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News & Events

CMU researchers across multiple disciplines bring their expertise together through the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute. Their game-changing urban solutions are getting attention.

April 28th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features careers in public service, code & context for data science, a podcast and more...

How Helping Our Vulnerable Populations Can Improve Our City - An Interview With Julie DeSeyn

In this podcast episode, Karen talks with Julie DeSeyn, the Chief Program and Policy Officer of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. She oversees many grant-making and initiatives such as the 2-1-1 Helpline that seeks to provide help for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Hear Julie discuss how our most vulnerable populations are vital to restoring our cities!

Pursuing Public Service: A Conversation with G2U PGH Instagram Stars

On Friday, April 30th Metro21 hosted the third G2U PGH webinar, "Pursuing Public Service: A Conversation with G2U PGH Instagram Stars."

Metro21 Lunch and Learn: Public Policy Analytics: Code and Context for Data Science in Government

On Monday, May 3 Dr. Ken Steif presented his book, "Public Policy Analytics: Code & Context for Data Science in Government."

Metro21 Pairs Up for Broadband Study

Karen Lightman, Metro21 Executive Director and Stan Caldwell, Traffic21 Executive Director participated in a kick off meeting for a regional broadband study led by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission in partnership with Carnegie Mellon and Allies for Children. The Hillman Foundation provided funding for this project and Michael Baker Corporation has been contracted for support.

Metro21 Attends Broadband University

Metro21 attended Broadband University on April 5, 2021 to hear presenters Kathryn de Wit of Pew Charitable Trusts and Andy Waple of Southwestern PA Commission discuss challenges and solutions for broadband access in our region.

Moore's Lobby Podcast Features Karen Lightman

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman recently spoke with Dave Finch of Moore's Lobby in a information-packed episode to discuss "Intersection of Tech and Policy for Smart Cities."

Being Smart Isn't Smart Enough

Join Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman on Monday, April 26 from 6-7pm as she hosts "Being Smart Isn't Smart Enough: Enabling Connected, Resilient, Equitable, and Sustainable Communities Through User-Centered Collaboration" hosted by PDMA Pittsburgh.

Metro21 on Biden's Infrastructure Plan

President Biden announced his infrastructure plan in Pittsburgh on March 31 and Metro 21 Executive Director provided her thoughts on digital and physical infrastructure.

Smart City Strategies Summit

Tune in on Wednesday, April 7 at noon to hear Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman and Steve Wray discuss their perspectives from the ESI ThoughtLab Smart City Strategies Summit "Smart Cities Solutions for a Riskier World" analysis.

Metro21 Faculty Spotlight: Burcu Akinci

Get to know Metro21's Featured Faculty member Burcu Akinci and learn about her work with Metro21 and what makes her tick.

Meet the Metro21 Intern Team

Metro21 has an astonishing intern staff of Carnegie Mellon students working alongside us day in and day out.  Learn more about each of our interns, their favorite projects, and how their work with Metro21 has impacted their lives.

Urban Mobility Series: Profitability vs. Societal Benefits

Executive Director Karen Lightman of Metro21 joined the SAE Detroit panel to discuss their "Urban Mobility Series: Profitability vs. Societal Benefits" on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

March 9th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features a virtual career fair, risk and smart cities, a million meals and more...

Feeding Families Project Delivers One Million Meals

The pandemic has shed light on troubling food insecurity across our communities. Together with United Way and trusted regional partners, we’ve now served ONE MILLION meals through the Student and Families Food Relief Fund.

G2U PGH Virtual Career & Internship Fair

Join us Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 1-4pm at the G2U PGH Government Virtual Career + Internship Fair, where we will connect you with Western PA government organizations through Handshake, an easy-to-use online platform. The fair is open to all college students in Western PA.

5th Annual Smart Cities International Symposium

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman was featured as a panelist for the 5th Annual Smart Cities International Symposium on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, where she discussed "Smart City Solutions for a Riskier World" with other experts in the field.

February 23rd Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features a new Instagram project launch, the expansion of the feeding families project and more...

Urban Mobility Series: Profitability vs. Societal Benefits

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman has been invited to be a panelist for the SAE Detroit Urban Mobility Series: Profitability vs. Societal Benefits on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 11:30am.

Government-to-University Initiative (G2U) PGH Launches on Instagram

The Government-to-University Initiative (G2U) PGH has recently launched their Instagram project, showcasing careers and individuals in the public sector.

Civic Innovation Challenge Winners Announced

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has awarded 52 teams of civic and academic partners $50,000 to support refinement of their civic concepts for ready-to-implement, research-based pilot projects addressing “Communities and Mobility” or “Resilience to Natural Disaster”.

Metro21 Presents Feeding Families Project to NOPREN

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman and Researcher Steve Smith presented their project, "Feeding Families in Need: Optimizing School Bus Routes for Pandemic Meal Support" to HER NOPREN on Friday, February 12, 2021.

February 9th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter tackles the economics of tech, trustworthy IoT, equity in the built environment and more...

An Economist Who Also Thinks Like an Engineer and a Philosopher – A Conversation with Lee Branstetter

In this podcast episode, Karen talks with Lee Branstetter, who recently worked on a comprehensive and impressive research, development and deployment project with us here at Metro21, where he and his colleagues developed an app to helped disadvantaged workers get to their jobs through ridehailing (like using Uber or Lyft). We will get the latest updates from Lee about this on today’s episode. Check it out!

World Economic Forum Trustworthy IoT Coalition

Executive Director of Metro21 Karen Lightman co-chaired the Trustworthy IoT Coalition, representing Carnegie Mellon University, to discuss how to build a trustworthy and connected future.

Metro21 Lunch and Learn - Methodical Framework and Feasibility Study to Assess Social Equity Impacts of the Built Environment

Join Metro21 on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 from 12-1pm as we host Daniel Armanios to discuss, "Methodical Framework and Feasibility Study to Assess Social Equity Impacts of the Built Environment."

A Way Forward for Sustainable and Resilient Cities During COVID-19 and Beyond

Karen Lightman of Metro21 recently provided her insights on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals in a recent blog, "A Way Forward for Sustainable and Resilient Cities During COVID-19 and Beyond."

Traffic21 Director Writes Report Featured by NASEM Study Committee on Decarbonization

Chris Hendrickson, director of Traffic21, has been working with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) study committee and has written a report on decarbonization, in hopes to provide policy ideas to the new Biden administration regarding transportation.

What Happens When Uber and Lyft Enter U.S. Cities?

Metro21 faculty member and CMU Civil and Environmental Engineering professor Costa Samaras recently co-authored a paper published in iScience which explored the impact of transportation network companies (TNC) on fuel economy, transit use, and vehicle ownership across urban and higher-income areas.

Metro21 Attends Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program

Metro 21 attended "A New Era for Cities, hosted by the Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program, in partnership with REEF Technology, on January 22, 2021 for a conversation moderated by Bloomberg CityLab's Nicole Flatow. This townhall series explores how new ideas for urban spaces are being put into practice and their potential impacts on climate change, equity and inclusion, mobility, and access to housing in order to build stronger, more vibrant cities.

January 20th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features assessing social equity impacts, CES 2021 and more.

CTIA Town Square Speaks with Karen Lightman

CTIA Smart Cities Task Force features "How Metro21’s Karen Lightman Connects People and Technologies" in their most recent Town Square blog.

Metro21 Attends CES 2021

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman attended CES 2021 from January 11-14, 2021 to provide her personal key takeaways into future-shaping insights and business growth trends from industry visionaries.

Where Have the Stars Gone?

Join Diane Turnshek and Stephen Quick as they discuss, "Where Have the Stars Gone?" at the Frick on January 26, 2021 from 7-8pm.

December 22nd Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features the future of the connected world, transportation and more...

The Future of Transportation

Metro21 Executive Director sat down with Bill Flanagan and Congressman Mike Doyle to discuss the future of transportation in the region on Our Region's Business.

Connecting Public Servants Around the World - A Virtual Workshop

You’re invited to attend “Connecting Public Servants around the World,” a virtual workshop with Apolitical, on January 12, 2021, at 12 p.m. EST. The event will feature Lisa Witter, the co-founder and executive chairperson and Nitika Agarwal, chief operating officer of Apolitical—both former public servants.

World Economic Forum Global Showcase

The World Economic Forum held their Future of the Connected World: Global Showcase Event on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman participated as part of the Trustworthy IoT Coalition.

December 8th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features public health in the age of COVID, GIG Economy, Female Industry Leaders and more.

Matching Students to Careers in Public Health and Social Services

Metro21 and the Volcker Alliance hosted the second webinar on Thursday, December 3, 2020 for G2U PGH , "Matching Students to Careers in Public Health and Social Services."

National Science Foundation Smart & Connected Communities

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Smart and Connected Communities (S&CC) program solicitation has been issued for the FY 2021 competition. Full proposal deadline is February 24, 2021 at 5pm.

TRB Magazine Features Chris Hendrickson

Chris Hendrickson, Director of Traffic21 (a Metro21 partner), has had his article titled "Technology Revolutions: Bringing Tomorrow Here Today" featured in TRB Magazine.

Metro21 Provides Insight on Smart Cities During CMU Course

On November 19, 2020, Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman was invited to give a presentation to Professor Ari Lightman's CISO Digital Transformation class.

Metro21 Discusses IoT with Evolving Technologies

Metro21 has been featured by Engineering & Technology to discuss the relationship between IoT and evolving technologies and how they have been able to make things happen to advance the development of smart projects.

Lunch and Learn with Haiyi Zhu

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Metro21 hosted Dr. Haiyi Zhu for a Lunch and Learn on her project, "From Discovery to Design: Creating AI Technologies to Support Massive-Scale Online Collaboration."

Are You Smart Than a City? Integrating the IoT to Build Smart Cities

On October 27, 2020, Executive Director Karen Lightman presented at the ACT-IAC ReImagine Nation ELC 2020 alongside Ken Leonard, Director of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Sokwoo Rhee, Associate Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Samara Schulman, Director of Business Operations at OnPoint Consulting.

Featured Fall Intern Hailey Gordon

Meet Hailey Gordon, Metro21's featured fall intern. Hailey comes to CMU from Bakersfield, CA and began her Masters program in the Biomedical Engineering Department.

Rising to the Challenge: Connected Communities

Join Qualcomm's Smart Cities Accelerate event on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 to hear Metro21 Executive Director speak on the "Rising to the Challenge: Connected Cities" panel.

Metro21 Featured as Top Story in CMU News Headline

Carnegie Mellon’s Metro21: Smart City Institute leads the project with Allies for Children, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, seeded with funding from Mobility21, CMU’s University Transportation Center.

Local Government Academy Names Karen Lightman to Board

Local Government Academy, an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization, promoting excellence in local government, has elected Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman to serve on their Board of Directors.

Feeding Families in Need Featured by Mobility21

Mobility21 UTC released its latest “Research Recap” for the project “Utilizing School Bus Meals to Deliver Meals to Families in Need.” The recaps are one-page overviews of the UTC funded research that describe the research project’s purpose, approach, key findings, conclusions, contact information for the research team and a link to the final research report.

October 27th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features award-winning news, project expansion and more.

G2U Network Conversation

We invite you to join us for a G2U Network Conversation on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EDT: Opening the Doors to Technology Careers. G2U Network Conversations provide initiative partners an opportunity to connect with innovative national leaders and one another on topics relevant to the network.

Karen Lightman Provides Her Insights to Smart Cities Dive

Metro21 Executive Director recently discussed Toyota's Woven City plan with Smart Cities Dive to provide her thoughts on autonomous vehicles being connected to everything.

Feeding Families in Need Expands to McKeesport

Metro21's collaborative project, "Delivering Meals to Families in Need", will begin delivering meals to the McKeesport School District, which includes McKeesport, White Oak, and Dravosburg.

Executive Director Karen Lightman Inducted into SEMI MSIG Hall of Fame

Karen Lightman, Executive Director of Metro21, has been inducted into the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to SEMI-MSIG.

October 13th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features an all-new episode of the Metro21 podcast, a new webinar, and more.

CMU Spinout Roadbotics Nominated for Two Awards

Roadbotics, a CMU spin-out company co-founded by Metro21 faculty member Christoph Mertz has been nominated for two awards.

How Remote Work is Changing the Dynamic of Central Business Districts

Metro21's Karen Lightman recently discussed the impacts of remote work on central business districts.

Algorithms, Smart Cities, and How to Make Them Better for Everyone

Carnegie Mellon Professor Alexandra Chouldechova virtually sits down with Karen Lightman on the Metro21 podcast to discuss her work on algorithmic risk assessment tools and how to make them better for everyone.

G2U Network Conversation

We invite you to join us for a G2U Network Conversation on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EDT: NC COVID-19 Student Response Corps: Government-University Collaboration in Action. G2U Network Conversations provide initiative partners an opportunity to connect with innovative national leaders and one another on topics relevant to the network.

ReImagine Nation ELC 2020

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman has been invited to speak at the ReImagine Nation ELC 2020 on the topic, "Are You Smarter Than a City? Integrating the IoT to Build Smart Cities" on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

Smart Mobility Connection

Mobility21 continues the Smart Mobility Connection series with Carnegie Mellon University professor Jon Peha on Friday, October 9 at 12:00pm.

CMU and Pgh Water & Sewer Authority Sign MOU

Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority and Carnegie Mellon University are pursuing their mutual interest to expand current research and educational collaboration by providing opportunities to explore solutions to the problems facing municipal water utilities.

CMU Completes Voluntary Review of Sustainable Development Goals

Carnegie Mellon completes the first-of-its-kind voluntary review of Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting Metro21's commitment to sustainable cities and communities.

Government-to-University Inaugural Webinar

Metro21 and the Volcker Alliance hosted the G2U Inaugural Webinar, "Matching High-Need Government Jobs with Highly Skilled Students" on October 1, 2020.

September 15th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features a Metro21's latest Lunch and Learn, more about the Innovation of the Month award, a guest lecture on connected communities and more.

Metro21 Lunch and Learn - Machine Learning to Help Families in Need

Watch the full video from the Metro21 Lunch and Learn: Machine Learning to Help Families in Need from September 2 with panelists Dr. David Brock, Julie DeSeyn, Patrick Dowd, Nancy Hines and Stephen Smith.

Connected Communities Guest Lecturer Karen Lightman

Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman was invited as a guest lecturer by Prof. Daragh Byrne of the CMU School of Architecture to discuss connected communities. This graduate seminar examines the space between the smart city and smart home. It asks what are the ways in which hyperlocal systems and information can reveal and engage communities?

G2U Network Conversations

We invite you to join us for our next G2U Network Conversation on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EDT: Strengthening the Talent Pipeline into State Government: A Conversation with Govern for America. G2U Network Conversations provide initiative partners an opportunity to connect with innovative national leaders and one another on topics relevant to the network.

MetroLab Network Innovation of the Month Highlights Machine Learning for Families in Need

In this month’s installment of the Innovation of the Month series, we explore a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University, Allies for Children and several other community groups in Allegheny County, Pa., applying machine learning technology to addressing the disruption to school meal programs caused by COVID-19. 

August 25th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features the World Economic Forum, Machine Learning and more.

World Economic Forum Global IoT Action Plan Workshop

Metro21’s Karen Lightman represented Carnegie Mellon University as the co-leader of the World Economic Forum’s Global IoT Action Plan Workshop on Awareness and Understanding on Tuesday, August 18.

Smart Mobility Connection

Mobility21 will be hosting the first Smart Mobility Connection of the fall semester featuring Dr. Megan Ryerson of the University of Pennsylvania on Friday, September 11 at 12:00pm.

MetroLab to Host First Ever Student Cup

MetroLab, an international collaborative of cities and universities, is hosting its first ever MetroLab Student Cup. Students at MetroLab’s member universities will submit completed civic research projects for the chance to win one of five $1,000 prizes and to be featured as the MetroLab Innovation of the Month.

August 11th Newsletter Release

This week's newsletter features Karen Lightman's talk at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a new Lunch and Learn.

Leading the Way: A National Task Force on Connected Vehicles

Metro21 partner Professor Jon Peha was recently invited to be part of the Day One Project and provide his expertise in determining policies to move connected vehicles forward.

July 28th Newsletter Release

Learn more about our new Lunch and Learn, food delivery, and outdoor seating for social distancing.

Impact, Resiliency, Energy, and Sustainability for Connected Communities

Executive Director Karen Lightman joins Oak Ridge National Laboratory to discuss connected communities and what Metro21's role is to make an impact.

G2U Network Conversations

Join us to participate in the first G2U Conversation on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 1:00pm as they discuss "Harnessing Technology to Aid Government's Response to the COVID-19 Crisis".

Destenie Nock Discusses Power System Planning in Disparate Systems: Modeling Sustainability and Electricity Access

Metro21 had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Destenie Nock, Adjunct Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE), and a Presidential Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP). During this lunch and learn, Destenie discussed her project, "Power System Planning in Disparate Systems: Modeling Sustainability and Electricity Access".

Traffic21 Director Featured in ASCE SmartBrief

Chris Hendrickson, director of Traffic21, wrote a featured editorial for ASCE SmartBrief which discussed COVID-19 and the ways that transportation engineering can mitigate the effects of the pandemic, in addition to what we can learn from the current disruption.

Waynesburg University Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Expands Relationship with CMU

In a time of uncertainty, Carnegie Mellon University is expanding their relationship with Waynesburg University to continue to work within local communities to make impactful change. The Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Center) at Waynesburg University will work with CMU Robotics to work on critical social issues including poverty, food insecurity, and economic development.

New Road Salt Method Saves City of Pittsburgh $1 Million

The city of Pittsburgh has announced that they have saved $1 million with new methods of salting roads last year. With the use of technology developed in collaboration with researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as a new salt mixture, the Department of Public Works has been able to expand city services, improve transparency, and save the city money.

Metro21 Awarded a National Science Foundation Grant for COVID-19 Relief

Metro21 was awarded a $100,000 grant to help fund and continue research on our current meal delivery project that was developed to ensure children receive the food they need despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Lunch and Learn: Power System Planning in Disparate Systems: Modeling Sustainability and Electricity Access with Destenie Nock

Join us Wednesday, July 15, 2020 to hear from Destenie Nock, CMU Assistant Professor in Engineering and Public Policy, as well as Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Developing a Meal Delivery System for Children: A Chat with Patrick Dowd of Allies for Children

This episode of Metro21's podcast features the inaugural Executive Director of Allies for Children, Patrick Dowd. Host Karen Lightman and Dowd sit down to talk about child equity, COVID-19, and the current civil unrest flooding the nation.

The Challenge of Turning Down the Lights to Turn Up the Stars

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have teamed up with the City of Pittsburgh to install special types of LED streetlights to mitigate light pollution while maintaining the night sky.

Smoky Mountains Mobility Conference Rescheduled for 2021

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and concerns, ORNL’s Smoky Mountains Mobility Conference 2020 scheduled for August 31-September 3 in Chattanooga has been postponed until 2021.

Carnegie Mellon Aids in the Equitable Development of Smart Cities

Developing technologies that increase the efficiency of cities can be challenging but developing them to be equitable is even harder ever harder. Carnegie Mellon has teamed up with the City of Pittsburgh to tackle these problems and effect meaningful change.

Our June Newsletter is Here

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Metro21: Smart Cities Institute is working with our partners to deploy smart solutions within our community to address their real-world problems. Here's what we have been doing to help.

Metro21 2019-2020 Academic Year Impact

In the past academic year, Metro21 strengthened its role as a trusted partner and collaborator, through the research, development and deployment of 21st century solutions to address our region's real-world problems. See the scope of our impact this past year.

Research Article: A Path Forward for Smart Cities and IoT Devices

With many of the world's cities moving towards the ideals of a "smart city," it is crucial for city stakeholders to consider all facets of developing policy regulations. Mario Berges and Constantine Samaras' research paper explores current IoT policy and regulatory efforts.

Pittsburgh Task Force Assesses the City's Street Climate during COVID-19

Metro21 joined the PGH Streets and Mobility Task Force to explore ways in which we can redesign our city streets and reconceive transportation.

CMU Students Collaborate with Metro21 on Innovative Capstone Projects

Metro21 has close ties with Carnegie Mellon students and often works closely with such students on thesis work. This past spring semester, five particular projects sought help from Metro21 in developing innovative technologic solutions.

CMU Hosts Inaugural Flagship Sustainability Talks

Metro21 Executive Director, Karen Lightman, will share her expertise on Sustainable Cities and Communities at CMU’s flagship 17 Rooms event – a series of deep dive discussions based off of the U.N. General Assembly’s 17 Global Goals adapted to the university context.

Using Technology to Help People Facing Food Insecurity

Pittsburgh start-up, Food Rescue Hero, was selected as a winner of Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards! The article highlights Metro21's role in helping the organization optimize the app to make sure every food-insecure community is being served at an equal rate.

Metro21 Featured in AI Magazine

The latest issue of AI Magazine includes a cover story on Surtrac smart traffic technology and features Metro21 Executive Director, Karen Lightman’s lecture from the 2018 Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Conference.

Metro21 Contributes to Code for America's Digital Library

With shelter-in-place orders in effect, Metro21 Executive Director Karen Lightman submits a digital version of her presentation on Smart Traffic Lights in Pittsburgh to the Code for America Summit Library.

Metro21 Faculty Member Honored as One of Carlow University’s Six Women of Spirit

Kristen Kurland was chosen by Carlow University as one of their Six Women of Spirit® for 2020. This award is based on professional and personal leadership and service to others.

Public Art and the Internet of Things (IoT): Impacting Communities through Collaboration

In this podcast, Brett Crawford and Jenee Iyer, from the Arts Management & Technology (AMT) Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, discuss several topic on their project: Public Art and IoT.

Cities Helping Cities - Kitchen Table Talk

Join Metro21 for a MetroLab Network Kitchen Table Talk focused on Equitable Public Meetings While Physical Distancing on April 24th at 1pm!

Bus on the edge: Continuous monitoring of traffic and infrastructure

Join us for a discussion with Christoph Mertz, a Carnegie Mellon University Principal Project Scientist! Mertz will talk about how transit buses are now routinely recording their surroundings with cameras for security and liability reasons. 

Visual Understanding of Traffic at Intersections

Join us to learn about their UTC project, “Visual Understanding of Traffic at Intersections: Access to real-time information” and how it is essential to the success of smart transportation systems especially at points of planned conflict such as intersections!

COVID-19 is Creating the Largest Telecommunity – but not for Everyone

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are experiencing the largest telecommunity of all time.

Our Spring Newsletter is Here

From hosting a World Economic Forum workshop to presenting at the Consumer Electronics Show, Metro21 is recognized world-wide as a key influencer in smart cities. Here's a highlight of what we've been up to lately...

Moving the Pittsburgh Region Forward

As the Allegheny Conference begins the new decade with the ambitious Next Is Now 10-year plan, tune in for the first Regional Investors Council meeting of 2020 where panelists will delve into the strategies and plans to move the Pittsburgh region forward.

Putting AI to Use Predicting Urban Landslides

Soon we could have an indicator that will throw up a red flag for municipal partners to know that if a cracks develops further, then action must be taken.

Catalyzing Bottom-Up Transformation by Commoning the City

The creative insights emerging from these practices of commoning offer an entry point for refuting the neoliberal mantra “there is no alternative,” and spurring the imagination of other possible worlds.

Using AI to Prevent Fire Risks

With a glance at a dashboard and interactive map, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF) chiefs and inspectors can see which buildings in the city are at the highest risk of a fire incident and prioritize safety inspections accordingly.

Positive Change Catalyzed when Individuals Work Together

Night Owl Bakers is a life readiness program for young adults living in chronic poverty and encountering gross educational disparities, that combines food science with 21st-century skills to promote societal and mental well-being.

Using Virtual Reality and 3-D Technology to Plan Cities

For city planning tasks, location-based geospatial platforms currently offer the greatest potential for both geospatial and 3-D modeling compatibility. Is 3-D Visualization Software the Future of Urban Planning?

Collaboration to Ensure Autonomous Vehicle Integration

Leading the charge on the development of autonomous vehicles, the City of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are working collaboratively to ensure that these vehicles focus on human safety, transparency, cybersecurity, and public engagement.

Catalyzing a Robust Local Marketplace

Metro21 selected to be a part of G2U, an innovative approach to addressing critical governance challenges by building structured regional networks of governments and universities.

Commoning the City

Against the backdrop of the escalating climate crisis, social inequity and political polarization, the failures of governments or the market to provide even access to resources and opportunities is leading citizens to take matters into their own hand.

Solving Sustainability Challenges with Partnerships and Technology

Smart architectures will enable cities and communities to improve services, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life but not without thoughtful risk mitigation and strong municipal partnerships.

What is the Global State of IoT Governance?

IoT represents a pathway to addressing humanity’s most critical challenges. These issues truly represent a global opportunity maximize benefits and minimize harm for all, but where do we start?

Can a win-win partnership exist?

Yes! Carnegie Mellon University’s research partnership with the Allegheny County Airport Authority began six years ago where most trips start: in the parking lot. Now Pittsburgh is set to be the world's smartest airport.

Creating Opportunities to Address the Rural-Urban Gap

Partnerships matter. When projects move forward without community input, they can raise concerns about surveillance and data collection, which happened with Sidewalk Labs’ originally proposed smart city in Toronto’s downtown waterfront.

Intertwining Technology with Established Infrastructure

Using artificial intelligence as a way of predicting the likelihood of landslides so that investments can be made in infrastructures

Pushing the Limits of Low-Power Wide-Area Networks

Carnegie Mellon University faculty member Swarun Kumar has received the National Science Foundation CAREER award for his work on Pushing the Limits of Low-Power Wide-Area Networks. 

Driving Investments in Physical and Digital Infrastructure

Metro21 CES 2020 panel was featured in an article by Government Technology. The show tackled an oft-discussed goal for municipal leaders: how communities can leverage smart city solutions to transform aging infrastructure.

How Flying Taxis Likely Won't Help Us Soar Into the Future

"Do we really need to have flying taxis? ... It would be great if we could do that to help the people in Puerto Rico who are still suffering from the effects of the hurricane and now have had two earthquakes in the past two days … but to have more rich people getting from place to place because they don't want to be bothered by a car anymore, that bothers me." — Karen Lightman, executive director, Metro21

Creating Equitable Mobility at the Pittsburgh International Airport

An important component of airport landside operations involves providing assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. Findings from Metro21 project, Optimal Escort Dispatch for Airport Travelers with Reduced Mobility, was published by Elsevier.

Digitizing the City Landscape

Imagine a red light turning green because only one idle vehicle is present at an otherwise quiet traffic intersection in the early morning hours. These were the topics highlighted in Metro21's CES presentation.

Lending New Tech into Established Infrastructure

TechRepublic recapped the topics of Metro21's CES panel discussion including information on finding funding, pooling resources, 5G and curbside value.

Metro21 Provides Thought Leadership at CES 2020

Karen Lightman, Metro21 Executive Director, provides insight on the future of cities at CES 2020 by discussing Metro21 projects and municipal partnerships.

How can AI be used as a Tool for Equity in the Public Realm?

Metro21 is hosting Benjamin Schmidt, President of RoadBotics, for a lunch and learn focused on how building decisions for infrastructure reflects the values of our society.

Transforming Pittsburgh into a smart city playground

Metro21 was featured in a Fast Company article discussing how three projects are transforming the city of Pittsburgh into a smart city.

Pittsburgh Named One of Newsweek's Smartest Cities

Pittsburgh was named one of the World's Smartest Cities in Newsweek's 2019 Momentum Awards. The article cites Metro21 projects driving Pittsburgh towards a smarter and efficient future.

When you Think of Smart Cities, Do You Think of Art?

A major challenge for municipalities around the world is to empower their citizens to embrace community spaces, and one way to help is through the use of art!

Inspiring the Next Generation to Embrace User-Centered Design

Metro21 partnered with Carnegie Mellon’s Policy Innovation lab to give students the opportunity to solve real-world problems related the smart cities through the use of user-centered design.

Will Smart Infrastructure Solve Our Transit Problems?

A truly smart city must go beyond the technology and use human-centered design to develop and co-create solutions with end-user citizen in mind. Metro21 Executive Director, Karen Lightman, shares how connecting and creating smart infrastructure can manage transit problems.

How is artificial intelligence affecting the rural-urban divide?

Advances in AI, broadband and other tech are providing new opportunities. But is everyone seeing the benefits?

CMU and Waynesburg University Partner to Battle Food Insecurity

This past spring, Carnegie Mellon University and Waynesburg University taught a one-credit “micro” course on the issue of food insecurity in rural areas. Ten students from each university worked towards addressing this issue, then proposed possible solutions to the commissioners and the Greene County Food Security Partnership for implementation.

Metro21's Karen Lightman to Speak at CES 2020

Metro21 Executive Director, Karen Lightman, will give a talk titled "Blending New Tech and Aging Infrastructure in Smart Cities" at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, NV.

Traffic21 Celebrates Ten Years of Research, Development and Deployment

On November 7–8, 2019, Traffic21 celebrated its Tenth Annual Anniversary Symposium. As Traffic21 looks to build on past successes, the symposium focused on solving future transportation solutions, particularly focusing on how innovations help people from all economic and social backgrounds under the tagline “Mobility for All.”

Metro21 Podcast: Cultivating Leadership to Bring Change to Communities

On this episode of the podcast, Karen Lightman, Metro21 Executive Director sits down with Waynesburg University President Douglas Lee to discuss everything from the future of rural mobility to running triathlons in Death Valley. Make sure to tune in!

Metro21 Recognized as a Top Smart City Partner by Newsweek

Metro21 was among the 100 Smart City partners along with Carnegie Mellon University Africa and Carnegie Mellon partners like ArgoAI and Petuum to receive the 2019 Newsweek Momentum Award. Newsweek selected 100 Smart City partners across the globe who are taking action, initiating projects to enacting real change, and doing something bold and unique to lead us into the land unknown.

Collaborating to Build the World’s Smartest Airport since 2013

Carnegie Mellon was one of the first universities in the nation to partner with its home airport. In 2018, CMU and the Allegheny County Airport Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing faculty and students from CMU's Metro21: Smart Cities Institute to research, develop and deploy several projects throughout the airport that will benefit local travelers and the entire aviation industry.

Metro21 display has arrived at the Pittsburgh International Airport

The Metro21 display, featuring Surtrac, is located in Concourse A near gate A10! This display showcases the partnership between Carnegie Mellon and the city of Pittsburgh by highlighting the benefits of smart traffic lights.

Lunch & Learn: Erin Dalton, Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Erin Dalton, Deputy Director of the Office of Analytics, Technology and Planning for Allegheny County Department of Human Services and CMU alumnus, came to speak to the CMU community on October 21, 2019 for a Lunch & Learn co-hosted by Metro21: Smart Cities Institute and the Block Center for Technology and Society.

Lunch & Learn: Rethinking Power System Architecture for Serving Exurban Residential Paradigms with Panayiotis Moutis

Join us and the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation on Thursday, November 14 in the Bosch Conference Room in Scott Hall to hear from Panayiotis Moutis, Systems Scientist, on Planned Communities (PC) and how they aim to decongest the population growth out of the city centers, offering relief of urban environments and the reduction of pollution in major cities.

Traffic21's 10-Year Anniversary

Ten years ago, Traffic21 was challenged by the Hillman Foundation to research, develop and deploy intelligent transportation systems in Pittsburgh. The institute applied an innovative model leveraging leading-edge technology development, world-class policy research and real-world public and private partnerships. Join us on November 7 & 8 for the Tenth Anniversary Symposium!

Rapid Flow Receives the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Startup of the Year Award

Rapid Flow, a start-up spun out of Carnegie Mellon University, received the “Pittsburgh Tech 50 Startup of the Year” award at the 2019 Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Tech 50 Awards. Rapid Flow Technologies LLC., spun out of Carnegie Mellon University, is working to introduce new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace.

Gearing Up for Another Season of Night Owl Bakers

Metro21 is excited to announce that the Night Owl Bakers(NOB) program is officially gearing up for another season of baking! The group will be meeting Saturdays from 9:00am-4:30pm at Propel’s Community Wellness Center in the Northside of Pittsburgh. 

Lunch & Learn: Remaking Cities for a Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Future: Learning from Pittsburgh & Beyond with Ray Gastil

Join us on September 26, 2019 in Hamburg Hall Room 1006 to hear from Ray Gastil, David Lewis Director of Urban Design and Regional Engagement in the School of Architecture at CMU.

Building the World's Smart Airport, Improving Rural Mobility & A New Look - Metro21's Fall Newsletter

Metro21 released our Fall Newsletter! To stay up to date on our latest research, news and events, subscribe to our mailing list!

New Science Fiction Novel Brings Awareness to Light Pollution 

A recently released science fiction anthology features 21 unique stories focused on spreading awareness of the effects of light pollution. Editor Diane Turnshek also heads CMU’s project on light pollution mapping in the City of Pittsburgh.

Service… More than our Mission Lunch and Learn

Metro21 will welcome Waynesburg University President, Douglas G. Lee, for a Lunch and Learn event focused on inspired service. Inspired service has been a pillar of the Waynesburg University community and curriculum since our founding. Lunch will be provided, please email Chelsea Cavlovic to RSVP, and join us on Monday, October 28th for this presentation!

Metro21 Executive Director to Speak at CO2 Urban Synthesis & Analysis Workshop

Executive Director Karen Lightman has been invited to speak on panel at CO2-Urban Synthesis and Analysis Workshop this coming October to discuss Metro21’s partnership with the City of Pittsburgh on clean air projects.

New Course: Policy Innovation Lab

Metro21 is proud to partner with the initiative, Policy Innovation Lab, to bring students a hands-on approach to solving community challenges this fall

Podcast: Industrial to Innovative: A Conversation with Pittsburgh Director of Innovation and Performance, Santiago Garces

Metro21 Executive Director, Karen Lightman sat down with Director of Innovation and Performance for the City of Pittsburgh, Santiago Garces to discuss innovation within 21st century cities.

Carnegie Mellon Awarded Planning Grant: Engineering Research Center for Autonomous Sustainable Urban Systems (ATLAS)

A Carnegie Mellon team, including Metro21, received a planning grant to develop the Autonomous Technologies for Livability And Sustainability (ATLAS). ATLAS will create a future where autonomous systems in a community work together to facilitate its sustainability and enhance its governance, thus significantly improving the quality of life of its residents.

"Triangulation: Dark Skies" Book Reading and Signing Event

Join us for a free reading/signing event of Mary Soon Lee's "Triangulation: Dark Skies", an anthology of 21 speculative fiction stories about stars and light pollution.

Metro21 to Help Lead DOE Team on Rural Mobility

A new task force started by the U.S. Department of Energy, led by Metro21 member Sean Qian and including fellow member Rick Stafford and Executive Director Karen Lightman, has been created to improve mobility in rural Southwestern Pennsylvania. Continuing Metro21's collaborative relationship with Waynesburg University, as well as many other community partners, Metro21 is committed to having a positive impact on the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Using Machine Learning to Prevent Landslides

A new smartphone-based prediction and analysis system could address one of our most pertinent infrastructural issues.

Rayid Ghani joins Carnegie Mellon University

Rayid Ghani joins Carnegie Mellon University as a Distinguished Career Professor with a joint appointment to the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and the School of Computer Science. He will continue his work as a leader in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence, data science and other emerging technologies for social good. His work in these areas complements the research being done in CMU's Metro21: Smart Cities Institute.

Axios Expert Voice Feature: How cities are cutting down on light pollution

Metro21’s Executive Director, Karen Lightman dives into light pollution in her latest Expert Voice article with Axios. In the article Karen describes why light pollution matters and how we can use technology to reduce it.

Metro21 Research Featured in The Baltimore Sun

SURTRAC technology, a CMU/Metro21 project, has been featured as a solution to Baltimore's traffic congestion

CO2-USA Workshop, October 7-8

The CO2-USA's third workshop on city greenhouse gas reduction will be held in Boston, MA from October 7-8

The Role of Academic Libraries Lunch and Learn

Metro21's first Lunch and Learn event of the 2019-2020 academic year on the role of academic libraries in geography and GIS education

Executive Director Karen Lightman talks solving real world problems with public data

Executive Director Karen Lightman is featured in Xinova's interview series from the Annual IRI Conference from this May.

Metro21, NSF host Sustainable Urban Systems Workshop

Researchers from government, academia, and industry gathered for a workshop on sustainable urban systems.

Vote for Metro21 Panel on Broadband Expansion

Help us take Metro21 to South By Southwest (SXSW) by voting today

Podcast: Smartest Airport in the World: An Interview with PIT's Sam Stedford

Metro21's Executive Director Karen Lightman sits down with PIT Airport's Sam Stedford to discuss the airport's approach to becoming the world's smartest airport.

PIT Airport uses CMU tech to improve travelers' trips

Metro21's partner, the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) uses CMU's Zensors and NavCog technology to improve airport navigation for travelers.

Karen Lightman delivers Keynote Remarks at President's Partner Recognition Breakfast

Metro21's Executive Director Karen Lightman delivered keynote remarks at the July 23 Waynesburg University President's Partner Recognition Breakfast

EcoDistricts Summit heads to Pittsburgh, Nov 4-5

Metro21 is excited to welcome the EcoDistricts Summit to Pittsburgh for their 10th Anniversary

2019 MetroLab Summit, Sept 19-20

MetroLab, a Metro21 partner, will be hosting their annual summit September 19-20 in Boulder, CO

Metro21 featured in Atlanta Business Chronicle following May visit

Metro21's Executive Director Karen Lightman was quoted in a recent article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle detailing a visit to Pittsburgh by over 100 municipal leaders

Metro21 Featured in Ethical Corp Magazine

Metro21's Executive Director Karen Lightman provides her expertise in Ethical Corporation's July Magazine, "Technology for Good."

Metro21 Executive Director Talks "Airport Efficiency Projects" with Axios

Executive Director Karen Lightman talks about the benefits automation could have in the airport industry and provides insights to implementation.

Metro21 welcomes Argo AI to CMU

Metro21: Smart Cities Institute welcomes Argo AI to CMU's Campus

Lunch with Secretary Foxx, Insightful Podcasts & Smart City Projects - Metro21 Summer Newsletter

Metro21's Summer Newsletter detailing the highlights of the academic year and the most recent events and projects from the institute. The release features media mentions and podcasts as well, building on Metro21's momentum in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Metro21 2018-2019 Academic Year Impact

The 2018-2019 academic year has proven to be a period of exponential growth for Metro21: Smart Cities Institute. Through a series of lunch & learns for the Carnegie Mellon community, leading panels at more than 15 conferences, hosting informative podcasts with research partners, and numerous media features, Metro21 has become an authority in smart cities.

Metro21, International Dark-Sky Association host Dark Skies Conference

On June 1, members of the Pittsburgh community gathered to investigate how the city can reduce light pollution, steps for equitable transformation, and a dedication to maintaining starry nights for generations to come.

Karen Lightman addresses Summer Learning Series, Talks IoT

Metro21's Karen Lightman spoke to attendees of the Heinz Executive Education Program's Summer Learning Series. The topic was Internet of Things and Karen shared projects and progress that Metro21 has made in Pittsburgh and beyond on smart and connected cities.

Secretary Foxx Joins Metro21 for Lunch

To close the academic year, Secretary Foxx joined Metro21 Smart Cities Institute’s faculty, staff, and students for an end-of-the-year lunch. During the Metro21-hosted lunch, Foxx learned more about a wide variety of Metro21 research projects and student’s interest in the future of cities, transportation, and policy.

Metro21 Faculty Awarded Posner, Molloy, and Pietrandrea Career Development Chair in Civil Engineering

Metro21 faculty, Sean Qian has been awarded the Posner, Molloy, and Pietrandrea Career Development Chair in Civil Engineering. The position supports faculty early in their academic career in their mission to advance research and build out meaningful impact in the community and field of civil engineering.

Metro21 featured at Shady Side Academy's Innovation Speakers Series

On April 30, 2019, Metro21: Smart Cities Institute’s Executive Director, Karen Lightman, was a featured speaker at the Innovation Speakers Series hosted at Shady Side Academy.

Metro21 joins panel at Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs Forum Event

The Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs Forum is serving the Pittsburgh community by connecting people through different events that focus on a variety of facets of the regionals entrepreneurial development. The Forums most recent event was entitled “Technology of the people, by the people, and for the people: How Pittsburgh is leading the way for technology-enabled government” and Metro21's Exec. Director presented how CMU is helping lead the way.

Metro21 Presents to Atlanta's Leadership Involvement Networking Knowledge Group

From May 15 – May 18, 2019, The Leadership Involvement Networking Knowledge (LINK) from the Atlanta Regional Commission visited Pittsburgh to learn about new ideas and approaches for dealing with the issues and challenges facing metro areas.

Dark Skies Conference on June 1 at Carnegie Mellon University

Join us on June 1, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Carnegie Mellon University to learn about the consequences of artificial light at night. The conference will consider the human medical effects of artificial light at night, disruption on the nighttime ecosystem, safety issues, and impact on astronomical research.

Metro21 Hosts Colorado Springs Regional Leaders

On May 1 and May 2, 2019, Metro21 in partnership with Traffic21 welcomed Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation and their Regional Leaders to the City of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

Metro21 Panel to Discuss Smart Cities at Modeling the World's Systems Conference in Washington D.C.

On May 13 – 15, 2019 in Washington D.C., the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information is hosting the Modeling the World’s Systems Conference. Metro21: Smart Cities Institute will be leading a panel to explore real-world use cases of applying technology to improve decision making in a wide array of applications and implications.

Metro21 Moderates Smart City Panel at IRI Conference

The 2019 IRI Annual Conference was held in Pittsburgh from April 29 – May 2, 2019. The annual conference is focused on convening innovation partners to tackle hot button issues in digital transportation and strategic solutions.

Driving Disaster Response with Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Vehicle connectivity could do more than get you to work - it could get you out of harm's way.

Designing Human-Centered Airports

At the intersection of data and design, the future of flying could be smarter, safer, and more secure.

WTAE Covers Metro21's Landslide Analysis Project

WTAE, Pittsburgh's Action News Channel, paid a visit to Metro21 to learn more about what we are doing to prevent landslides by spotting hillside issues early.

Lunch and Learn: The Fundamentals of Smart Cities with Santi Garces

Join us on May 3, 2019 at 12pm - 1:00 pm for the Metro21 Lunch and Learn with Santi Garces, Director of Innovation and Performance of the City of Pittsburgh entitled "The Fundamentals of Smart Cities". 

Urban Data Eye Update

The Metro21 Project Understanding Public Space Use in Market Square worked to better understand how Pittsburghers use Market Square, in order to inform future planning decisions. The project used a toolkit developed by Urban Data Eye (UDE), a company co-founded by the projects principal investigator, Javier Argota Sanchez-Vaquerizo. 

Metro21 quoted in Atlanta's Bisnow

Metro21’s Executive Director Karen Lightman was interviewed by Bisnow's featured series, Atlanta Suburban Restructuring, regarding concerns about inequitable development.

The City of Pittsburgh, OnePGH, and Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals

In collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, the Brookings Institution, and Metro21: Smart Cities Institute are pleased to convene a public panel to highlight the value proposition for cities and communities aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Pittsburgh’s Night Owl Baker’s week of Entrepreneurship Program

Karen Lightman, executive director of Metro21, has been invited to Pittsburgh’s Night Owl Baker’s week of entrepreneurship program. As part of the entrepreneurship program, Karen will be a guest judge for the pitch/“minnow tank” part of the  program. Participants in the program will present their products to a panel, successful pitches will win a grant from Night Owl Bakers.

Latham Street Commons Creates Night Owl Bakers – a Workforce and Career Readiness Program

Latham Street Commons (LSC) is a living idea – and therefore continuously adapting and changing depending on resources and demand. However, one thing will always remain consistent: the team will not abandon their commitment to create a culture of care that affirms the value and resiliency of all people. In fact, LSC has evolved from experimenting with growing food into a social enterprise for young adults from severely underserved communities called the Night Owl Bakers.

Metro21 Lunch and Learn: Advancing Industry Via Design – A Case from the Netherlands

On Tuesday April 9, 2019, Metro21 is hosting KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delft University of Technology for a Lunch & Learn at 12:00 pm in Hamburg Hall Room 1002.

Metro21 Podcast: Energy and Sustainability with Anna Siefken

This episode of the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute podcast features a talk with Anna Siefken, Executive Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College.

Metro21 Executive Director Expert Voice Axios Article: How sensor data can help cities improve public spaces

Metro21 Executive Director, Karen Lightman, is an ongoing contributor to Axios as an Expert Voice. In Lightman’s latest article “How sensor data can help cities improve public spaces” she highlights how Metro21 projects collect data for quality-of-life improvements.

Metro21 and Smart Cities Dive Discuss Public-Private Partnerships

Metro21’s Executive Director Karen Lightman was interviewed by Smart Cities Dive to talk about the importance of dialogue and collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

Round-Up of RoadBotics Awards & Accomplishments

Roadbotics, founded in 2016 at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, set out to create a way for cities to have automated and affordable road surveys using smartphones. Over the past 6 months, Roadbotics have won multiple awards and contracts for its innovative solution to better monitor the condition of street pavement in cities around the country.

Lunch and Learn: Light Smart: dark-sky friendly artificial lighting with Diane Turnshek

Join Metro21 on February 15, 2019 in Hamburg Hall to hear from Diane Turnshek. She will discuss how we've lost our connection to the night sky, and how the City of Pittsburgh is trying to reconnect citizens by refitting 40K streetlights over the next two years -- replacing high pressure sodium vapor bulbs with much more efficient, 2700K or less, shielded, dimmable LEDs and creating clear nthe first, publicly available, high resolution light pollution map of a city.

Metro21 January Newsletter

We kick off the newsletter with project updates from the Inaugural Metro21 Call for Proposals grantees. It’s been about 3 months since we awarded funding to 12 pilot projects and they're already making an impact. Check out the newsletter to learn more.

Metro21 Exec. Director joins New York Women Executives in Real Estate (WX) for Panel

On February 7, Executive Director Karen Lightman joined the New York Women Executives in Real Estate (WX) for a breakfast panel on the Future of Transportation and Its Effect on Urban Centers

Women Executives Breakfast in NYC on Feb 7, 2019

Metro21's Executive Director, Karen Lightman is a panelist at the New York Women Executives in Real Estate (WX) is hosting the WX February Breakfast - The Future of Transportation and It's Effect On Urban Centers on February 7, 2019 at 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Harvard Club in NYC.

Metro21 Podcast: Using Data Analytics to Solve Complex Societal Challenges with Alexandre Jacquillat

On this podcast we talk to Alexandre Jacquillat, a cross-functional professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Alex’s work focuses on using operations research and data analytics to solve complex societal challenges in the fields of air transportation and on-demand urban mobility.

Metro21’s Exec. Director Joins MetroLab Network’s Board of Directors

Metro21: Smart Cities Institute elected to the MetroLab Network's Board of Directors for the 2019 - 2022 term.

Metro21 Executive Director Talks about AI and Potholes in Axios

Metro21's Executive Director, Karen Lightman, has taken on another role: Expert Voice for Axios. In her latest article "AI Takes on Potholes" she describes how poor infrastructure has a lot of consequences, including the delay of AVs deployment.

MobilityLab: In Pittsburgh, machine learning improves traffic for all road users – not just cars

MobilityLab sat down with Metro21's Executive Director, Karen Lightman to discuss how Pittsburgh is using Surtrac technology to make roads safer for all road users and not just more efficient for cars.

Lecture Series at Heinz College Featuring Dan O'Brien on January 29

Dan O'Brien, Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, is coming to Heinz College on January 29, 2019 to talk about his new book, "The Urban Commons: How Data and Technology Can Rebuild Our Communities"

Metro21 Lunch & Learn with Nick Muller

Metro21 Lunch and Learn on January 18 will feature Nicholas Z. Muller, Lester and Judith Lave Associate Professor of Economics, Engineering, and Public Policy, Tepper School of Business, Department of Engineering and Public Policy who will talk about "An Index for Economic and Environmental Performance: Methods with an Application to Pittsburgh"

Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus (PAIC) Announcement

On December 6, 2018, the Allegheny County Airport Authority broke ground on the Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus (PAIC), a new mixed-use campus near the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Pittsburgh’s Smart Traffic Signal's Started at CMU

Mayor Bill Peduto recently announced an expansion of Pittsburgh’s “smart” traffic signals, investing more than $11 million to reduce travel time for Pittsburgh commuters. Smart traffic-management systems have been in Pittsburgh since 2012 with the Launch of a Smart City's project.

CMU Professor Wants Pittsburgh to be The Smartest of Smart Cities

Pittsburgh Magazine features Carnegie Mellon University’s Computer Science and Robotics Professor, Jessica Hodgins and her dream for Pittsburgh becoming the Smartest of the Smart Cities.

7 Things You Can Do for Your Community - Metro21 Exec. Director Quoted in Forbes

Metro21’s Executive Director, Karen Lightman, was featured in a Forbes Magazine article about her appearance at the Brookings Institute’s panel on cities initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Brookings & CMU Co-Host Sustainable Development Goals Event

On November 29, 2018, the Global Economy and Development Program at Brookings and Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy will co-host an event with the City of Pittsburgh and development experts to explore the value proposition of the SDGs for U.S. cities.

Metro21 Faculty, Don Carter Presents at City of Asylum

Metro21 Faculty, Don Carter, presents his book new book "Remaking Post-Industrial Cities" at City of Asylum @ Alphabet City Book Store.

Metro21 Podcast: Diane Turnshek Talks Light Pollution and the Night Sky

In this episode of the Metro21 podcast, Karen Lightman talks with Diane Turnshek about light pollution. Diane defines light pollution, describes why it's a problem and offers solutions.

Metro21 is tied to Montgomery, Alabama's Smart City Award

Metro21’s faculty Christopher Mertz was a driving force in Montgomery, Alabama being recognized nationally as one of the most technologically advanced cities in the country. The City of Montgomery was awarded the 2018 Digital Cities Survey from the Center for Digital Government.

Metro21 Executive Director Talks "The Curb" in Axios

Metro21: Smart Cities Institute's Executive Director, Karen Lightman, published in Axios for her article titled "Ride-sharing and AVs will primpt cities to rethink the curb."

Metro21 Faculty, Don Carter in U.S. News

U.S. News featured their article “Banking on the River” and Metro21 Faculty, Don Carter, Director of Remaking Cities Institute at CMU, is featured in the article describing how post-industrial cities are replacing steel mills with trees and parks.

Metro21 Lunch and Learn with Grant Ervin

Lunch and Learn featuring the “State of Activity of PGH Office of Resiliency” with Metro21 on October 30 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in Hamburg Hall Room 1002 at Carnegie Mellon University.

Research Article: The smart city: challenges for the civil engineering sector

The concept of the smart city has been rising for over a decade but what has been less understood is the distinct ways in which engineering, and particularly digital infrastructure, is related to and affects social, political and economic processes.

Rail~Volution Comes to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has been changing the way people think about mobility - and the way people think about Pittsburgh. From a leader in steel to a leader in smart traffic light technology, autonomous vehicles, bike lanes and transportation policy, it’s no surprise Rail~Volution has decided to host their annual conference in the Steel City.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx joins Metro21

Secretary Anthony Foxx has been appointed distinguished executive in residence at CMU, and will work with Metro21 to help students understand how to most effectively bring people, policy and technology together to significantly improve the quality of life for citizens living in metropolitan areas.

Metro21 Director, Raj Rajkumar is quoted on Autonomous Vehicles in Axios

Raj Rajkumar, Director of Metro21: Smart Cities Institute is quoted in Axios: "Driving is the most complex activity that most adults engage in on a regular basis, just because we do it doesn't mean we can teach computers to easily do it. It will be many more years for full automation.

Metro21 Faculty Awarded Over $2.5M as Part of DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research Investment

To continue to improve energy efficiency and increase mobility intelligence, Metro21’s, Sean Qian and Costa Samaras were awarded over $2.5 million in combined funding from the Department of Energy.

Inaugural Grant Cycle Reveals Smart Cities Innovation Across CMU

Metro21’s first call for research proposals as a university-wide institute was a great success, yielding proposals from researchers housed at every college on campus, with topics ranging from equitable mobility to public safety and citizen engagement. Grantees are announced.

Driverless Cars Run on Data Not Gasoline

Metro21 Director, Raj Rajkumar, was in New York City to speak on a Panel at the Bloomberg Live Event, “The Value of Data." The event focused on looking through the lens of emerging technologies like IoT, Blockchain and more, to examine how data is becoming the world’s most valuable asset, making innovation possible and transforming the way we make decisions for the future.

The City of Tomorrow Challenge is in Pittsburgh Today!

How might we design commutes in Pittsburgh that are seamless, welcoming, and intuitive? Submit your proposals for improving the way people move around Pittsburgh for a chance to win up to $100K to bring your idea to life. Proposals will be accepted until September 18, 2018.

Dean Krishnan is a Keynote Speaker at QS in Conversation in Singapore

The upcoming QS in Conversation Seminar with the theme University-Public Sector Partnerships and a focus on Smart Cities is being held in Singapore on October 3 – October 5 and the Dean of Heinz College, Krishnan Ramayya, is a keynote speaker.

Metro21 Podcast: Using Data to Find Solutions with Erin Dalton

In this episode, Karen sits down with Erin Dalton, Allegheny County’s Deputy Director in the Office of Data Analysis, Research and Evaluation. Listen to hear how she has been at the forefront of using data and heavy analysis to find solutions to complex problems here in the Pittsburgh region. Also, you might be surprised with her job and multiple board memberships, what she does to relax.

Tesla Offers Two Week Trial of Autopilot

Tesla is offering a two week free trial of their Autopilot feature - but are American roads ready for "assisted mobility" cars? Read what Metro21 Director, Raj Rajkumar thinks about the technology.

Metro21 Lunch & Learn with Bob Gradeck

Metro21: Smart Cities Institute is launching a new Lunch and Learn Speaker Series. Join us on September 28 at 12:00 in Hamburg Hall Room 1005 for free lunch and an engaging presentation from Bob Gradeck of the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center.

2018 NASPAA Annual Conference

The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) is hosting their annual conference in Atlanta Georgia on October 10 – 13, 2018 and Metro21 will be represented by our Exec. Director, Karen Lightman.

MetroLab Network Annual Summit 2018

The MetroLab Network Annual Summit is open for registration! The Summit is October 15 & October 16 at Hotel Indigo in Newark, NJ. Metro21's Exec. Director, Karen Lightman will be moderating the panel on "Programs that Strengthen City/University Partnerships."

Metro21’s Director, Raj Rajkumar, Moderates Conversation at Tepper Quad's Grand Opening

Join Metro21's Director, Raj Rajkumar for a Moderated Conversation: At the Intersection of Technology and Business:Smart Home, Smart Car, Smart City at the inaugural Tepper School of Business Presents INTERSECT@CMU on Friday, September 14.

Metro21 Director, Raj Rajkumar, Comments on PennDOT’s New Guidance for Automated Vehicles

Director of Metro21: Smart Cities Institute gives a comment to TribLIVE on PennDOT's new Guidance for Increased Safety Oversight of Highly Automated Vehicles.

Metro21 Podcast: Unlocking the Power of Mobility with Karina Ricks

In this episode, Karen sits down with her friend and colleague, Karina Ricks. Karen and Karina chat about her time in international development, consulting, and Karina's fascination with a certain genre of reality television.

Metro21 Discusses Collaborative Problem Solving in Cities on Comcast Newsmakers

Karen Lightman, Executive Director of Metro21: Smart Cities Institute, talks with host Sheila Hyland from Comcast Newsmakers about collaborative initiatives and using science to solve problems in cities and communities.

Metro21's Project, Surtrac 2.0, Featured in The Wall Street Journal

Metro21 Project Featured in Wall Street Journal: Artificial Intelligence May Make Traffic Congestion a Thing of the Past

Metro21 Podcast: Commitment to Place with Rick Stafford

In this episode, Karen sits down with Distinguished Fellow Rick Stafford. Rick talks about his commitment to place, his winding path from paper boy to policymaker, and his approach to understanding smart cities.

Metro21: Call for Research Proposals

We are looking to fund new projects that seek to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas. Send us your best ideas.

Metro21 Podcast: The Science of Smart Cities with Director Raj Rajkumar

In our second episode, Karen sits down with CMU Professor Raj Rajkumar, Director of Metro21. They discuss his background, his journey to and through autonomous vehicle technology, and the science of smart cities.

3D Visualization Project Highlighted by CMU

In a recent article, Carnegie Mellon University highlighted our project with the Remaking Cities Institute.

Highlights from the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute Launch Event

On March 1st and 2nd, we celebrated the launch of the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute! We are starting a new phase in our mission to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas through Research, Development, and Deployment of smart cities technologies.

CMU and Allegheny County Airport Authority Sign MOU

Carnegie Mellon University and the Allegheny County Airport Authority announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Launch of the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute Podcast

In our inaugural episode, Director Karen Lightman sits down with Prof. Kleiman to discuss his new book, A New City O/S: The Power of Open, Collaborative, and Distributed Governance.

City and Carnegie Mellon Highlight Fire Prediction Analytics Work

Mayor William Peduto joined officials from the Departments of Public Safety and Innovation & Performance and from Carnegie Mellon University to detail collaborative efforts to use data sharing to provide Pittsburgh residents with better city services.

Videos from the Metro21 Institute Launch

Videos from the Metro21 Institute Launch event are now available.

Launching the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute

Carnegie Mellon University hosted a one-day conference on March 2 to formally launch the Metro21: Smart Cities Institute, a university-wide effort for research, development and deployment of solutions to improve the quality of life in communities.

PIPLA Breakfast Meeting

Karen Lightman spoke at Pennsylvania Intellectual Property Law Association (PIPLA) Breakfast Meeting on Innovation and Performance Initiatives in Pittsburgh

Metro21 Panel Discussion with Neil Kleiman and Local Government Officials

New York University professor Neil Kleiman shares the latest from his book co-authored with former mayor and Harvard professor Stephen Goldsmith, A New City O/S: The Power of Open, Collaborative, and Distributed Governance.

CMU Highlighted in CityLab Interview with Mayor Peduto

In an interview from CityLab, Richard Florida points to the historic Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Pittsburgh and CMU as a driver of innovation in the city.

Fire Risk Project Named MetroLab's Innovation of the Month

Our Fire Risk Analysis Project - in partnership with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire - has been chosen as MetroLab's Innovation of the Month for January.

Blog: Stone Soup and Smart Cities

Creating a viable smart city is a lot like the old folk tale of stone soup. Everyone needs to bring something to the community pot in order for everyone to benefit.

A New City O/S with Neil Kleiman

Presented in partnership with Metro21: Smart Cities Initiative, Heinz College is pleased to present New York University professor Neil Kleiman who will share the latest from his book "A New City O/S: The Power of Open, Collaborative, and Distributed Governance."

Karen Lightman Featured in EE Times' Women in Tech Series

Karen Lightman, executive director of Metro21, speaks mentors and motherhood in Electronic Engineering Times' Women in Tech series.

Carter Receives 2017 American Institute of Architects PA Medal of Distinction

Don Carter, a Metro21 faculty person and David Lewis director of Urban Design and Regional Engagement of CMU's Remaking Cities Institute, received the 2017 American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania Medal of Distinction for his contributions to architecture.

Helping Stop Crime Before It Occurs

CMU Metro21-funded researchers develop predictive policing model as a new tool for community policing and reducing crime.

Metro21 Technologies Win Le Monde Smart Cities Competition

Surtrac, an innovative, real-time traffic signal control technology from Carnegie Mellon University's Metro21: Smart Cities Initiative, has won the Le Monde Smart Cities Global Innovation Award in the mobility category.

LED Street Light Research Project Part II

Steve Quick, Don Carter, Kayvon Fatahalian, Cynthia Limauro at The Remaking Cities Institute (RCI) at CMU partnered with the City of Pittsburgh and C&C Lighting to test the effects of installing LED streetlights throughout Pittsburgh. Is there more than meets the eye?

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