Abstract
In this workshop, municipal planning policy and governance challenges in addressing and implementing new technologies for small to mid-size cities will be explored. Attendees will be introduced to current technology innovations impacting cities, from e-scooters, to autonomous vehicles, to metadata collection from residents for municipal apps. A model for municipal innovation and how to adapt to these new technologies will then be discussed. A key aspect of the session will be understanding the private-public sector divide, and the need for translation, when it comes to developing municipal policies and governance systems to accommodate and successfully implement evolving urban technologies. Using a World Cafe style of facilitation, attendees will workshop thoughts and ideas about how these new technologies could impact their respective municipalities organizations. From there attendees will be guided in a brainstorming activity to explore how their municipalities or organizations can modernize internally to accommodate new technologies, while supporting external innovation within their communities. The session will wrap up with a discussion around new policy and governance considerations to promote innovation, while adapting to new technologies. Attendees will leave this workshop inspired to take action to innovate, while understanding how to tackle the challenges of new technologies within their own municipal or organizational context from a policy and governance perspective.
