Why City Hack?

 

Urban population growth

68% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050 according to the UN. Technology is needed to support this rapid growth.

Congestion

Traffic congestion costs the US economy $87 billion annually from wasted time and fuel according to INRIX. Smart transportation systems could optimize traffic flow.

Energy and emissions

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions according to the UN. Smart building systems can cut energy use and emissions.

Water management

15-20% of treated water is lost due to leaks in urban water infrastructure according to the EPA. Smart sensors can detect leaks early.

Public health

Air pollution contributes to 4.2 million premature deaths annually per the WHO. Smart pollution monitoring and mitigation can improve public health.

Public safety

Urban violence cost over $460 billion globally in 2019 according to the Institute for Economics and Peace. Data analytics can help predict and reduce crime.

Infrastructure investment

 $94 trillion in global infrastructure investment is needed by 2040 according to Oxford Economics. Smart infrastructure can optimize this spending.

Social equity

 Over 40% of households in US cities with incomes under $30,000 lack broadband access per Brookings. Smart cities can prevent digital divides.

Economic development

Smart cities could generate $20 trillion in economic benefits globally by 2026 according to Juniper Research.

Smart Infrastructure 

 Includes sensors, connectivity, and data analytics applied to things like energy grids, water systems, transportation networks, and buildings. Enables monitoring, automation, and optimization.

Mobility & Transportation

Using technology to improve public and private transportation options, traffic management, parking systems, EV infrastructure, pedestrian/cyclist solutions, and access.

Sustainability

Leveraging innovation to enhance sustainability across energy, waste, water, food systems, green spaces, climate resilience and environmental impacts.

Civic Engagement

Digital platforms and apps to connect residents with local government services, information, and community-building opportunities.

Public Safety & Justice 

 Use of technology to improve emergency response times, crime monitoring and prediction, equitable law enforcement, and access to justice.

Service Delivery

Digital transformation of the delivery of basic services like healthcare, education, social services, and economic programs to residents.

Data Analytics

Collecting and analyzing massive amounts of data from sensors, satellites, public records, and other sources to generate insights for decision making, predictive analytics, and more.

Urban Planning

Using new technologies like computational modeling, VR/AR, geospatial tools, simulation, and big data analysis to improve urban planning.

Internet of Things

Networking urban infrastructure, equipment, vehicles, buildings, and assets via sensors and internet connectivity for monitoring, control, and more.

Climate resilience 

Damages from climate-fueled disasters in cities could cost $415 billion annually by 2030 according to the Coalition for Urban Transitions. Smart technologies can improve resilience.

Smart Communities 

 Applying innovation at the neighborhood level to improve liveability, connectivity, resilience, service access, and community development.

The common thread is leveraging technology and data to improve how cities function, serve residents, and plan for the future.