Small cities shouldn’t sleep on new technology

In August, I had the honor of moderating a panel called, “Here

Come the Jetsons: The Future of Transportation Technology” at the Florida League of Cities Annual State Conference. Not only did I moderate the event, I was also an active participant, soaking up the information on the newest transportation technologies that will not only modernize municipal transportation but also help reduce emissions by implementing electric vehicles as a mode of public transportation. This panel taught me that small and midsize cities play a critical role in moving our technology and infrastructure to the future.

I thought about, Coral Springs — the city I represent — and cities all over Florida. I realized that when it comes to modernization and embracing new technologies, cities like mine tend to be behind the curve. Large cities are generally looked at as the trailblazers in modernization, which is easier for them to do because of the size of their budgets and incoming revenues. Large cities are able to invest and take risks that smaller cities are sometimes unable to make.

However, small to midsize cities can invest in newer technologies with regards to public transportation, infrastructure and municipal broadband. Coral Springs is considered a midsize city, with a population of about 130,000 residents. We are in the process of building a downtown with more major developments on the horizon. I see this as an opportunity to bring new technology that improves how residents move throughout our city, how they connect with the world while using our city parks and gathering spaces, and I also see these new developments as opportunities to modernize our infrastructure.

The residents of Coral Springs would benefit greatly from the deployment of electric modes of public transportation, helping remove the stress of commuting downtown from their homes or anywhere in the city. COVID-19 has demonstrated that people can be productive and work remotely. Imagine a city that has invested in broadband networks to provide access to Wi-Fi at their parks and gathering spaces.

One issue that cities all over Florida have struggled with is outdated infrastructure, which can lead to neighborhood flooding, ruptured pipes and other issues that can make living in South Florida difficult. Currently, there are technologies, using internet-connected instruments, that can help cities diagnose systemic problems in infrastructure before a major issue materializes.

Small and midsize cities all over the state should look at what emerging technologies would be a good fit for their city. Too often, we miss an opportunity to view municipalities as trailblazers in technology. Cities don’t often look at investing in the future when it comes to transportation, broadband and infrastructure. Those three categories don’t benefit from outside-the-box thinking, but these are the categories that would considerably improve residents’ enjoyment of their city and home.

I urge all local elected officials and city administrators to take a look at their municipality, their specific issues, and look for new technologies that can creatively solve those issues. No idea is too small or too abstract.

Joshua A. Simmons is vice mayor of Coral Springs and a board member of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization.

EMILY FELTS/AP A Tesla Supercharger station with 14 bays in Jacksonville, Fla, June 23, 2020. Florida is dramatically expanding its network of electric vehicle charging stations along major interstates and highways.

By Joshua A. Simmons