In this episode of The Intelligent Community, ICF Co-Founder Lou Zacharilla speaks with Dublin, Ohio CIO Doug McCollough about how social media can be used not only to communicate with citizens, but to measure sentiment and learn about current demeanor in your communities.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) — Silicon Valley might be the tech-hub of the nation, but the next wave of innovation in the country could happen right here in Central Ohio.

“When we think, ‘Why here?’ versus, ‘Why?’ some of the other economies, some of the other cities, it’s really the ecosystem that we promote,” explains Jake Kaufman from Adept Marketing.

Dublin and Marysville are connected by a 35-mile stretch of highway. But the US-33 corridor is more than a link between two cities — it connects a shared vision of the future.

(The Center Square) – The rest of the country now knows what most people in Ohio already know, the Buckeye State offers some of the best small-town living in the country, according to a recent report.

Two Ohio towns are among the top 20 small cities in America, according to the personal finance website WalletHub, which Tuesday released its report on the best small cities in America.

Dublin, Ohio, ranked 12th in the nation, while Mason, Ohio, came in at No. 19.

DUBLIN, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world continues to navigate through the worst global health crisis in a century and people ponder their own health and how to take charge of it, IGS Energy is embracing its role and responsibility to help create a healthier planet.

To help lead the fight against climate change, the Ohio-based energy company today announced its goal of becoming a completely carbon-neutral energy provider by 2040. The company's first major step in doing so is to provide 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral natural gas to all new residential consumers beginning today.

Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. has completed deployment of a CBRS-enabled, Smart Parking pilot application for citizens of Dublin, Ohio. The trial, which is part of the broader Connected Dublin initiative, aims to improve local business success and lower carbon emissions by measuring and analyzing parking patterns and making those insights visible to community leaders and residents.

"The Smart Parking application will provide real-time parking lot occupancy to residents and visitors, allowing better customer access to local businesses, and lower drive times," said Doug McCollough, chief information officer at the City of Dublin, Ohio. "Through technology and infrastructure delivered by Fujitsu, we are exploring new ways to keep our citizens connected."

COLUMBUS – On May 20, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) released the final report of its “Midwest Connect” Hyperloop Feasibility Study, which found that hyperloop technology is feasible along the corridor connecting Columbus with Chicago (via Lima, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana) and Pittsburgh.

The feasibility study – which began in earnest in late 2018 – is part of MORPC’s Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative (RSTI) that focuses on better, faster connections to Chicago and Pittsburgh. The RSTI looks at transportation options that would not only enhance passenger and freight transportation in the Midwest, but also spur economic growth, generate opportunities for development, and create new opportunities for people and businesses in the Midwest megaregion.

Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center and the nation's largest independent primary care physician practice are among clients adding 10,000 new users in three weeks for telehealth technology made by Updox LLC as healthcare quickly adapted for the coronavirus pandemic.

Dublin-based Updox, which makes secure communications and workflow software for physician practices, added a videoconferencing feature last year. Demand soared this spring as patients stayed home to prevent possible Covid-19 exposure.

In this video, ICF Co-Founder Lou Zacharilla discusses COVID-19 with Dublin, Ohio City Manager Dana McDaniel.

City Manager Dana McDaniel is the chief administrative and law enforcement officer of the City of Dublin, responsible to City Council for the day-to-day operations for the City. Other responsibilities include advising Council regarding the financial status and future needs of the City, reporting to Council on the general operating of City departments, divisions, offices, boards, commissions, bureaus and agencies, as well as exercising leadership in the development of City projects.

On Jan.29, the U.S. Army announced the selection of 20 small business and technology firms to advance to Phase III of the xTechSearch 4.0 technology prize competition. xTechSearch is an Army-sponsored competition focused on finding technologies with both defense and commercial applications that have been developed by American technology entrepreneurs and small businesses, Signal reports.

“The 20 selected entrepreneurs and companies presented incredible capabilities and systems that we would have not otherwise seen or been able to support had it not been for Army xTechSearch,” Bruce D. Jette, the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, says in the written announcement.

In June 2020, ICF will hold its annual Summit in the city of Dublin.  No, not the one in Ireland – nor the ones in the US states of California or Georgia, for that matter. I’m talking about Dublin in the midwestern state of Ohio. 

Why is ICF bringing the world to Dublin in June?  Because we all need to learn what Dublin can teach us about growing an economy, society and culture in a time when those things are under siege around the world.  About being, in other words, a model Intelligent Community.