Smart in the City – The BABLE Podcast

In this episode, recorded at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025, we travel to the City of Hamburg with Dr. Nora Reinecke, Project Manager for the Connected Urban Twins project. Nora explains how Hamburg is moving beyond the buzzwords to implement digital twins that address real urban challenges, from climate resilience and flooding to complex urban planning scenarios. She discusses the collaborative approach among Hamburg, Leipzig, and Munich, emphasizing the need for open-source tools and demand-driven strategies rather than technology for its own sake. The conversation also covers the practical application of GeoAI, the importance of citizen participation, and how to mitigate bias in urban data to ensure inclusive outcomes for all residents. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:14) - Teaser question: If you had to describe Hamburg with these three emojis, which would you use and why?(00:03:29) - Guest background(00:05:13) - Hamburg's Current State(00:06:27) - Connected Urban Twins Project(00:08:27) - Solving Urban Challenges(00:10:26) - Digital Twin Use Case(00:11:59) - Are Digital Twins Overhyped?(00:12:40) - Understanding GeoAI(00:14:33) - Mitigating AI Bias(00:15:41) - Advice for Cities(00:18:00) - Procurement vs In-House Development(00:19:23) - Remaining Bottlenecks(00:21:56) - Importance of Citizen Participation(00:23:43) - Segment: Trial and Error(00:25:17) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, recorded live at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, we travel to France to explore a pragmatic vision for sustainable urban development. We are joined by Gérard Wolf, Special Advisor for Smart & Sustainable Cities to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, who shares the French approach to building resilient cities based on four essential services: energy, water, waste management, and transportation. Gérard discusses why simplicity must be prioritised over complex technological fixes and how this mindset drove the massive decarbonisation efforts behind the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We also delve into the importance of the circular economy, specifically the strategic shift from demolition to retrofitting existing buildings. Finally, the conversation highlights a crucial human-centric challenge: ensuring that Smart City progress does not leave behind those living in informal settlements, making inclusivity a global priority. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:46) - Four Essential Urban Services(00:05:31) - Teaser question: Impact, Simplicity, Cost or time?(00:06:46) - Guest background(00:09:07) - Integrating Essential Services(00:11:30) - Fast Wins vs Deep Transformation(00:14:20) - Decarbonizing the Paris Olympics(00:19:45) - Scaling Circular Solutions(00:24:16) - Retrofitting and Material Reuse(00:29:13) - Addressing Slums and Inequality(00:33:18) - Segment: Shout Out(00:38:05) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, we travel to Italy with Francesco Leonardo Nelli, Coordinator of the International Relations Unit at the City of Bologna. Recorded live at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, we discuss how the city leverages its strong cooperative spirit to drive modern innovation. The conversation highlights Bologna's distinct approach to technology. Rather than purchasing standard solutions, the city is developing a homegrown Digital Twin from scratch to ensure it fits local needs, with initial use cases focused on mobility. Francesco also discusses the role of the Foundation for Urban Innovation in bridging the gap between the administration and residents, illustrated by the "School Squares" project that reclaims space for children. Join us to learn how Bologna balances its rich history with future-ready strategies through city diplomacy and active civic listening. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:02) - Teaser question: If Bologna were an animal, which animal would it be and why?(00:03:27) - Guest background(00:05:36) - Bologna's Unique Atmosphere(00:06:39) - Civic Participation in Bologna(00:07:38) - The Role of City Diplomacy(00:08:59) - Listening to Citizen Needs(00:10:23) - Developing a Local Digital Twin(00:12:05) - Digital Twin Use Cases(00:14:01) - Facing Global Urban Challenges(00:15:21) - Governance and Taking Risks(00:17:05) - School Squares Experimentation(00:18:49) - How Companies Can Collaborate(00:21:51) - Segment: Inspire Us(00:23:54) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, recorded live at Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, we are joined by Eddie Copeland, Director, and Genta Hajri, Digital Innovation Delivery Lead at the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI). London consists of 33 separate administrative areas, which can often lead to fragmented public services. Eddie and Genta explain how LOTI acts as a collaborative layer, helping boroughs use data, technology, and innovation to solve shared challenges together. The conversation covers impactful initiatives such as 'Get Online London', the city's digital inclusion service, and how improved data sharing is ensuring vulnerable children are auto-enrolled for free school meals. We also explore the practical application of AI in social care to support workflows while maintaining human accountability, and the team's unique use of immersive theatre to build empathy and better partnerships between the public and private sectors. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:00:00) - From the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona to London(00:03:22) - Our guests' backgrounds: meet Eddie & Genta(00:06:17) - What LOTI does (and how it makes collaboration actually happen)(00:10:13) - Digital inclusion, made real: the Get Online London playbook(00:13:49) - Better data, better outcomes: tackling rough sleeping & free school meals(00:17:45) - AI beyond the hype: practical wins, real risks, and public trust(00:26:23) - What’s next for LOTI: constraints, advice to suppliers, and lessons learned(00:34:36) - Podcast Segment: Flip the Script(00:38:41) - Recurring Question: To you, what is a Smart City?

In this episode, recorded live at Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, we sit down with Darío Moreno, Mayor of the Municipality of Sagunto, Spain. He shares the story of how his city secured a historic €3 billion investment for a Volkswagen battery gigafactory, positioning Sagunto as a key player in Europe's reindustrialisation. Our guest explains the "leap of faith" required to develop 5 million square meters of industrial land in record time and how this project is transforming the local economy. He also discusses the unique challenge of governing a city with two distinct souls, the 3,000 year old historic centre and the industrial port, while managing housing pressures and mobility. We also dive into his background as a United Nations lawyer, his call for stronger multilateralism, and why he compares Sagunto's bright future to a blooming orchid. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:01:38) - Teaser question: If you would have to describe Sagunto as a plant, which plant would it be and why?(00:02:13) - Guest background(00:05:02) - 00:05:02(00:07:02) - Managing Two Urban Identities(00:10:34) - Volkswagen Battery Gigafactory(00:16:13) - European Reindustrialization Strategy(00:18:37) - Mediterranean Electromobility Hub(00:21:49) - Negotiating Large Investments(00:26:55) - Challenges in Housing and Mobility(00:29:44) - Segment: Shout Out(00:33:55) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

Dans cet épisode, Guillaume Ruet, maire de Chevigny-Saint-Sauveur et conseiller départemental de la Côte-d’Or, partage sa vision d’une ville à taille humaine qui refuse d’être une simple cité-dortoir en périphérie de Dijon. La conversation aborde ses quatre grandes priorités : sécurité et tranquillité du quotidien, transition écologique ambitieuse (écoles rénovées, patrimoine décarboné, milliers d’arbres plantés), soutien aux familles et aux aînés avec la démarche « ville amie des aînés », et lutte contre le décrochage civique l’incivisme par une « démocratie implicative » où chacun contribue. Il revient aussi sur l’aide aux commerces locaux en temps de crise, le rôle du sport comme politique de santé et de cohésion, et sa définition très humaine de la Smart City : anticiper les besoins de demain, impliquer les habitants et refuser le « ce n’est pas possible ». Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

In this episode, Isaac Silveira, Municipal Director of the Department of Communication, Technology and Image at the Municipality of Cascais, Portugal, paints for us the portrait of Cascais as a “human” Smart City, where technology is a tool to strengthen relationships, build trust and improve daily life for residents, workers, students and visitors. Our guest explains how the Cascais Operations Centre and Cascais BI enable real-time, data-driven decisions, while the open GeoCascais platform empowers citizens with transparent spatial information. He also discusses tourism management, sustainability on the Atlantic coast, breaking silos inside the municipality, and his vision of being “smart with a soul” – combining digital intelligence, social inclusion and environmental resilience for future generations. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:02:40) - Teaser question: If Cascais were an animal, which animal would it be?(00:04:20) - Guest background(00:07:11) - Cascais’ Unique Smart DNA(00:10:06) - Implementing Smart City Strategy(00:12:22) - The Cascais Operations Center(00:16:24) - Citizen-Centric Innovation(00:21:36) - Solutions for Resilience and Sustainability(00:25:33) - Geo Cascais Digital Platform(00:30:15) - Governance and Breaking Silos(00:32:40) - Measuring Impact Through Data(00:36:31) - Future Challenges and Collaboration(00:39:13) - Segment: Top or Flop(00:42:40) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode recorded live at the RethinkCities Summit 2025, Allan Pilgaard-Jensen, Managing Director of ProjectZero for the City of Sønderborg, Denmark, and Drew Turner, Director of Global Decarbonisation Solutions at Danfoss, share how Sønderborg is working towards carbon neutrality by 2029 through a long-standing public-private partnership. The conversation explores why successful energy transitions are “80% people and 20% technology,” highlighting the importance of governance “hotspots,” stakeholder ownership and clear business cases for every project. They discuss Sønderborg’s “lighthouse” initiatives that link hospitals, data centres and industries through district energy and heat recovery systems, showing how concept designs and shared master plans avoid silos and build momentum. Allan and Drew also reflect on replicating this model in larger cities, the economics of the final 10% of decarbonisation, including carbon capture, and why collaboration and realistic payback are crucial to scaling climate action. Throughout, they stress that Smart Cities thrive when plans turn into projects with shared benefits for people and business alike. Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:02:47) - Teaser question: If Project Zero were a band or an orchestra, which instrument would you play?(00:04:12) - Guest background(00:06:14) - Describing Sonderborg Municipality(00:07:34) - Project Zero's Ambitions(00:10:48) - Danfoss' Role and Challenges(00:12:48) - Creating Lighthouse Projects(00:14:31) - Sustaining Long-Term Commitment(00:17:40) - Governance and Stakeholder Management(00:21:07) - From Strategy to Implementation(00:22:36) - Replicating in Larger Cities(00:25:40) - Approaching Cities Correctly(00:28:53) - Overcoming Financial Barriers(00:36:44) - Segment: Flip the Script(00:40:38) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode recorded live at the ReThink Cities Summit 2025, Markus Paulsson, Energy Strategist at the City of Lund, Sweden, walks us through how Lund couples visible delivery with system change. District heating supplies around 90% of demand and went fossil-free two years early, helping halve emissions from 1990 to 2020. We unpack EnergyNet, a bottom-up, digitally controlled, self-steering architecture that links building to building and pushes capability to the edge. We also explore CoAction Lund, an ecosystem model bringing property owners, employers, infrastructure operators and solution providers into shared action beyond the city’s formal mandate.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:01:40) - Teaser question: If you had three magic wishes, that magic wand, how would you use them to sustainably advance Lund's energy transition?(00:03:05) - Guest background(00:05:53) - Lund's Decarbonization Journey(00:08:20) - The CoAction Lund Initiative(00:13:00) - Advice for Solution Providers(00:14:46) - EnergyNet Architecture(00:17:02) - Addressing Cybersecurity Risks(00:18:56) - Internalizing Climate Action(00:21:19) - The Digital Energy Revolution(00:23:10) - Segment: Trial and Error(00:26:09) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode recorded live at the ReThink Cities Summit 2025, we hear from Deputy Mayor Adam Pustelnik about the next moves of the city of Łódź, Poland: uncovering a historic river segment in the city centre to catalyse place-making, with works already underway, and visible momentum on reindustrialisation as factories and industrial parks rise on large sites. At the same time, the team confronts urban sprawl: an area where benefits are long term while the near-term impacts are often political and socially sensitive. The discussion also tackles the green transformation head-on, arguing that the greatest obstacles are political and that leaders must reach beyond their familiar bubbles to build broader support.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:02:22) - Teaser question: Do those words still resonate with you or do you have different words?(00:04:00) - Revitalizing Rivers and Industry(00:08:03) - Impact of City Recognition(00:10:18) - Political Bubbles and Sustainability(00:16:30) - Segment: Inspire Us(00:18:41) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode recorded live at the RethinkCities Summit 2025, Sunniva Fossen Haugen, Climate Advisor at the Municipality of Trondheim, Norway, shares their journey from offshore oil and gas into climate policy and city logistics. The discussion tackles why commercial fleets lag behind passenger EVs (touching on incentives, payload limits, charging logistics and grid constraints) and how consolidation hubs guided by the ABC localisation principle can cut urban mileage. Sunniva outlines Trondheim’s six focus areas for zero-emission logistics, explains new procurement requirements (zero-emission/biogas vehicles in municipal contracts), and stresses the need for shared data platforms and co-operation with industry. A municipal pilot combining local food purchasing with low-emission deliveries shows how to align multiple sustainability goals. Throughout, they argue for fairness, predictability, and holistic Avoid-Shift-Improve planning to embed freight into mainstream mobility strategy.    Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:02:13) - Teaser question: If Trondheim were a type of weather, which weather type would it be and why?(00:03:37) - Guest background(00:05:41) - Overview of Trondheim(00:07:49) - Challenges with Commercial EVs(00:12:33) - Piloting Consolidation Hubs(00:16:04) - Leveraging Public Procurement(00:18:31) - Data Availability Bottlenecks(00:20:44) - City Logistics Strategy(00:22:13) - Holistic Logistics Planning(00:25:50) - Fairness in Decarbonization(00:29:49) - Understanding Municipal Decision Making(00:32:37) - Sustainable Food Logistics Project(00:35:06) - Segment: Roll with the Punches(00:38:48) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

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In this episode, Sherelle Fairweather, Digital Strategy Lead at Manchester City Council, UK, and Minu Tegethoff, Senior Expert Digital Services & Technologies at Drees & Sommer, unpack how Manchester is moving from digital strategy to delivery. They outline the city’s four pillars (people & inclusion, “what’s in the ground” connectivity, tech for good, and sustainability & resilience) then explain how a recent digital maturity assessment shifted focus from glossy plans to building a deployable network. You’ll hear why aligning definitions across departments matters, why governance, ownership and budgets are the real unblockers, and how a small advisory “front door” can speed fit-for-purpose projects. They also dig into data stewardship and discovery as the backbone for impact, the often-overlooked risk of operations and maintenance, and partnership models that help cities learn beyond pilots.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:02:11) - Teaser question: If you could describe your current work with one song, which song would it be?(00:04:52) - Guest background(00:11:22) - Manchester's Digital Strategy Context(00:17:10) - Digitalization Maturity Assessment Findings(00:22:36) - Governance and Strategic Next Steps(00:26:25) - Procurement and Partnership Models(00:30:46) - Managing Implementation Risks(00:36:44) - The Data Consolidation Challenge(00:42:17) - Diversity and Responsible AI(00:47:47) - Segment: Flip the Script(00:55:18) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode of our mayoral series, Zartoshte Bakhtiari, Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Marne, France, and Vice President of the Greater Paris Grand East administration, explores citizen-centred municipal leadership, directing investment to improve daily life and long-term resilience. Themes include ROI-minded energy renovations, tree-planting and greening to reduce bills and mitigate flooding, alongside creating new revenues through a riverside nature-tourism hub that restores urban nature. He details the “Pass for Young Citizen”, which rewards 12–20-year-olds for civic missions and volunteering, and discusses balancing a strong national vision with local flexibility. Running through it all: protect core services without overburdening residents and define “smart” as enabling people to flourish and contribute.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:01:49) - Teaser question: What is one fun fact or little known fact about Nuyi?(00:02:50) - Guest background(00:06:10) - The Role of the Mairie(00:09:58) - Securing Financial Resources(00:14:17) - Decentralization and State Responsibility(00:16:31) - Creating a Nature Tourism Hub(00:19:39) - Pass for Young Citizens Program(00:23:10) - Promoting Unity and Social Mix(00:25:41) - The Necessity of Civic Engagement(00:27:18) - Segment: Inspire Us(00:29:43) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, Aaron Brockett, Mayor of the City of Boulder, Colorado, USA, explores how the city is tackling the pressures of being a highly desirable, outdoors-oriented university city. Topics include practical housing affordability tools alongside nature-based climate resilience and wildfire mitigation that prioritise healthy forests and restored ecosystems. The discussion looks at inclusive community engagement through multilingual block parties and dedicated liaisons, protections for residents in manufactured-housing communities, and progress on unsheltered homelessness via permanent supportive housing. Mobility comes into focus with bikes and paths, bus rapid transit, and a long-sought regional rail link, while a people-centred view of “smart” highlights technology that quietly serves real needs.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:01:57) - Teaser question: If you had to describe Boulder with only three words, what would they be and why?(00:03:38) - Guest background(00:05:14) - Boulder’s Climate and Community(00:07:34) - Tackling Housing Affordability(00:10:46) - Advice for City Leaders(00:12:14) - Natural Carbon Capture Strategies(00:14:25) - Wildfire Prevention and Ecosystems(00:16:48) - Engaging Vulnerable Communities(00:20:44) - Inclusivity in Affluent Cities(00:24:06) - Defining Mayoral Success(00:26:26) - Addressing Unsheltered Homelessness(00:28:18) - Improving Public Transportation(00:32:44) - Segment: Hot take of the Day(00:35:36) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, Belal Aftab, Mayor of the City of Saratoga, California, USA, explores how data-driven leadership can shape more resilient and connected communities. The conversation covers traffic safety and neighbourhood priorities, breaking down data silos for better decision-making, and preparing a hillside city for wildfires, earthquakes, and other climate-related risks. Our guest reflects on revitalising a volunteer-spirited downtown, tackling housing affordability in an ultra-expensive market, and why genuine community engagement and stronger communication tools are essential for balanced change.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:02:18) - Teaser question: What is a one fun fact or one little known fact about the city of Saratoga?(00:02:45) - Guest background(00:05:30) - Painting a Picture of Saratoga(00:07:39) - Defining Mayoral Success(00:09:46) - Breaking Down Data Silos(00:20:10) - Strategies for Disaster Preparedness(00:27:22) - Fostering Community Vitality(00:33:43) - The Housing Affordability Crisis(00:42:47) - Challenges in Community Communication(00:46:24) - Balancing Urgency and Patience(00:51:50) - Segment: Hot Take of the Day(00:54:55) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, Anton Nikitin, Chief Sustainability Officer at the City of Vilnius, Lithuania, shares how a “greenest city in the making” mindset guides practical climate action. The conversation traces Anton’s path from cycling officer to city-wide sustainability lead, and dives into people-centred policy: citizen assemblies, street redesigns, and reframing mobility around real choices. We explore district heating shifts to renewables, creative energy efficiency (from flue-gas heat recovery to reusing data-centre heat), and the hard work of building social licence for change. A nton reflects on lessons learned, especially around stakeholder engagement, and why investing now avoids higher future costs, all in service of a city where people simply feel good living their daily lives.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:01:08) - Teaser question: “describe Vilnius’s sustainability approach in just three words?”(00:03:16) - Guest background(00:04:45) - What sustainability means(00:06:02) - European Green Capital: recognition, process, and citizen understanding(00:10:15) - Avoiding exclusion(00:13:58) - Engagement toolkit(00:16:40) - Emissions focus and energy examples(00:23:01) - Efficiency wins: flue-gas heat recovery; capturing data-centre waste heat(00:25:04) - Misconceptions: “sustainability is expensive”(00:32:24) - Bottlenecks: financing vs. behaviour change; EV uptake, charging, and building renovation; political cycles(00:41:20) - Segment: "Trial and Error"(00:51:36) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?"

In this episode, Jakub Mazur, Deputy Mayor of Wroclaw, Poland, maps how the city is moving from pilots to performance: using nanosatellite imagery to enrich property data and support flood readiness, pairing AI with sensors to predict water-pipe leaks, and shifting from hundreds of disconnected systems toward an e-office standard that cities can share. He reflects on data gaps around newcomers and why better public–private collaboration matters, the legal and procurement hurdles that slow local co-creation, and lessons from managing recurring crises such as floods. Above all, he argues for a human-centred Smart City that honours heritage, builds resilience, and turns evidence into everyday improvements.   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub Chapters (00:01:23) - Teaser Question : “Imagine your city was a song. What genre would it be and why?”(00:03:45) - Guest background(00:05:51) - City snapshot(00:07:49) - From pilots to impact(00:08:55) - Nanosatellites (“minions”)(00:11:27) - Water resilience(00:12:50) - Mobility data(00:14:38) - E-office vision(00:21:11) - Data alignment(00:26:34) - Crisis management(00:28:20) - Flood resilience(00:33:20) - Looking ahead(00:35:30) - What’s missing(00:41:33) - Inspire Us segment(00:46:14) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

In this episode, Linda Alksne, IT Project Manager at Liepāja City Council, Latvia, shares a practitioner’s view of citizen-centred digital services—from a mobile app and e-service portal co-designed with residents to pilots that surface surprising. The conversation tracks lessons from an Interact Europe open-data project, early steps toward a digital-twin starting with energy consumption visualisation in municipal buildings, and inclusive approaches that keep non-digital users engaged through trainings and traditional channels. It also touches on behaviour-change work inside the administration and the realities of funding, licensing costs, and limited staff capacity in a small city.    Episode Overview: [00:01:20] Teaser: If Liepaja were an animal [00:01:59] Guest background [00:03:43] City snapshot [00:04:55] Making citizen–government links more direct, digital, and responsive  [00:06:20] User-centred features [00:08:49] Feedback mechanisms and early satisfaction [00:10:27] Pilots and data insight [00:13:18] Interact Europe open-data journey [00:15:50] Digital-twins and inclusion [00:20:12] Paperless Municipality [00:22:15] Challenges Liepaja faces [00:28:40] Podcast Segment: Shoutout [00:29:36] Ending Question: To you, what is a Smart City?   Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

In this episode, Art Pearce, Deputy Director of Planning, Projects and Programs at the Bureau of Transportation for the City of Portland, shares how a city’s internal culture can either hinder or propel urban transformation. Drawing from nearly three decades of public service, he discusses Portland’s deep-rooted legacy in sustainable transport and land use, and the strategic shift to viewing civic evolution through a change management lens. Art delves into co-creation, bureaucracy’s emotional “pizza dough,” and how psychological readiness shapes infrastructure success. The conversation spans curb management, equity, and rekindling confidence in public systems through intentional, people-centred design. Episode Overview: [00:01:49] Teaser: “Portland would be proudly a confusing pizza…” [00:03:04] Guest background: from housing advocacy to transport planning. [00:04:52] Housing and transport: interdependencies and equity. [00:07:10] Portland’s values-driven, process-heavy urban approach. [00:10:44] Defining change management for cities. [00:13:44] Change vs. transition: structural vs. psychological shift. [00:16:34] Lessons from Vision Zero and NYC’s public space evolution. [00:19:36] Co-creation examples: tactical urbanism and logistics decarbonisation. [00:23:07] Bureaucracy as pizza dough: internal cultural alignment. [00:26:26] Avoiding consensus paralysis while sustaining inclusion. [00:30:06] Curb management: a dynamic space for innovation. [00:32:45] Innovation checklist: why cities resist solutions without clear problems. [00:37:37] Challenges post-2019: mental health, homelessness, funding gaps. [00:41:07] Missing tool: sustainable funding models beyond gas taxes. [00:42:54] Empowering public sector staff for agency and impact. [00:46:46] Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?” Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it! Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page. And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub