Technology and the proliferation of data are leading to an increasingly connected world. The “smart city” movement has gained advocates across the country and, here in Phoenix, we have taken it one step further by pursuing a “Smart Region” approach.
Whether it’s aviation, semiconductors or startups, our region has long been a global leader in innovation. We want to continue that leadership role as we invest in smart government. Phoenix just became the first North American city to join the global Go Smart solution partnership — a Global Organization of Smart Cities, based in Phoenix’s sister city of Taipei, Taiwan. We will work with communities around the globe to improve our residents’ lives and give our city employees more tools to serve the public.
I went to college with Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder. I remember the intense debate on campus when the platform was rolled out. Facebook and its evolution are a good reminder that technology can have a profound impact, both positive and negative. We want our region to be a leader in smart city investments that benefit all residents, not just our most tech-savvy constituents. These issues are complicated, and I’m glad to see them explored in depth in this issue.
Many of the groups working on developing the digital platforms that will carry us into the future spoke with In Business Magazine editor RaeAnne Marsh for this issue’s cover story exploring the advancement of “smart city” solutions in our community. The regional approach to a smart city transformation means that cities aren’t just addressing the needs of their residents but creating opportunities and data for businesses operating in their jurisdiction.
In another feature, Ben Smith discusses the value of partnerships to leverage businesses’ skillsets to enable each to develop additional potential that would not have been possible had they been operating independently.
Among other features is financial advisor Lennard van der Feltz’s financial checklist for startups; business consultants Bruce Weber and Charlie Smith’s continuing series on capacity building, examining the role of high-performance teams; and attorney Jill Chasson’s discussion of compliance-related issues businesses may face due to changes the Department of Labor has made — which go into effect this month — in minimum and overtime requirements.
Other topics covered inside include thought-provoking discussions of gender-specialized health needs and the idea of ecologically motivated Capitalism.
Also in this issue is the annual Meetings & Conventions Guide, the Valley’s guide to event venues. I’m pleased to be a part of bringing you this January issue of In Business Magazine. I hope you discover information that enlightens and surprises you while reading.
Sincerely,
Kate Gallego
Mayor
City of Phoenix
Mayor Kate Gallego has spent her career working to find solutions to complex problems. Prior to being elected as mayor, she served for five years as the city councilwoman for District 8, a large district covering much of South Phoenix. In March 2019, Mayor Gallego became the second elected female mayor in Phoenix history and the youngest big-city mayor in the United States. Mayor Gallego is passionate about building a Phoenix that works for everyone.
