Introduction

Introduction
Contact	Wilfred Pinfold
Topics	Agriculture Buildings Cybersecurity and Privacy Data Public Safety Smart Buildings Transportation Utility Wellbeing
NEWS TNL to support Portland, OR, in gathering crucial traffic data for 2030 bicycling plan Portland, Oregon, has been known as the best bicycling city in North America for a long time. The city has taken its engineering steps a bit further by evaluating the TNL’s FlowCube advanced traffic sensor technology. The FlowCube is yielding valuable data to support the city’s traffic management. California Statewide Study Investigates Causes and Impacts of Homelessness The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) today released the largest representative study of homelessness in the United States since the mid-1990s, providing a comprehensive look at the causes and consequences of homelessness in California and recommending policy changes to shape programs in response. Flemish government launches data company Athumi Flemish minister-president Jan Jambon officially presented the Flemish data company Athumi on Thursday evening. The company introduces data vaults in Flanders, which will allow citizens to choose what data they share with which organisations and for how long. Newest Industry Working Group The DTC Telecommunications Working Group is chartered to drive the application and adoption of digital twins in the global telecom market. ZOOX Deploying Purpose-Built Robotaxi on Open Public Roads Autonomous Mobility-as-a-Service company, Zoox, today announced it completed a key milestone: deploying the world’s first purpose-built robotaxi on open public roads with passengers. On February 11, 2023, Zoox conducted the first run of its employee shuttle service in Foster City, California, marking the first time in history a purpose-built autonomous robotaxi without traditional driving controls carried passengers on open public roads. REPORTS The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization Morgenstadt benchmarking and city development concepts Open Knowledge Network Roadmap Cascadia 2050 Vision - Moving to Climate Action Federal Policy Building Blocks ... further results

Humans are social animals. From a biological perspective, humans are highly social creatures and have a strong need for social connection and interaction with others. Throughout human history, people have lived in groups and communities, and have developed a wide range of social norms and institutions to facilitate cooperation and collaboration. Even today, most people spend a significant portion of their time interacting with others, whether it be with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. The importance of social connections for human well-being is well-documented. Research has shown that people who have strong social connections tend to be happier, live longer, and have better overall health outcomes. So it seems that, as a species, humans are hardwired to be social, and our relationships with others play a central role in our overall well-being.

Migration to Cities

More people are moving to cities around the world. One reason for this trend is that cities tend to offer a wider range of job opportunities and a more diverse and vibrant economy. Many people are attracted to cities because they offer the opportunity to work in a range of industries and pursue a variety of career paths. In addition to economic factors, cities can also offer a wider range of cultural and recreational opportunities, as well as improved access to education and other services. For many people, the amenities and conveniences that cities offer are a major draw. Another factor that may be driving the trend of people moving to cities is the availability of affordable housing. In many cities, rising housing costs have made it difficult for people to afford to live in the suburbs or rural areas, leading them to seek out more affordable options in urban areas. It is worth noting that this trend is not universal, and there are still many people who prefer to live in smaller towns or rural areas. The decision to live in a city or not will depend on an individual's personal preferences and circumstances.

Benefits

There are many potential benefits to living in a city, including:

• Access to a wider range of services and amenities: Cities often have a wider range of services and amenities available, such as cultural institutions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Greater job opportunities: Cities tend to have a more diverse and vibrant economy, which can provide more job opportunities for residents.
• Improved access to education: Cities often have a larger number of educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and trade schools.
• Enhanced public transportation: Cities often have more developed public transportation systems, which can make it easier for residents to get around.
• Greater cultural diversity: Cities are often more diverse and cosmopolitan, which can provide a rich cultural experience for residents.
• Stronger sense of community: Despite the larger population size, some people find that living in a city can provide a stronger sense of community, due to the concentration of people in a smaller area.

These are just a few examples, and the specific benefits of living in a city will depend on the individual and the city in question.

Purpose

The purpose of a city or municipality is to provide a range of services and facilities to meet the needs of its citizens. Cities and municipalities are local governments that have the power to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, and provide a range of services and facilities to their citizens.

Some common examples of the services and facilities that cities and municipalities provide include:

• Public Safety: Cities and municipalities are responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting the public. This may include activities such as providing police and fire services.
• Infrastructure: Cities and municipalities are responsible for maintaining and improving the infrastructure of the community, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Municipal Services: Cities and municipalities provide a range of services to their citizens, including things like garbage collection, water and sewage treatment, and public transportation.
• Community Development: Cities and municipalities work to improve the quality of life in their communities by supporting the development of local businesses and promoting economic development, as well as by providing facilities such as parks, libraries, and community centers.

Overall, the purpose of a city or municipality is to serve as the local government for a specific community, and to work to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Technology

Technology can play a number of important roles in cities, including:

• Improving Efficiency and Productivity: Technology can help cities run more efficiently by automating processes, streamlining communication, and providing access to real-time data.
• Enhancing Municipal Services: Technology can be used to improve the delivery of public services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. For example, telemedicine can bring healthcare services to underserved areas, and online education platforms can make it easier for people to access educational resources.
• Enhancing Public Safety: Technology can be used to improve public safety by enabling better communication and information sharing among first responders, and by providing tools like surveillance cameras and emergency notification systems.
• Promoting Economic Development: Technology can help cities attract and retain businesses by providing a modern, innovative environment that is attractive to companies and employees.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: Technology can be used to improve the quality of life for city residents by providing access to amenities like WiFi hotspots, online entertainment, and other digital services.

Overall, the role of technology in cities is to help them function more efficiently, effectively, and equitably, and to create a better quality of life for all residents.