If you want to study effective policymaking ideas and processes, then you should turn your attention away from Washington’s gridlock and towards the local governments that are America’s new source of policy innovation. Cities create policies that get things done, with less room for political discourse and greater agility for productive results. Our citizens expect us to deliver, and to be responsive and transparent to their concerns in the process. On issues ranging from transportation, to criminal justice reform, to workplace policies, cities and states manage to tackle today’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
As Mayor of Kansas City, part of my agenda focuses on making Kansas City as efficient as possible. Efficiency is about saving money and adding value to government services, creating public-private partnerships to best utilize resources, and engaging citizens through open data and performance management, ensuring that we can compete with other cities in the 21st century.
We are continuing to improve ways in which City Hall can have an open dialogue between our residents and our government. And when it comes to innovation in government, that’s what it’s all about. How can local government communicate effectively, how can we operate efficiently, and how can we better our community together?
Cities are taking advantage of technology innovation and Kansas City is at the forefront of those efforts. For example, we are currently putting infrastructure in place to become the only “Smart City” in North America. Smart + Connected Communities is the Cisco smart city solution or intelligent networking that provides real-time information and services for city leaders to create more livable cities. The proposed smart city platform will be organized around the 2.2 mile streetcar starter line and the adjacent districts of the River Market, Power & Light and Crossroads, taking advantage of the construction already underway. The proposal ensures integration with existing KCMO systems to leverage prior technology investments. We can use this valuable data to make smarter and more efficient policies. For example, by using new LED lighting, we can dim streetlights when appropriate, saving millions of tax dollars, and with greater accuracy. Police departments can use information on pedestrian density and weather conditions to improve safety. Transportation and parking have potential for considerable improvements studying traffic patterns and trends.
Technology isn’t the only way, however, that cities may innovate. We can look to our own processes within City Hall and challenge the status quo. Are permitting processes overly complicated? What red tape is discouraging development in blighted neighborhoods? How can the government be a partner for progress, rather than an inhibitor with cumbersome requirements? State and local governments must continually challenge itself to be as innovative as possible to be efficient, create forward thinking policies, and better the citizen user experience.
Cities across the country are embracing the importance of innovation and efficiency. Mayors and other local policymakers are naturally inclined towards collaboration, interdependence, and maximizing limited resources. There is much to learn from this pragmatic viewpoint in contrast to the ideological and partisan focus that often pervades national dialogue on important issues. The Georgetown Public Policy Review has a spectacular lineup of writers and local and state leaders ready to share their insight with you and inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to the uses and abilities of government.
Mayor Sylvester "Sly" James, Jr. was born and raised in Kansas City and learned valuable lessons about resiliency and dedication watching his parents work hard to take care of their family. Despite the challenges they faced, Sly’s father, a chef, janitor, and small business owner; and his stepmother, who helped manage their business, still made sure that Sly and his brothers had the opportunity to go to a good school and follow their dreams. Mayor James has worked to raise Kansas City’s statewide and national profile by highlighting the myriad cultural and human capital resources in his great city. At the state level, he has been a voice for commonsense gun control laws, economic development tools, and education reform. Nationally, he is a member of Black Mayors for Education Reform, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and was elected in June 2013 to the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Mayors. Mayor James also led the city’s efforts to host Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in the summer of 2012.
Oh, how I wish I was one of your constituents, Mr. Mayor! Where I live in Texas, government claims it is ‘open for business’, but certainly could use your innovative and progressive ideas to benefit residents. You are an inspiration to other
cities and states. Thank you!!