Smart City Expo USA 2024: Building Equitable and Sustainable Cities for All

The Smart City Expo USA is a two-day conference and expo in New York City, May 22-23rd. This major event focuses on building smart, equitable, and sustainable cities for the 21st century. As the U.S. edition of the leading Smart City Expo World Congress, it brings together visionary leaders and cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of our urban environments.

Photo byPhoto by Peng LIU

Transformative Technologies and Future-Proof Planning

This year’s agenda highlights the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and next-generation technologies on infrastructure, environment, and communities. With 16 North American cities preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the expo emphasizes the need for future-proofed urban planning.

Visionary Leaders Share Their Expertise

The expo boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including public officials, industry experts, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of smart cities. Some of the highlighted speakers include:

Public Officials: Mayors, Commissioners, and Directors from New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and other leading cities will share their experiences and insights. Leading the charge is New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside other prominent mayors such as Frank Scott, Jr. (Little Rock) and Steven Reed (Montgomery). Joining them are key figures like Abby Jo Sigal (executive director, Office of Talent and Workforce Development, NYC), Akshay Malik (Smart Cities director, Philadelphia), Albert Pulido (deputy secretary for Finance and Technology, NY), and Alejandro Jimenez Jaramillo (director of Tech Governance & Policy, Boston).

Industry Leaders: CEOs, Presidents, and Directors from various organizations will discuss innovative solutions for sustainable development, emerging technologies, and economic growth.

Smart City Solutions Startup Competition

The Smart City Expo USA 2024 also offered a unique opportunity for startups and founders to showcase their city-focused solutions. The Smart City Solutions Startup Competition allowed them to pitch their ideas directly to leading government officials, potentially gaining valuable partnerships and funding.

Highlighting the Importance for Black Communities

The Smart City Expo USA is particularly significant for Black communities as it addresses urban challenges that disproportionately affect them. By focusing on equitable solutions, the expo aims to ensure that advancements in technology and urban planning benefit all citizens, including historically underserved communities.

Several Black leaders and speakers will share their insights, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and representation in the smart city movement:

• Gary Brantley, SVP and chief information officer of the National Football League, will discuss the integration of technology in urban planning and its impact on community engagement.
• Richard Buery, CEO of Robin Hood, will speak on the role of non-profits in fostering equitable growth and reducing poverty through innovative urban solutions.
• Raymond J. McGuire, president of Lazard, will provide insights into economic development strategies that prioritize inclusion and sustainability.
• Wole Coaxum, founder and CEO of Mobility Capital Finance, will address financial inclusion and the role of fintech in supporting underserved communities.