The City of Raleigh is stepping up its tech game and PBS’s ncImpact program is taking notice. Airing their latest episode, the series cast a spotlight on Raleigh’s use of AI-powered traffic cameras, an initiative aimed at enhancing traffic flow and stormwater safety. But Raleigh isn’t alone; across North Carolina, municipalities are swiftly adopting technologies as a means to confront the dual challenges of aging infrastructure and deepening social inequalities. It’s not just traffic improvements on the table—cities are discussing transformations in urban life through a spectrum of initiatives, as revealed by the recent ncImpact broadcast.
There is something to be said about the way technology has begun to not just slowly seep, but rather assertively flood into the domain of urban management—whether it’s on-demand public transportation systems like those rolling out in Wilson, or efforts to bridge the digital divide as seen in Forsyth County. Part of the conversation in the “#ncIMPACT” episode also encompassed how these initiatives are crucial in architecting cities that are more connected, efficient, and inclusive for all residents, as per the City of Raleigh website. It’s a digital march to future urban landscapes, and North Carolina cities appear eager to to decisively lead the charge.
Highlighted in the episode were several key City of Raleigh employees, including CIO Mark Wittenberg, City Transportation Manager Jed Niffenegger, and Flood Early Warning System Manager Kelly Daniel. These individuals represent just a few of the minds behind Raleigh’s push to integrate advanced AI solutions in municipal management—a push that could very well serve as a blueprint for other cities grappling with similar growth and equity issues…