We wanted to share with you some news we got from a MetroLab’s press release. If you are not familiar with it, here is how they describe themselves:
MetroLab Network is a group of 34 city-university partnerships focused on bringing data, analytics, and innovation to city government. Its members include 34 cities, 3 counties, and 44 universities. The Network’s mission is to pair university researchers with city policymakers to undertake research, development, and deployment projects that improve our infrastructure, public services, and environmental sustainability. The Network was launched as part of the White House’s Smart Cities Initiative in September 2015.
To learn more, follow this link to their website
And here is the press release:
MetroLab Network Announces Governor Martin J. O’Malley Will Join as Senior Fellow and Chair of Advisory Committee
Former Governor of Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore will join the network of more than 30 city-university (and county-university) partnerships focused on bringing data, analytics, and innovation to municipal government
Washington — May 5, 2016 — Former Governor Martin J. O’Malley will join MetroLab Network, where he will serve as Senior Fellow as well as convene and Chair an Advisory Committee consisting of leaders in government, industry, academia, and philanthropy. In his role, Governor O’Malley will support MetroLab Network’s effort to accelerate innovation in cities by deploying technology and policy solutions to urban challenges. Governor O’Malley’s substantial experience inspiring state and local governments to focus on outcomes, data, and tangible results will strengthen MetroLab Network’s efforts in working with local governments and universities across the country.
MetroLab Network is a national network of more than 30 city-university (and county-university) partnerships focused on incorporating data, analytics, and innovation into municipal government programs. Its cities and universities are developing technologies and policy approaches that address challenges facing urban areas. Its university partners serve as research and development arms while its cities serve as testbeds to deploy solutions. MetroLab Network was launched in September 2015 as part of the White House Smart Cities Initiative.
“Cities have always been one of my passions, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with cities and universities across the country,” Governor O’Malley said. “Advances in technology, data science, and computing provide new opportunities to deal with our cities’ greatest challenges: aging infrastructure, the delivery of effective public services, the need to help our most vulnerable neighbors, and the imperative to address climate change. By pairing cities with universities, MetroLab Network creates a collaborative platform that is a critical to deploying solutions.”
MetroLab Network recently welcomed 13 city-university pairs to its membership, which now includes 34 cities, 3 counties, and 44 universities.
“We are excited to welcome Governor O’Malley to MetroLab Network as Senior Fellow,” said Farnam Jahanian, Provost of Carnegie Mellon University. “The Network is committed to taking an evidence-based, data-driven approach to address some of the biggest challenges facing urban areas. Governor O’Malley’s leadership and expertise will allow us to follow through on that commitment.”
MetroLab Network is supported by a $1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the fiduciary of MetroLab Network during its incubation period.
