Home
Share |

Content about Natural Disaster

September 19, 2012
Digital Communities Report: Solutions For Improving Sustainability of Gov Open Data Apps

Many of today’s most significant city initiatives couldn’t be carried out without the help of open data. For instance, one open source software app helps citizens locate and shovel out fire hydrants when they are covered with snow. Hawaii adapted the same app to use for testing tsunami sirens and Seattle will use it to clean leaves out of storm drains. Behind these innovations is open data, a more technical approach to government data with obvious advantages.

Many of today’s most significant city initiatives couldn’t be carried out without the help of open data. For instance, one open source software app helps citizens locate and shovel out fire hydrants when they are covered with snow. Hawaii adapted the same app to use for testing tsunami sirens and Seattle will use it to clean leaves out of storm drains.

May 14, 2012
New York City’s Road Map for the Digital City

New York City is now one year in with their Road Map for the Digital City, the city’s plan to make New York the world’s leading digital city. Are they on to something big? Were their first year ambitions realistic? The process is definitely underway, but more challenges exist.

New York City is now one year in with their Road Map for the Digital City, the city’s plan to make New York the world’s leading digital city. Are they on to something big? Were their first year ambitions realistic? The process is definitely underway, but more challenges exist.

March 26, 2012
Technology And Participation Pay Dividends In Smaller Cities

Looking around on articles on the world’s smartest cities, we tend to celebrate the high-tech pioneers implementing large infrastructure or data projects. Smaller cities can play an important role in driving innovation in or near metropolitan areas of a major cities and creating new markets. Sant Cugat (population 80,000, near Barcelona) and Eindhoven (population 213,000, near Amsterdam) are good examples.

September 15, 2011
Rebuilding Christchurch Part II: More Engagement Lessons From Canterbury Earthquakes

Recently, John Hamilton, the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, New Zealand, spoke about the Canterbury earthquakes at the National Board meeting of Neighbourhood Support. John was effusive in his praise for the “personal fortitude” of Cantabrians and the resilience of their communities. Their response has negated the myth of weak neighbourhood spirit prevalent in pre-quake discourse. The tragic impacts of the earthquakes have strengthened community engagement and communication.

Recently, John Hamilton, the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, New Zealand, spoke about the Canterbury earthquakes at the National Board meeting of Neighbourhood Support.

Resilience and personal fortitude

John was effusive in his praise for the “personal fortitude” of Cantabrians and the resilience of their communities. Their response has negated the myth of weak neighbourhood spirit prevalent in pre-quake discourse. The tragic impacts of the earthquakes have strengthened community engagement and communication.

August 18, 2011
Rebuilding Christchurch

The City of Christchurch, New Zealand was devastated by a series of earthquakes. The largest, on the  4 September 2010  wrecked havoc in the central city, but the second quake on  22 February killed 181 people and all but destroyed the central city. The response of the people of Christchurch is an inspiring engagement story. On 11 August, the Christchurch City Council released it draft Central City Plan.  The plan was immediately received with acclaim.