This week we hosted our monthly webinar, which explored the issues of Creating Intelligent Communities and Smarter Cities with a focus on emerging technologies and generating revenue from infrastructure.

The webinar presented by Dave Zelenok, the former public works director for Colorado Springs and Centennial, and now CEO of ZK Engineers based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, discussed the importance of positioning for the future. David highlighted the need for infrastructure planning to accommodate emerging technologies such as self-driving cars and fibre optics as sensors and the role of data collection in creating smart cities.  The webinar explored the complexities of broadband, its definition, and the issue of clutter in public spaces caused by installing street lights, cell towers, and other equipment.

Dave provided examples of how cities can make money by owning and monetising their infrastructure, such as by municipalising street lighting and installing fibre optic cables to water meters. He emphasised the potential for cities to make millions by partnering with the private sector and creating a 5G network. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the challenges of managing the tension between providing 5G and enabling technologies in the US and the difficulties of coordinating different frequencies and approaches.

Overall, the webinar emphasised the importance of proactive planning to accommodate emerging technologies and the potential for cities to monetise their infrastructure. The meeting also highlighted the challenges city councils and local officials face in implementing these technologies, including the difficulties of coordinating different frequencies and approaches. Attendees were encouraged to participate and ask questions throughout the webinar.

You can view the video recording of the  webinar here