SAS hosts Envision Carolina event to jump-start smart cities initiatives

Local governments will learn how to improve quality of life with technology

Some North Carolina towns are about to learn what it takes to join the ranks of smart cities and how to improve the lives of citizens through technology. Envision Carolina, which kicks off Oct. 4 at SAS headquarters in Cary, NC, will also help select localities explore, plan and launch new smart cities initiatives. The event is co-hosted by analytics leader SAS, the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) and the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC).

“Envision Carolina will inspire cities and counties to be more innovative in solving problems and providing excellent service to citizens,” said Paula Henderson, Vice President of the State and Local Government Practice at SAS. “By teaming up technology, utilities and other companies with forward-thinking governments, we can make this area a center of smart cities innovation.”

Smart cities combine data collection and analysis with communication to improve government services and operations. Analytics enables city officials to more effectively allocate resources, plan for growth and change, and reduce costs. It also fosters a better understanding of how citizens interact with government, infrastructure and resources.

Envision Carolina is open to elected leaders, town managers, chief information officers and information technology directors from cities and counties in and near the Carolinas.

Attendees will learn:

• What is a smart city and what technologies do smart city solutions entail?
• What are smart cities implementing today across the US?
• How does a local government embark on a smart city solution?
• What companies provide technology for smart city solutions?
• What grants and funding opportunities are available for cities?

Guest speakers include Amy Aussieker, Executive Director of Envision America; Heather Hardman, a smart city innovations expert from HIPE Strategies; and Karen Mills, Finance Director for the Town of Cary. Cary’s Aquastar, an automated water metering system that alerts citizens to possible leaks in their homes, is a prime example of a smart cities program.

Following the October event is a one-day Envision Carolina workshop in November. Select cities and counties will explore a smart city initiative for their jurisdiction. Technology leaders such as SAS, OSISoft, Itron and other smart cities partners will help attendees explore and plan ideas, so they can return home ready to launch a smart city project. Any city or county can apply; up to nine will be chosen for the workshop.

Analytics is a cornerstone of smart cities efforts. SAS^® Analytics helps cities, states and countries worldwide improve citizen services, prevent losses from fraud, preserve natural resources, promote transportation alternatives, and more. SAS offers a wide array of data management, business intelligence and analytics solutions, and collaborates with governments to create innovative offerings tailored to specific departmental and agency goals.

About RTCC

The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) is an industry-funded, industry-led initiative of business, government, academic and nonprofit leaders focused on accelerating cleantech innovation and our cleantech economy.

About TJCOG

Originally established in 1959 as the Research Triangle Regional Planning Commission, the Triangle J Council of Governments now serves a seven-county region, addressing the tough issues that transcend political boundaries. Its 37 member governments include all seven counties – Chatham, Durham, Lee, Johnston, Moore, Orange and Wake – and 30 municipal governments across those counties.