded in the organization of community governments. It’s a fascinating conversation with one of the world’s most sought-after speakers. Canadian-based Lu, who also discusses what she learned from her work on the highly controversial Sidewalk Labs project in Toronto tells The INTELLIGENT Community audience how it went “sideways” and what she learned Jacqueline advances technology transparency and legibility for people-centered smart(er) cities. She leads Helpful Places, a social impact enterprise advancing the adoption and stewardship of Digital Trust for Places and Routines (DTPR.io), an open-source visual language and nutrition label standard designed to increase transparency and legibility for urban technology. She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Data Equity, Council for the Connected World and a working group member and contributor to the G20 Smart Cities Alliance. Jacqueline’s experience spans public, private and non-profit sectors. As Data Lead at Mozilla Foundation, Jacqueline led the development and implementation of their data strategy. As Director of Digital Integration at Sidewalk Labs, she led incorporating innovation objectives, technology policy and data ethics into the company’s approach to urban development projects. As the inaugural Director of Data Analytics at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, she developed the agency’s data strategy, developed the open data program and founded its first data science team. Jacqueline also spearheaded the largest participatory street tree mapping project in U.S. history, culminating in the NYC Tree Map, a digital platform for the collaborative management of NYC’s urban forest.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/35544585
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Top7 Trends in 2025: A Conversation with the Founders and Executive Leadership of ICF, Part 2
02/19/2025
Top7 Trends in 2025: A Conversation with the Founders and Executive Leadership of ICF, Part 2
A fun, informative and rolling conversation with the three founders of ICF and the movement, along with its Executive Director. The group discusses the holistic approach to economic and social development and explains why cities from Ohio to Taiwan to Brazil share similar approaches on their successful journeys. They conclude by sharing their top seven trends for cities in 2025. Our moderator and guests include: Lou Zacharilla, Co-Founder, ICF Robert Bell, Co-Founder, ICF John Jung, Co-Founder, ICF Matt Owen, Executive Director, ICF
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Top7 Trends in 2025: A Conversation with the Founders and Executive Leadership of ICF, Part 1
02/05/2025
Top7 Trends in 2025: A Conversation with the Founders and Executive Leadership of ICF, Part 1
A fun, informative and rolling conversation with the three founders of ICF and the movement, along with its Executive Director. The group discusses the holistic approach to economic and social development and explains why cities from Ohio to Taiwan to Brazil share similar approaches on their successful journeys. They conclude by sharing their top seven trends for cities in 2025. Our moderator and guests include: Lou Zacharilla, Co-Founder, ICF Robert Bell, Co-Founder, ICF John Jung, Co-Founder, ICF Matt Owen, Executive Director, ICF
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/35159075
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2024 Intelligent Community of the Year recipient, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, Part 2
01/22/2025
2024 Intelligent Community of the Year recipient, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, Part 2
In part one of this conversation, you heard the world's most Intelligent Community of the Year tell you how they have used innovation and planning to evolve into one of the world's elite cities. Today, I want to go deeper to the core of this whole movement and listen as Dario Paixao tells you unequivocally that what is being done in creative can be a model for 398 communities in his state model that will bring democracy closer to people and fulfill a mandate all governments have to listen and to act. Be inspired today on The Intelligent Community.
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2024 Intelligent Community of the Year recipient, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, Part 1
01/08/2025
2024 Intelligent Community of the Year recipient, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, Part 1
Curitiba, Brazil. Ever heard of it? Ever been there? Ever seen or read stories about the building of its railroad and its history of innovation? Ever wonder how a city can be sustainable and flourishing? How about Rafael Greca? Ever heard of him? The outgoing Mayor of Curitiba is one of the most amazing people in the intelligent community movement – and a politician who is such an authentic human being – that Pope Francis invited him to the Vatican to discuss Curitiba’s remarkable programs for addressing food insecurity. Curitiba has won so many “smart city” awards that its shelves are full. It got the big one in November 2024 in Barcelona, when it was named Intelligent Community of the Year. What’s going on there? In this episode, we speak with Dario Paixao, the city’s Secretary for Economic Development, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, in a conversation with a city that has been climbing the smart city & intelligent community mountain for decades. Dario Paixao is the CEO of the Curitiba Agency for Economic Development and Innovation, Curitiba, Brazil. Doctor in Tourism Management (University of Malaga - Spain); Master in International Tourism (Las Palmas University, Canary Islands, Spain); Business Management and Tourism Bachelor (Parana Federal University and Positivo University, Curitiba, Brazil); St. Mary's High School (Vegreville, Alberta, Canada); Business Management Professor (Parana Federal University, Curitiba, Brazil); Business Management Doctorate and MBA Professor (Positivo University, Curitiba, Brazil); Former Director of the Public Management School of Curitiba City Hall; Former President of the Curitiba Convention & Visitors Bureau; Entrepreneur, speaker, and book author about the Future of Work and Employability.
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A Talk with Justin Beiber’s Hometown Mayor, Part 2
12/25/2024
A Talk with Justin Beiber’s Hometown Mayor, Part 2
Continuing our look at mistrust of government, doxing and the implications of digital technology on Intelligent Communities, Lou speaks with theformer Mayor of , Canada, Dan Mathieson. Considered one of Canada’s best mayors, whose tech-savvy insights led is city to three Top7 placements, he is into a new concept, “Immersive Cities.” Mathieson also talks about his own experience with constituents who sought menace, alienation in society, technology’s role and how Stratford native Justin Beiber once crashed the ICF website! Mr. Mathieson is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his exceptional leadership in technology innovation in his community. Dan Mathieson has dedicated his career to public service, having served 28 years in public office, 20 years-five terms as Mayor and been a member of municipal council since 1995. Throughout his extensive tenure, he has actively participated in a variety of boards and committees across multiple sectors, including the arts, healthcare, municipal affairs, law enforcement, athletics, non-profits, and educational institutions. Currently, Dan is the Chair, of the Ontario Provincial Land Development Facilitators Agency, the Past Chair of the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and has previously served as the Chair of Kings University College at Western University. He is a Governor with i-Canada, the Founding Director of Darabase North America and serves on the board of a number of public and private corporations. Dan, is an active entrepreneur with holdings in real estate and a variety of economic sectors. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Alumni Award of Excellence from the Master of Public Administration, Local Government program at Western University in November 2015. Furthermore, he was honored as the 2016 Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Western University, where he lectures on governance and innovation in public institutions and he serves as an Executive in Residence at the Ivey School of Business at Western University. In 2012, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) awarded Dan the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exceptional leadership in technology innovation within the community. He was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, acknowledging his dedication to public service.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/34614000
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A Talk with Justin Beiber’s Hometown Mayor
12/11/2024
A Talk with Justin Beiber’s Hometown Mayor
Continuing our look at mistrust of government, doxing and the implications of digital technology on Intelligent Communities, Lou speaks with theformer Mayor of , Canada, Dan Mathieson. Considered one of Canada’s best mayors, whose tech-savvy insights led is city to three Top7 placements, he is into a new concept, “Immersive Cities.” Mathieson also talks about his own experience with constituents who sought menace, alienation in society, technology’s role and how Stratford native Justin Beiber once crashed the ICF website! Mr. Mathieson is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his exceptional leadership in technology innovation in his community. Dan Mathieson has dedicated his career to public service, having served 28 years in public office, 20 years-five terms as Mayor and been a member of municipal council since 1995. Throughout his extensive tenure, he has actively participated in a variety of boards and committees across multiple sectors, including the arts, healthcare, municipal affairs, law enforcement, athletics, non-profits, and educational institutions. Currently, Dan is the Chair, of the Ontario Provincial Land Development Facilitators Agency, the Past Chair of the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and has previously served as the Chair of Kings University College at Western University. He is a Governor with i-Canada, the Founding Director of Darabase North America and serves on the board of a number of public and private corporations. Dan, is an active entrepreneur with holdings in real estate and a variety of economic sectors. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Alumni Award of Excellence from the Master of Public Administration, Local Government program at Western University in November 2015. Furthermore, he was honored as the 2016 Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Western University, where he lectures on governance and innovation in public institutions and he serves as an Executive in Residence at the Ivey School of Business at Western University. In 2012, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) awarded Dan the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exceptional leadership in technology innovation within the community. He was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, acknowledging his dedication to public service.
/episode/index/show/intelligentcommunityforum/id/34392320
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Doxing and Community Cohesion Part 2: Does AI Separate Us?
11/27/2024
Doxing and Community Cohesion Part 2: Does AI Separate Us?
What are the corrosive impacts of AI? Are there ways to offset some of the more negative trends in our communities and make technologies instruments of joy rather than menaces? What causes acted-out anger against mayors, council members, school boards, jurists and journalists? What is at the root of this community fragmentation? In the second episode of the ICF’s series on doxxing, we continue the conversation with Jacob Ward, author of The Loop. Mr. Ward is best-known to Americans for his stint as the on-air correspondent for NBC News, covering the intersection of technology, human behavior, and social change for the Nightly News and The TODAY Show. Mr. Ward and Lou discuss the degree to which AI, social anxiety and the isolation of the digital world have exploited peoples’ behavior and eroded a community’s more “wholesome” activities. Is this leading to doxing – while also potentially becoming a tool for positive change? It’s an entirely new way to look at our future.
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Doxing and Community Cohesion: Does AI Separate Us?
11/13/2024
Doxing and Community Cohesion: Does AI Separate Us?
What are the corrosive impacts of AI? Are there ways to offset some of the more negative trends in our communities and make technologies instruments of joy rather than menaces? What causes acted-out anger against mayors, council members, school boards, jurists and journalists? What is at the root of this community fragmentation? In this first episode of the ICF’s series on doxxing, we begin a conversation with Jacob Ward, author of The Loop. Mr. Ward is best-known to Americans for his stint as the on-air correspondent for NBC News, covering the intersection of technology, human behavior, and social change for the Nightly News and The TODAY Show. Mr. Ward and Lou discuss the degree to which AI, social anxiety and the isolation of the digital world have exploited peoples’ behavior and eroded a community’s more “wholesome” activities. Is this leading to doxing – while also potentially becoming a tool for positive change? It’s an entirely new way to look at our future. Jacob Ward is a prolific technology journalist. He was most recently an on-air correspondent for NBC News, covering the intersection of technology, human behavior, and social change for Nightly News, The TODAY Show, and MSNBC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Popular Science magazine, and was Al Jazeera’s science and technology correspondent from 2013 to 2018. Ward is a lecturer at the Stanford d.school, and was a 2018-2019 Berggruen Fellow at Stanford University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, where he began writing The Loop: How AI is Creating a World without Choices and How to Fight Back, out now from Hachette Book Group. The book explores how artificial intelligence and other decision-shaping technologies will amplify good and bad human instincts. Ward has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Wired, and many other publications. In addition to hosting documentaries for Nat Geo and Discovery, he’s the host of the landmark four-hour PBS television series, “Hacking Your Mind,” about human decision-making and manipulation.
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Putting Europe’s Intelligent Communities into Overdrive
10/30/2024
Putting Europe’s Intelligent Communities into Overdrive
The CEO and Founder of Bable Smart Cities in Germany is on a mission: to accelerate change for a better urban life by helping a city or a region’s stakeholders create sustainable, innovative, and inclusive places. How’s he doing? And why is his company called “Bable??” In this episode we speak with Alexander Schmidt, whose company has been working on process of improvement for cities and which is partnering with ICF for the Barcelona Summit in early November at the Smart City Expo. Schmidt says that by “simplifying innovation” cities can save 80% of money allocated to them by the EU and other sources. He discusses this. Mr. Schmidt, whose company continues to open offices throughout the EU, also tells us why he finds the ICF method for creating better communities everywhere on Earth a compelling proposition. And he tells us how Bable got its name…. Alexander Schmidt is the Founder/CEO at BABLE Smart Cities with the mission to accelerate the change for a better urban life by supporting urban stakeholders in creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive cities and towns - providing a knowledge platform that enables collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the acceleration of smart solutions. His competencies focus on: urban mobility, business models for new (digital) markets, system analysis and development of urban solutions and moderation of partnerships between public and private entities. He has a deep understanding of the goals, processes and background of industrial, scientific and governmental institutions. Mr. Schmidt holds several degrees, incl. a M.Sc. Transport from Imperial College London, Environmental Engineering & Business Studies, was a researcher and project lead at the Fraunhofer Research Society, Morgenstadt and MIT Sensible Cities Lab,. He was also part of the founding and management team of EIT Urban Mobility - an institution of the European Union.
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How DOES Taiwan Do It? Ep 1, Jim Shea
10/16/2024
How DOES Taiwan Do It? Ep 1, Jim Shea
A nation of 23 million people that punches far above its weight is a subject of study and fascination around the world. Its prowess in semi-conductor technology is just the beginning. Much of Taiwan’s success comes from the way it has designed its cities and the way its culture embraces innovation, ideas from everywhere and implements them in a process that continues to modernize its economy, while maintaining the integrity of its history and its robust democracy. In this mini-series we try to open the door to Taiwan for you. We begin with a conversation with the CEO from a company that is based in an Intelligent Community, Arlington County, Virginia. Arlington County and Taiwan have a strong relationship and in this conversation, Jim Shea, CEO of DeepSig, a software development company that improves the next generation of wireless systems, talks to Lou about doing business in a country where there are ! Jim Shea is the CEO of DeepSig Inc., a startup that is harnessing the power of AI to radically improve the performance and security of 5G, IoT, and other wireless systems. He has over 30 years of commercial and defense industrial experience having been involved in two previous startups and experience managing large organizations. Jim received a BEE from Georgia Tech and an MSEE from The University of Illinois.
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"Robot for Mayor" A Conversation with Dr. Norman Jacknis, Part 2
10/02/2024
"Robot for Mayor" A Conversation with Dr. Norman Jacknis, Part 2
In a year when democracies around the world go to the voting polls to select leaders and representatives in nations and local towns and regions, we see much has changed due to an adoption of the “Intelligent Community” idea and through the evolution of technologies like broadband and AI, which have crept into our daily lives. The COVID Pandemic altered our rhythms and impacted our local economies, especially commercial real estate, healthcare advances and the nature of work. Can it be very long before we elect a robot for mayor? What is the new normal with AI in our communities? Are the forces too overwhelming or are we managing? Picking up on ICF’s July 2024 webinar “Sharing Public Spaces with Robots” Lou went to the “bullpen” to bring in ICF’s Senior Fellow, Dr. Norman Jacknis to ask him what his research and teaching has revealed. Norm, who leads ICF’s Analysts also shares his views about this year’s Top7 Intelligent Communities, one of which will succeed Binh Duong, Vietnam as Intelligent Community of the Year! Dr. Jacknis has decades of executive and leadership experience in the public and private sectors. He has successfully led organizations to adopt innovations, creatively use technology, and embrace data-driven cultures. Dr. Jacknis is currently Professor of Practice in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship program of the business school of Northeastern University. Prior to that, for eight years, he was on the full- time faculty of Columbia University, teaching machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as product design, in its Executive Master’s degree program for technology leaders. He is also Senior Fellow of the global Intelligent Community Forum, where he has worked for years with regional/state and local public officials and businesses on the intelligent use of technology to improve quality of life and the built environment. Government Technology Magazine selected him as one of the nation’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers who, using technology ... broke bureaucratic inertia to better serve the public”. Under his leadership, Westchester County won numerous awards, including the Center for Digital Government’s top ten digital counties in the country, American City & County's Crown Communities Award for technology and was selected as one of the top seven Intelligent Communities in the world. Among many activities beyond his work, he is Chairman Emeritus and former President of the regional chapter of the national association of chief information and technology officers (SIM) as well as Vice Chair of the Westchester County Community College Board Of Trustees. Dr. Jacknis received his Doctorate, Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Princeton University. He also studied for a semester at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and has graduated from executive courses at Harvard University.
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“Robot for Mayor” A Conversation with Dr. Norman Jacknis, Part 1
09/18/2024
“Robot for Mayor” A Conversation with Dr. Norman Jacknis, Part 1
In a year when democracies around the world go to the voting polls to select leaders and representatives in nations and local towns and regions, we see much has changed due to an adoption of the “Intelligent Community” idea and through the evolution of technologies like broadband and AI, which have crept into our daily lives. The COVID Pandemic altered our rhythms and impacted our local economies, especially commercial real estate, healthcare advances and the nature of work. Can it be very long before we elect a robot for mayor? What is the new normal with AI in our communities? Are the forces too overwhelming or are we managing? Picking up on ICF’s July 2024 webinar “Sharing Public Spaces with Robots” Lou went to the “bullpen” to bring in ICF’s Senior Fellow, Dr. Norman Jacknis to ask him what his research and teaching has revealed. Norm, who leads ICF’s Analysts also shares his views about this year’s Top7 Intelligent Communities, one of which will succeed Binh Duong, Vietnam as Intelligent Community of the Year! Dr. Jacknis has decades of executive and leadership experience in the public and private sectors. He has successfully led organizations to adopt innovations, creatively use technology, and embrace data-driven cultures. Dr. Jacknis is currently Professor of Practice in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship program of the business school of Northeastern University. Prior to that, for eight years, he was on the full- time faculty of Columbia University, teaching machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as product design, in its Executive Master’s degree program for technology leaders. He is also Senior Fellow of the global Intelligent Community Forum, where he has worked for years with regional/state and local public officials and businesses on the intelligent use of technology to improve quality of life and the built environment. Government Technology Magazine selected him as one of the nation’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers who, using technology ... broke bureaucratic inertia to better serve the public”. Under his leadership, Westchester County won numerous awards, including the Center for Digital Government’s top ten digital counties in the country, American City & County's Crown Communities Award for technology and was selected as one of the top seven Intelligent Communities in the world. Among many activities beyond his work, he is Chairman Emeritus and former President of the regional chapter of the national association of chief information and technology officers (SIM) as well as Vice Chair of the Westchester County Community College Board Of Trustees. Dr. Jacknis received his Doctorate, Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Princeton University. He also studied for a semester at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and has graduated from executive courses at Harvard University.
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Why 20 States in America are Being Reborn: A Conversation with Heartland Forward
09/04/2024
Why 20 States in America are Being Reborn: A Conversation with Heartland Forward
The ”Heartland” of the United States is a geographical expanse that is breathtaking in its size and scope. Covering 20 states, from North Dakota to Texas, it is among the most diverse places on the globe. Yet for the past decades it has underperformed the ”Services” economies of America’s coastal states and cities. But that is changing dramatically thanks to the efforts of groups like Heartland Forward. With entrepreneurial programs and toolkits, this ”Think and DO” tank as they call themselves has been unlocking the intelligence, culture, and capital in places as diverse as Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Oxford, Mississippi, and attempting to drive investment to the heartland of USA. How’s it going? As the American economy continues to generate prosperity and opportunities, Heartland Forward’s Senior Economist and Chief Research Officer talk to Lou about place-based economic development, the workforce of these 20 states and the linkages between their work and ICF’s. This one changes the narrative about the ” flyover country” within the United States and gives examples of how every community can seize its destiny (Sound familiar?) You will enjoy their insights into this continuous rebirth of the American spirit. Julie Trivitt joined Heartland Forward from the University of Arkansas where she was a faculty member in both the Economics and Education Reform departments for eight years and has lived in the heartland her entire life. She leads the research initiatives on labor markets and talent pipelines as they are now and how we need them to adapt so the people of the heartland have opportunities to realize their full potential and employers have the best qualified talent. She has a PhD and MS in Economics from the University of Arkansas. Her bachelor’s degree is also in Economics and was earned at Missouri State University. She aspires to be an herb gardener, a cruise director, and a librarian. David Shideler serves as the chief research officer for Heartland Forward’s research team which includes visiting senior fellows Richard Florida and Maryann Feldman. With a mission to help improve the economic performance in the heartland and change the narrative of the middle of the country, the original research efforts focus on four key pillars: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital, health and wellness and regional competitiveness. Shideler joined Heartland Forward after more than a decade at Oklahoma State University, serving as a professor and Community and Economic Development Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics. In these roles, he oversaw projects in community and rural development and small business development, and published peer-reviewed research articles on the economic impacts of internet access, incentive programs, and local food production. Shideler holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics and an M.A. in Economics from the Ohio State University, an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. in Community and Rural Development from Clemson University.
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FRUGAL INNOVATION: FINLANDS SECRET DNA, A Conversation with Finland's First Ambassador for Innovation, Part 2
08/21/2024
FRUGAL INNOVATION: FINLANDS SECRET DNA, A Conversation with Finland's First Ambassador for Innovation, Part 2
In this episode of The Intelligent Community, ICF Co-Founder Lou Zacharilla speaks with Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Finland’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs before being named the country’s first Ambassador for Innovation. Sareva was Finland’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs before being named the country’s first Ambassador for Innovation. These two jobs were central to the success of Finland, which is known for its innovation in technology and the development of showcase cities, including ICF’s 2018 Intelligent Community of the Year, . He also served in directorships at the UN’s Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Institute for Disarmament Research. His advocacy for Finland as it current Consul General in New York and vision for the world’s cities keeps the focus on humanity as the center of the human experience. He discusses what he calls “frugal innovation” methods to continue to improve social quality of life.
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FRUGAL INNOVATION: FINLANDS SECRET DNA, A Conversation with Finland's First Ambassador for Innovation, Part 1
08/07/2024
FRUGAL INNOVATION: FINLANDS SECRET DNA, A Conversation with Finland's First Ambassador for Innovation, Part 1
Sareva was Finland’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs before being named the country’s first Ambassador for Innovation. These two jobs were central to the success of Finland, which is known for its innovation in technology and the development of showcase cities, including ICF’s 2018 Intelligent Community of the Year, . He also served in directorships at the UN’s Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Institute for Disarmament Research. His advocacy for Finland as it current Consul General in New York and vision for the world’s cities keeps the focus on humanity as the center of the human experience. He discusses what he calls “frugal innovation” methods to continue to improve social quality of life. Ambassador Jarmo Sareva is the Consul General of Finland in New York since September 1, 2022. The Consulate General in New York promotes Finland’s commercial & cultural interests in the United States, focusing on thirty-five eastern states. It is also responsible for consular services in New York as well as in other states in its jurisdiction. Mr. Sareva brings a wealth of experience to his position from both multilateral and bilateral diplomacy, especially in the field of arms control. Prior to his appointment in New York, Mr. Sareva served in Helsinki as Finland’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs from 2021 to 2022 and Finland’s first Ambassador for Innovation from 2018 to 2021. From 2006 to 2018, he served in various positions at the UN in New York and Geneva, including as Director of the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and Director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). Mr. Sareva’s previous diplomatic experience includes serving as Director for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Helsinki and as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN in New York, as well as postings in Moscow, Washington, D.C., and Vienna. Mr. Sareva is passionate about helping Finnish businesses expand to the U.S. market, promoting Finnish culture, and strengthening Finland’s country brand in the United States. Mr. Sareva holds an M.A. from the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in Washington. He is married with two children and two grandchildren.
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Why Astronauts Look for Their Home First (Part 2) – A Conversation with Best-Selling Author and Space Philosopher Frank White
07/24/2024
Why Astronauts Look for Their Home First (Part 2) – A Conversation with Best-Selling Author and Space Philosopher Frank White
In this second episode, best-selling author of the “Overview Effect” Frank White talks about the hope and plan he has to establish a group of people who will be the heart and soul of bringing the overview effect “down to Earth.” How can experiencing a vision of unity and a tightly-knit community off the planet (“the overview effect”) improve communities on it? Mr. White is at his fascinating best when discussing this with ICF Co-Founder Lou Zacharilla.
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Why Astronauts Look for Their Home First, Part 1 with Frank White
07/10/2024
Why Astronauts Look for Their Home First, Part 1 with Frank White
Many astronauts say that when they initially see the Earth from afar, they look first for their hometowns….Eventually, they realize that their true identity as a human….is ‘with that whole thing.’” One of the world’s most esteemed authors and Space philosophers, best-selling author Frank White, wrote The Overview Effect nearly 40 years ago while gazing down at Earth. His hundreds of interviews and reporting since have changed the way people view our planet and their lives, and has influenced our outlook on the idea of “community.” After hundreds of interviews with every human being who has left Earth for Space and working with the best minds the human community offers, he narrowed the process of understanding into three words. In this remarkable Podcast with his friend, Lou Zacharilla, he shares them as they talk about the cognitive shift that an “overview effect” has had and what it might mean for the future of Intelligent Communities. Frank White is an educator, writer, and communications consultant. He has authored or coauthored numerous books on topics ranging from space exploration to artificial intelligence to Zen Buddhism. His best-known work is The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution. He is the co-founder, president, and board chair of The Human Space Program, Inc.
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The Middle of Everywhere with Dr. Ben Winchester, Part 2
06/26/2024
The Middle of Everywhere with Dr. Ben Winchester, Part 2
Lou and Ben Winchester continue their discussion about the changes taking place in rural communities and the misperceptions afoot. You will enjoy the second part of this Podcast. While Lou claims, “The Middle of Nowhere is No More,” Ben adds, “And we live in the middle of Everywhere!” Ben has been working both in and for small towns across the Midwest for over 25 years. He lives in St. Cloud, Minnesota with his wife and two children. Ben is trained as a Rural Sociologist and works for the University of Minnesota Extension. His conducts applied research on economic, social, and demographic topics surrounding a theme of “rewriting the rural narrative”. He recently received the international Rural Renewal Research Prize in 2021 for this work. Winchester received his B.A. in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Minnesota, Morris (1995) and M.S. in Rural Sociology from the University of Missouri, Columbia (2001). He was a founding employee at the Center for Small Towns, an outreach program at the University of Minnesota, Morris and specializes in community development, demographic analysis, data visualization, and moving communities away from anecdata.
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