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Data-Smart City Pod — Government
Data-Smart City Pod

As the central resource for cities on the intersection of government, data, and innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod from Data-Smart City Solutions at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University features leaders and experts in governance, innovation, and research.

Copyright: © 2021 Data-Smart City Pod

Latest Episodes:

What Mayors Need to Know About SNAP with Dr. Sara Bleich Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich, professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and former USDA Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity. Dr. Bleich breaks down major recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—including historic budget cuts and stricter work requirements—and what they mean for the children and families utilizing this program. She shares actionable guidance for mayors and city leaders, including how to minimize harm from SNAP reductions and what city officials can do to ensure residents maintain access to essential nutrition support.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.

Charles Waldheim on the Future of the American City Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Stephen Goldsmith and Harvard University Graduate School of Design Professor Charles Waldheim co-host a podcast crossover. Pr. Waldheim, host of the Future of the American City podcast and Director of the Office for Urbanization, speaks with Pr. Goldsmith about neighborhood regeneration, community-driven adaptation, and how to incorporate data into established decision-making routines.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.

How Cities Can Use Data to Transform Disaster Response Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Dr. Andrew Schroeder of Direct Relief and CrisisReady. They discuss how cities can break down data silos and build integrated, actionable platforms to better respond to public health and environmental emergency. Schroeder explains the role of emerging technologies like AI and cloud data platforms, the importance of recruiting data talent in city government, and practical frameworks for connecting health and environmental data. He also previews a joint workshop on urban heat crises, highlighting the need for simulation, coordination, and a people-centered approach to data-driven disaster management.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.

StatGPT: The Future of City Performance Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith speaks with Santi Garces, Boston’s chief innovation officer. They discuss Goldsmith’s new StatGPT paper, which explores how generative AI can transform city performance management. Garces also shares practical examples from Boston and insights from the recent Bloomberg Center for Cities stat and AI workshop, where 14 cities gathered to explore real-world applications of generative AI in government.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.

Recast - The Complicated Interplay: AI and Government Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Professor Goldsmith interviews Professor Dan Huttenlocher, inaugural dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and expert on artificial intelligence and computer science. They discuss the different ways that generative AI could be used by governments, in service of constituents, and what kinds of operational standards are required for the productive and safe use of AI technologies.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.

Harnessing AI for Trust and Transformation Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Professor Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Miguel Carrasco, Global Leader for Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Digital Government, connecting from Australia to share a worldwide view of how artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming public service. Carrasco reveals how governments are leveraging generative and agentic AI to cut through bureaucracy, empower front line workers, and streamline services. They also discuss how public leaders can use AI to rebuild trust between government and residents.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Exclusive: Mayor Bibb is Connecting Climate and Community Health in Cleveland Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this exclusive episode, recorded live at the African American Mayors Association 11th Annual Conference, host Stephen Goldsmith sits down with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to explore how cities can address environmental justice and improve community health outcomes. Mayor Bibb shares his unexpected journey into climate leadership, connecting the dots between air quality, equity, and opportunity for children in Cleveland's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Through data-driven action and a focus on lived experience, Mayor Bibb offers a roadmap for mayors everywhere on making local government a catalyst for cleaner, healthier, and more equitable cities.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Public Sector AI and the Evolution of Data Analytics with Oliver Wise May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith talks with Oliver Wise, Acting Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and Chief Data Officer at the US Department of Commerce. Drawing on his time in New Orleans City Hall and with the federal government, Wise shares practical insights on using data to drive results — and how cities can harness the power of generative AI without waiting for perfection. From "use case truffle pigs" to building AI-ready data systems, this episode explores how public leaders can unlock smarter governance through better data practices.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Exclusive: Advancing Educational Attainment and Future-Proofing Policies with Mayor Monroe Nichols and Mayor Libby Schaaf Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

At a recent event held at Harvard University current Mayor of Tulsa Monroe Nichols and former Mayor of Oakland Libby Schaaf spoke to chiefs of staff and deputy mayors of 35 large US cities, and we're releasing a bonus question and answer session hosted by Data-Smart City Pod producer Betsy Gardner. Listen to hear how mayors can actually influence educational policy, how to future-proof initiatives, and why longitudinal data is so important in this work.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Generative AI and the Possibility Government Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Harvard Business School professor and former mayoral Chief of Staff Mitch Weiss, who talks with him and Boston CIO Santi Garces about the transformative power of artificial intelligence and GenAI. Using Weiss's framing of possibility government, they discuss current and future uses of AI in city government and why cities should focus on transformative problems.

Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa

About Data-Smart City Solutions

Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

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