In this freewheeling conversation, municipal CIOs and IT experts discuss the challenges of deploying reliable and secure information technology systems to support operations, deliver services and improve decision-making – within the limits of municipal budgets.  They explore the opportunities to expand capabilities and reduce costs provided by the latest technology developments.

Educational systems around the world are struggling to provide online learning to students who can no longer gather in schools.  The challenges range from equipping and training teachers to teach online and adapting course materials to the availability of technology and connectivity, especially for low-income families. 

We spoke with Rhonda Kadish, Community Relations Manager for the City of Hudson, about that two-time Top7 Intelligent Community’s learn-at-home strategy.

The 22,000 people of Hudson live in a green stretch of the state of Ohio midway between the cities of Cleveland and Akron. Despite the major industrial disruptions of the last 40 years, the region is relatively prosperous. Its economy rests on a mix of manufacturing (polymers, automotive, fabricated metals, electrical and electronic parts and aerospace) and services (transportation, health, insurance, banking, finance and retail). Such name-brand companies as Goodyear, Bridgestone, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, Allstate Insurance and JP Morgan Chase have headquarters or major facilities there. Click here to read more about Hudson.

In 2007, the city of Westerville began planning for expansion of its fiber optic network. Originally the primary purpose was to meet the city’s own internal needs for disaster recovery, enhanced public safety operations, shared regional services and the foundational infrastructure for Advanced Metering and Smart Grid systems.  While assessing its own needs, the City reached out to its businesses and community partners. The investigation identified a lack of affordable choices for broadband and data center services within Westerville, thus launching a deeper look into fiber as a 4th utility, as well as critical to the City’s economic and social development strategies.  

As a 25-year resident of Hudson, Jim Stifler has chosen to perform his encore career as the City of Hudson’s Chief Economic Officer. After a successful 33-year career as a Wall Street executive, Jim is able to showcase his extensive private sector experiences and use his strong ties in the community to move the City forward. 

ICF Institute Inaugural Symposium “Seizing Our Destiny: Getting a Grip on the World Economic Shift”

North Canton, Ohio – Dr. Norman Jacknis will deliver the keynote address at the Walsh University Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Institute Symposium luncheon Seizing Our Destiny: Getting a Grip on the World Economic Shift on Thursday, October 25, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in the Barrette Business and Community Center on the campus of Walsh University. The cost is $25 per person and includes lunch. Registration is required. This event is a part of the Walsh inaugural ICF Institute for the Study of the Intelligent Community Symposium, October 24-25. Registration is available at http://walshicfsymposium.eventbrite.com.

Seizing Our Destiny: New Models for Re-energizing Our Communities, Our Schools, Our Economies

North Canton, Ohio –– Walsh University will host the Inaugural Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) Institute for the Study of the Intelligent Community International Symposium, October 24-25. All events will take place on the campus of Walsh University in North Canton, OH. Event registration is due by October 15 for one or all three of these public events is available at: http://walshicfsymposium.eventbrite.com.