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PODCAST

Data-Smart City Pod

Data-Smart City Solutions

As the central resource for cities on the intersection of government, data, and innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod from Data-Smart City Solutions at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University features leaders and experts in governance, innovation, and research.

government

All Episodes

00:24:18

How GenAI Can Actually Boost Public Sector Creativity

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/10/29

This episode features Mike Sarasti, former Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Innovation and Technology in Miami and a leading advocate for government transformation, in conversation with host Stephen Goldsmith. They unpack how GenAI and rapid process mapping are revolutionizing public sector efficiency, not by shaving seconds off legacy workflows, but by making space for human creativity and curiosity. Mike shares real-world examples and explains how city leaders can democratize AI tools and

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00:21:47

What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP with Dr. Sara Bleich

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/10/08

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich, professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and former USDA Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity. Dr. Bleich breaks down major recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—including historic budget cuts and stricter work requirements—and what they mean for the children and families utilizing this program. She shares actionable guidance for mayors and city leaders, including

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00:24:49

Charles Waldheim on the Future of the American City

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/10/01

In this special episode, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Stephen Goldsmith and Harvard University Graduate School of Design Professor Charles Waldheim co-host a podcast crossover. Pr. Waldheim, host of the Future of the American City podcast and Director of the Office for Urbanization, speaks with Pr. Goldsmith about neighborhood regeneration, community-driven adaptation, and how to incorporate data into established decision-making routines. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City

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00:24:21

How Cities Can Use Data to Transform Disaster Response

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/09/17

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Andrew Schroeder of Direct Relief and CrisisReady. They discuss how cities can break down data silos and build integrated, actionable platforms to better respond to public health and environmental emergency. Schroeder explains the role of emerging technologies like AI and cloud data platforms, the importance of recruiting data talent in city government, and practical frameworks for connecting health and environmental data. He also previews

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00:23:18

StatGPT: The Future of City Performance

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/08/27

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Santi Garces, Boston’s chief innovation officer. They discuss Goldsmith’s new StatGPT paper, which explores how generative AI can transform city performance management. Garces also shares practical examples from Boston and insights from the recent Bloomberg Center for Cities stat and AI workshop, where 14 cities gathered to explore real-world applications of generative AI in government.Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City

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00:20:16

Recast - The Complicated Interplay: AI and Government

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/08/06

In this episode Professor Goldsmith interviews Professor Dan Huttenlocher, inaugural dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and expert on artificial intelligence and computer science. They discuss the different ways that generative AI could be used by governments, in service of constituents, and what kinds of operational standards are required for the productive and safe use of AI technologies. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-Smart City Solutions,

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00:23:44

Harnessing AI for Trust and Transformation

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Miguel Carrasco, Global Leader for Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Digital Government, connecting from Australia to share a worldwide view of how artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming public service. Carrasco reveals how governments are leveraging generative and agentic AI to cut through bureaucracy, empower front line workers, and streamline services. They also discuss how public leaders can use AI to rebuild trust

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00:09:16

Exclusive: Mayor Bibb is Connecting Climate and...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/06/04

In this exclusive episode, recorded live at the African American Mayors Association 11th Annual Conference, host Stephen Goldsmith sits down with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to explore how cities can address environmental justice and improve community health outcomes. Mayor Bibb shares his unexpected journey into climate leadership, connecting the dots between air quality, equity, and opportunity for children in Cleveland's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Through data-driven action and a focus on

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00:20:17

Public Sector AI and the Evolution of Data Analytics...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/05/14

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith talks with Oliver Wise, Acting Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and Chief Data Officer at the US Department of Commerce. Drawing on his time in New Orleans City Hall and with the federal government, Wise shares practical insights on using data to drive results — and how cities can harness the power of generative AI without waiting for perfection. From "use case truffle pigs" to building AI-ready data systems, this episode explores how public leaders can

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00:24:30

Exclusive: Advancing Educational Attainment and...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/04/23

At a recent event held at Harvard University current Mayor of Tulsa Monroe Nichols and former Mayor of Oakland Libby Schaaf spoke to chiefs of staff and deputy mayors of 35 large US cities, and we're releasing a bonus question and answer session hosted by Data-Smart City Pod producer Betsy Gardner. Listen to hear how mayors can actually influence educational policy, how to future-proof initiatives, and why longitudinal data is so important in this work. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout

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00:29:41

Generative AI and the Possibility Government

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/04/02

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Harvard Business School professor and former mayoral Chief of Staff Mitch Weiss, who talks with him and Boston CIO Santi Garces about the transformative power of artificial intelligence and GenAI. Using Weiss's framing of possibility government, they discuss current and future uses of AI in city government and why cities should focus on transformative problems. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-Smart City

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00:29:11

Mayors, Messaging, and Cutting Through a Fractured...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/03/12

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by communications expert and strategist Cameron Trimble, founder and CEO of Hip-Politics, to discuss the evolving role of local digital influencers in city government communications. Trimble explains exactly how local governments can leverage digital creators to spread important messages in an authentic and engaging way and highlights the importance of multimedia strategies as a crucial tool in reaching today’s audiences in a fractured media

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00:32:21

The Power of Community-Driven Small Language Models

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/02/19

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by MIT Professor Sarah Williams and Boston CIO Santi Garces to explore the ways that generative AI is transforming how cities - and residents - use data. Williams shares insights from her work at the Civic Data Design Lab, discussing how GenAI can help make sense of vast amounts of qualitative data, from city council minutes to community feedback. Garces reflects on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into municipal decision-making and

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00:19:48

How Integrated Data is Transforming Homelessness...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/01/29

In this episode, host Professor Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Amanda Ford from the Mayor's Office of Innovation in San Francisco City to discuss how her team is successfully breaking down data silos to improve services for the city’s most vulnerable residents. Amanda provides insights into the Office's innovative approach, which includes leveraging integrated data systems, fostering trust and collaboration across agencies, and a willingness to take risks. She also shares how this work has

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00:15:00

The Year in Review: Stephen Goldsmith Reflects on 2024

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2025/01/08

It's the start-of-the-new-year episode, where host Stephen Goldsmith and producer Betsy Gardner swap roles to discuss all things data, digital, governance, AI and policy-making from 2024. Listen to Pr. Goldsmith's reflections on the last twelve months and predictions on 2025, with a bonus lightening round of questions! References include Data-Smart City Pod Episode 67, Episode 65, and Episode 62, and articles about Tacoma, Tucson, and Nashville. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart

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00:19:44

Redefining City Governance with Generative AI

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2024/12/04

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith and CIO Santi Garces discuss the potential to revolutionize urban governance with generative AI. Garces, the chief information officer for the city of Boston, joins Pr. Goldsmith to talk about the transformative power of GenAI in urban governance. In the first episode of this recurring conversation, they share how GenAI is already revolutionizing the way cities collect and use data, interact with residents, and empower city employees.Fast Company article:

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00:19:02

Digital Twins for Climate Action: A Singapore Case Study

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2024/11/14

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Heiko Aydt, head of the Digital Twin Lab at the Singapore-ETH Centre. They discuss how digital twins are transforming urban climate research and policy, with insights drawn from the groundbreaking Cooling Singapore project. Dr. Aydt explains the development of the Digital Urban Climate Twin, strategies for testing policy implications through modeling, and navigating cross-sector collaboration. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart

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00:21:59

Empowering City Leaders to Address Children's...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2024/10/16

In this episode host Stephen Goldsmith talks with Grace Robiou, director of the EPA’s Office of Children's Health Protection. They discuss how local governments can leverage EPA resources to prioritize children's health in environmental policies. Robiou highlights the unique vulnerabilities children face from environmental hazards, the importance of localized engagement, and the tools available to cities for data visualizations. The conversation covers practical steps cities can take to address

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00:19:29

Leadership and Legacy: Author Interview with Forrest...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2024/09/25

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Forrest Claypool, public servant and former chief of staff to Mayor Richard Daley, about his career in Chicago's public sector and his new book, "The Daley Show." Claypool reflects on his experiences leading key city departments and shares insights on leadership, managing cross-departmental teams, and using data for effective governance. He also discusses Mayor Daley’s legacy of transforming Chicago into a more vibrant and livable city, offering

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00:23:28

How Urban Planning and Shade Design can Combat...

Data-Smart City Pod ·

2024/09/04

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Kelly Turner, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Geography at UCLA and Associate Director of the Luskin Center for Innovation. Dr. Turner delves into the concept of "shade infrastructure," exploring how cities can effectively use shade from both natural and built features to combat extreme heat. She highlights innovative approaches to urban shade, including the integration of building design and shade sails plus how schools can

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