AshCast
Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
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AshCast brings you the latest discussions on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy from the halls of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School
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Mar 6, 2023
A Hacker’s Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend them Back
In his newest book “A Hacker's Mind: How the Rich and Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend Them Back,” cybersecurity expert and HKS faculty affiliate Bruce Schneier asks readers to expand their simple definition of hacking beyond just computer and IT systems but to consider how nearly everything around us can be hacked — for better or worse. With chapters covering everything from airline frequent flier miles to elections and redistricting, Schneier pushes us to examine how people use and abuse system vulnerabilities to get ahead — and how by adopting a hacking mindset, we can find and fix these weaknesses.
On March 6, 2023, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation hosted a book talk with Schneier. Ash Center Director Archon Fung moderated. About the Ash Center
The Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence and innovation in governance and public policy through research, education, and public discussion. By training the very best leaders, developing powerful new ideas, and disseminating innovative solutions and institutional reforms, the Center’s goal is to meet the profound challenges facing the world’s citizens.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
_Music is Wholesome by Kevin McLeod. _
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Mar 2, 2023
Reducing Racial Inequality in Crime and Justice
The United States continues to grapple with creating an accurate, national picture of racial inequality in crime and justice. Criminal justice reform requires policies that interrogate and solve for the historical legacy of racial exclusion and structural inequalities.
On Tuesday, February 28, the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project (IARA) at the Ash Center hosted a discussion with Bruce Western, Bryce Professor of Sociology and Social Justice and Director of the Justice Lab at Columbia University; and Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project; co-chairs of the recent National Academies of Science publication on “Reducing Racial Inequity in Crime and Justice: Science, Practice, and Policy.” Sandra Susan Smith, Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Professor of Criminal Justice and Faculty Director of the Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, provided an introduction.
Read the report: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26705/reducing-racial-inequality-in-crime-and-justice-science-practice-and About the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project
IARA’s research portfolio focuses on sector-specific interests and critical evaluation of antiracist structures and policies within private, nonprofit, public/government, and academic institutions. By documenting and understanding the field of “diversity” and antiracist training groups, as well as organizations that have sought to engage in antiracist change and the standards by which they have been held accountable, IARA seeks to develop critical measures for establishing antiracist institutional accountability.
To learn more about the IARA Project, visit IARA.hks.harvard.edu.
Curious how people and organizations are untying knots of systemic oppression and working towards a more equitable future? Tune into the IARA podcast, Untying Knots hosted by Erica Licht and Nikhil Raghuveera: https://iara.hks.harvard.edu/work/untying-knots/ About the Ash Center
The Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence and innovation in governance and public policy through research, education, and public discussion. By training the very best leaders, developing powerful new ideas, and disseminating innovative solutions and institutional reforms, the Center’s goal is to meet the profound challenges facing the world’s citizens.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
_Music is Wholesome by Kevin McLeod. _
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Jan 5, 2022
Data-Smart City Pod: The Highway of the Future is in Georgia
Subscribe to the new Data-Smart City Pod channel to listen to future episodes!
In this episode Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Allie Kelly, the Executive Director of transportation and sustainability nonprofit The Ray and Andrew Heath, Deputy Chief Engineer of Georgia's Department of Transportation about their work incorporating emerging technologies along I-85. The highway of the future will be connected and data-rich, and thanks to this partnership the state can employ important environmental and safety improvements that have been conceptualized, researched, and tested by The Ray.
Tune in to hear how this partnership highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration, data-informed transportation decisions, and innovative infrastructure.
About Data-Smart City Pod
Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Dec 8, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Trains and the Future of Transit
Subscribe to the new Data-Smart City Pod channel to listen to future episodes!
In this episode Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews William J. Flynn, the CEO of Amtrak, about navigating COVID-19, the intersection of trains and climate change, and the future of rail travel. As the CEO of a government-owned corporation and a major infrastructure system, Flynn discusses how Amtrak plans to build back better by engaging a new workforce, increasing digital infrastructure, and improving on "green" travel.
Tune in to learn about the future of train transit in America, and what cities Flynn wants to connect next.
About Data-Smart City Pod
Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Nov 30, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: How Baton Rouge Manages Resiliency Through Data with Mayor Sharon Weston Broome
In this episode Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Sharon Weston Broome, the mayor of Baton Rouge. Mayor Broome talks about leading a data-driven city, prioritizing resident engagement, and how the city relies on GIS data to manage climate resiliency.
Tune in to learn about data-driven flood mitigation, What Works Cities certification, and how to build a resilient city.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Nov 17, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Economic Growth through the Adjacent Possible
This episode is a conversation between Professor Steve Goldsmith and Ricardo Hausmann, the Rafik Hariri Professor of the Practice of International Political Economy and director of the Growth Lab, one of the most well-regarded and influential hubs for research on international development. Professor Hausmann discusses the Lab's new Metroverse tool, a powerful yet easy-to-use data visualization of urban economies across the globe. Built for policy makers, economist, communities, and businesses, the Metroverse places a city’s current technological and economic capabilities in context, showing how and where any specific urban economy can move into it's "adjacent possible" growth areas. Metroverse maps and visualizes "what a city is good at today to help understand what it can become tomorrow."
Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts, to hear Professors Goldsmith and Hausman discuss data-driven policy making, diversification in metropolitan areas, and how mayors can leave their city better than they inherited it.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Oct 27, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Open Mobility as a Service
This episode a conversation between Professor Steve Goldsmith and transit expert Andrew Salzberg. Previously the director of transportation policy at Uber and a fellow at Graduate School of Design at Harvard Kennedy School, Salzberg currently advocates for open mobility as a service in Montreal, Canada at Transit. A twist on the "mobility as a service" idea, Salzberg argues that transportation technology must be interoperable in order for the public to gain the greatest benefits.
Tune in to hear Professor Goldsmith and Salzberg discuss open data, the Guide to Open Mobility-as-a-Service, and why new transit apps are like Facebook Messenger.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Oct 6, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Building Back Better with Intelligent Infrastructure
This episode is a lightly edited version of a recent panel discussion about our newest paper, “Toward a Smarter Future: Building Back Better with Intelligent Civil Infrastructure -- Smart Sensors and Self-Monitoring Civil Works." Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews co-authors Betsy Gardner and Jill Jamieson, and subject matter expert Professor Luna Lu, about why developing intelligent infrastructure is crucial for helping the United States tackle the challenge of inequitable, inaccessible, and inadequate roads, bridges, dams, sidewalks, and water systems throughout the country.
Tune in to hear Professor Goldsmith, Jamieson, Gardner, and Professor Lu make the argument for a strategic, smart infrastructure plan that integrates digital technology, sensors, and data to not only address existing issues but to mitigate risks and improve the conditions and structures that shape our daily lives.
Referenced articles and paper:
Toward a Smarter Future: Building Back Better with Intelligent Civil Infrastructure -- Smart Sensors and Self-Monitoring Civil Works
As the Chorus of Dumb City Advocates Increases, How Do We Define the Truly Smart City?
Sensors Tell Construction Crews Exactly How Long to Let Concrete Cure
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Sep 15, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Public Safety and Policing in Dallas, TX featuring Mayor Eric Johnson
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. They discuss the role of the mayor in maintaining public safety, balancing community values, and prioritizing research-based ideas over reactionary polarization.
Tune in to hear Professor Goldsmith and Mayor Johnson talk about the positive strides Dallas has made against violent crime, how mayors can implement non-law enforcement safety strategies, and how to implement this type of work in other cities.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Aug 11, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Leveraging Data and GIS to Correct for Historical, Systemic Racism
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Christen Watts, GIS Manager at the city of Asheville, and Scott Barnwell, the city's Business and Public Technology Manager. They discuss how Asheville is using data and GIS to further racial equity in the city and correct for historical, systemic racism. They also talk about equitable asset management, how equity is everyone's responsibility, and the importance of history in story mapping. Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts, to hear Professor Goldsmith, Christen Watts, and Scott Barnwell discuss these topics and learn how to implement similar equity, community, and allyship work in your own city.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For updates on the latest research, events, and activities, please signup for our newsletter.
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Jul 21, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Jack Dangermond on Multi-Dimension GIS and Equity
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Jack Dangermond, the founder and president of Esri. They talk about the way cities can utilize multi-dimension GIS, how important mapping is for equity-focused organizations and the interrelatedness of systems and policies.
Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts, to hear Professor Goldsmith and Jack Dangermond discuss the invention of computer map-making, how the pandemic is shaping innovation, and the new geospatial infrastructure.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, for…
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Jun 29, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Richard Florida on Data, Cities, and Structure
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews the renowned professor, author, and urbanist Richard Florida. They talk about the interconnectedness of shared labor markets, how to address racially concentrated disadvantage, and the importance of a living wage. Tune in to hear Professors Goldsmith and Florida discuss concentrated advantage and disadvantage, and how cities can use data in a meaningful way to improve the lives of all residents.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapo…
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Jun 9, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Equity Connected - How San Jose is Expanding Broadband Access
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Kip Harkness, the deputy city manager for San Jose, California. Harkness is in charge of the city’s IT and innovation portfolios; despite being in the middle of Silicon Valley, many low-income residents don’t have access to broadband internet. Thanks to efficient digital permits, a partnership with national telecommunications providers, and a dedicated Digital Inclusion Fund, San Jose is connecting residents across the city and providing online access across households.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart.…
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May 27, 2021
Power and Organizing in Twenty-First Century America
On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, the Ash Center hosted a book talk of _Prisms of the People: Power & Organizing in Twenty-First-Century America_ with co-authors Elizabeth McKenna and Michelle Oyakawa. Joined by Alejandra Gomez and Tomás Robles of Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), the panel draws upon their collective research and experience to discuss the characteristics of winning and losing campaigns, sharing how movements build power for change as well as where they often go wrong. Tova Wang, Democracy Fellow at the Ash Center, moderates the discussion.
About the Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.…
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May 25, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Mayors Address Vaccine Hesitancy
In this special episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Mayor Ras Baraka as part of an event on addressing vaccine hesitancy. Based in a recent research project of 18 American cities using sentiment mining, Professor Goldsmith interviews the Mayors to understand how they’re using data, policy, and influence to understand the concerns of their residents and ensure the public health and safety of their cities.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, an…
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May 19, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: The State of Digital Government
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews David Eaves, author and lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. Eaves recently co-authored the 2020 State of Digital Transformation report, and the two discuss the publication, trends in digital governance, cross-sector collaboration, and the importance of government transparency.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get…
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Apr 28, 2021
China Inside Out
On Monday, April 26th, the Ash Center hosted the annual S.T. Lee Lecture on Military History, Strategy, and Policymaking titled “_China Inside Out: A Conversation with Professor Susan Shirk_.” Professor Shirk, who serves as Chair of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California San Diego argued that it is not possible to assess the external dynamics of contemporary China unless one fully understands the internal situation of the country. Tony Saich, Daewoo Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, moderated the conversation.
About the Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center onli…
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Apr 28, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: YMCA and Mission-Driven Data
In this episode, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Maria-Alicia Serrano, Senior Director of Research, Analytics, and Insights at the YMCA of the USA. As an organization operating in over 10,000 neighborhoods across the country, the YMCA relies on geospatial data tools to understand each local community and work with individual Ys to address pressing issues of equity, public health, and mental wellbeing. The Community Insights data tool empowers local Ys with the information they need to provide optimum services for local youth and families, while efficiently allocating budgeting and personnel.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data…
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Apr 22, 2021
Estonia's Digital Transformation and Development of X-Road
Estonia's spectacular journey of digital transformation and the development of X-Road by the Nordic Institute of Interoperable Solutions has been a game-changer in the way digital public goods are created and shared. Tune in to hear Ville Sirviö, CEO of the Nordic Institute of Interoperable Solutions (NIIS), and Siim Sikkut, CIO for the Republic of Estonia, join David Eaves, Lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School in discussion for his Friday reflection series. In this conversation, recorded on February 2, 2021, they reflect on the building and scaling of the X-Road in Estonia and Beyond.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the Center on pressing issues, forward-looking solutions, and more.
Visit the Ash Center online, follow us on Twit…
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Apr 21, 2021
Voting Rights and Democracy Reform in the States and on the Hill
With Georgia passing legislation to dramatically restrict voting access, and with similar legislation pending in other states, fundamental issues of voting and democracy are now front and center in Congress. A sweeping set of election reforms recently passed the House as H.R. 1 and are now before the Senate. The fate of these efforts, and the future of fundamental Senate procedures such as the legislative filibuster, could be decided in the weeks ahead. On Monday, April 19th, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation convened advocates from the states and Capitol Hill to discuss what is at stake and the strategies being used in the fight for voting rights and democracy reform.
Speakers include:
Lisa Gilbert, Public Citizen
Wade Henderson, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Representative John Sarbanes, Maryland's 3rd Congressional District
Tova Wang (Moderator), Harvard Kennedy School
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think…
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Apr 7, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Making Dynamic Data Accessible - GIS in Maryland
In the third episode of Data-Smart City Pod, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Maryland’s Geographic Information Officer Julia Fischer, and Maureen Regan, a deputy director at Maryland's Department of Health. In this podcast, they discuss how a centralized GIS system prepared the state to handle the dynamic and rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic in order to best protect Marylanders, and how important it is to have a reliable and authoritative source to combat virus misinformation.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Dep…
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Mar 29, 2021
Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century
On Wednesday, March 24th, the Ash Center and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) hosted a discussion of Our Common Purpose, a report issued by the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship. The Commission, which was launched by AAAS, spent two years engaging with communities all over the U.S. to explore how best to respond to the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in our political and civic life.
Speakers included:
* Danielle Allen, Director of the Safra Center on Ethics, Harvard University
* Stephen Heintz, President, Rockefeller Brothers Fund
* Archon Fung (_Moderator_), Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government, Harvard Kennedy School
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and Q&As with experts, from around the…
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Mar 18, 2021
Jack Ma and the Collapse of the World’s Largest IPO
Jack Ma has become the global face of Chinese entrepreneurship and represents the growing influence of private business and capital in China. Yet the decision by Chinese regulators to halt the IPO of his latest venture, the Ant Group, as well as subsequent investigations into the company has raised questions about why Beijing seems to have suddenly tried to exert greater control over the fintech giant.
On Thursday, March 18th, the Ash Center hosted a discussion with Wall Street Journal reporter Lingling Wei for a discussion about what the future holds for Jack Ma and the Ant Group. Wei provides a deep dive into the events surrounding the Ant Group’s IPO and explores whether this latest action signals a fundamental shift in the relationship between China’s high-profile entrepreneurs and the state. Tony Saich, Ash Center Director and Daweoo Professor of International Affairs, moderates.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy Scho…
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Mar 17, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Driving Racial Equity through Data and Mapping
In the second episode of Data-Smart City Pod, Professor Steve Goldsmith interviews Elana Needle, the director of the Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative at the Latino civil rights organization UnidosUS. The Anchor Collaborative is a collection of national, multi-racial organizations that advances equity by visualizing, tracking, and sharing data on issues like census responses, voter suppression, and police accountability. The Collaborative is intent on identifying and repairing the racist power structures that have disenfranchised millions of Americans of color, while best directing their funding in a data-driven way.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations…
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Mar 8, 2021
Citizen Ballot Initiatives: A New Tool for Election Reform
The last several years have seen the growing and successful use of citizen-initiated ballot initiatives to win major election reforms. Some of the most successful, well-funded, and engaging campaigns have had unlikely initiators: small groups of everyday Americans fed up with waiting for someone else to take on an issue and deciding to do it themselves.
On Thursday, March 4th, the Ash Center hosted a discussion titled, "Citizen Ballot Initiatives: A New Tool for Election Reform" featuring organizers of successful citizen-driven campaigns from different parts of the country:
* Chris Melody Fields-Figueredo, Executive Director, Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
* Katie Fahey, Executive Director, The People, Michigan
* Desmond Meade, Executive Director, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
* Cara McCormick, Co-Founder, Committee for Ranked Choice Voting in Maine
* Dina Butcher, Co-Founder, Badass Grandmas of North Dakota
* Carolyn Lukensmeyer (Moderator), Board Member, Natio…
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Mar 1, 2021
Political Geographies of the Populist Right
Support for populist right-wing parties and candidates has increased considerably across the globe in recent years. In addition to this overall rise in support, receptiveness towards the exclusionary, reactionary rhetoric and policies of Bolsonaro, Trump, Modi or their European counterparts all have their own distinct electoral geographies.
On Tuesday, February 23rd, Ash Center Democracy Postdoctoral Fellow Pauliina Patana and a global panel of experts discussed how to make sense of these deep geographic divides, similarities, and differences in spatial patterns across countries, strategies parties are using to mobilize voters across space and place, and other pertinent questions.
Panelists included:
* Dr. Terri Givens, Founder and CEO, The Center for Higher Education Leadership
* Prof. Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser, School of Political Science, Diego Portales University
* Prof. Tariq Thachil, Associate Professor and Director of Center for Advanced Study of India and Madan Lal…
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Feb 24, 2021
Myanmar After the Coup
The February 1st coup launched by Myanmar's military effectively put an end to the country's tentative transition to democracy as civilian political leaders were imprisoned and the results of the 2020 elections annulled. On Friday, February 19th, the Ash Center hosted a discussion titled _Myanmar After the Coup_. Joining the Center to discuss these recent events in Myanmar and what they portend for the country's future were Pwint Htun, Non-Residential Myanmar Program Fellow at the Ash Center and Derek Mitchell, president of the National Democratic Institute and former U.S. ambassador to Myanmar. The conversation was moderated by Tarek Masoud, Professor of Public Policy and Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman Professor of International Relations at HKS.
The transcript for this episode is online here.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's po…
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Feb 24, 2021
Data-Smart City Pod: Improving Life in Southern California with GIS and Data
In the first episode of Data-Smart City Pod, Professor Steve Goldsmith talks with Rex Richardson and Darin Chidsey, respectively the president and chief operating officer of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). They discuss SCAG’s regional data platform, one of the most interesting models in the country of using multi-jurisdictional GIS and data to improve quality of life for Southern Californians.
About Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor…
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Feb 22, 2021
Election Legislation in the States: Moving Forward or Backward?
The 2020 elections hinged, in dramatic ways, on widely varying state laws and state election procedures. Major changes were made in light of the pandemic, to expand options for mail-in and early voting and to Election Day itself. These changes engendered strong support and strong opposition, and were one reason for the record turnout of 160 million voters. Now, state legislatures are in session all around the country. Will the changes adopted in 2020 be made permanent? Will voting options be expanded further? Or will states seek to roll back voting opportunities as a result?
On Thursday, February 18th, the Ash Center hosted a discussion titled _Moving Forward or Moving Backward: Election Legislation in the States _with leading state election experts and state legislators to see where things stand, and where they might go. Tune into the discussion featuring:
* Dale Ho, Director of the Voting Rights Project, ACLU
* Nan Grogan Orrock, State Senator, Georgia
* Wendy Underhill, Dire…
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Feb 18, 2021
Can We Break Out of the Two-Party Doom Loop?
The January 6 Capitol insurrection shows that the United States is facing exceptional challenges to our democracy. Lee Drutman, Senior Fellow in the Political Reform Program at the New America Foundation, thinks that our two-party system is a root cause of that dysfunction. Although we have had a two-party system in name for many decades, there were divisions and overlaps between parties that created room for bargaining, compromise, crossing over, and even unity. In our current state of hyper-polarization, however, the two parties are fully sorted, and this give-and-take has eroded into a death-match. According to Drutman, our democracy will not succeed unless we can escape this two-party doom loop.
On Wednesday, February 10th, during an Ash Center event titled _Can We Break Out of the Two-Party Doom Loop?_, Drutman and Archon Fung, Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government, will discussed our two-party system and potential strategies for a critical, non-i…
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Feb 17, 2021
Coming Soon - The Data-Smart City Pod
New from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Data-Smart City Pod brings on top innovators and leading industry, academic, and government officials to discuss data, innovation, and government. This podcast serves as a central resource for cities and individuals interested in the intersection of government and innovations, the adoption of data projects on the local government level, and how to become data smart. Hosted by Stephen Goldsmith, former Deputy Mayor of New York, Mayor of Indianapolis, and current Professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Subscribe to the Ash Center wherever you get your podcasts for future Data-Smart City Pod episodes.
Music credit: Summer-Man by Ketsa
About Data-Smart City Solutions
Data-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School, is working to catalyze adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best pr…
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Feb 29, 2020
State Capture
Most Americans pay little attention to the massive number of elections that occur at the state level every year. Yet cumulatively, a party's success in state-level races across the country can produce major shifts in policymaking and governance. That is precisely what has happened in the US since 2010. In a wave election that year, the Republican Party began their ascendancy in state-level elections, and by 2016 had solidified their dominance. The party now fully controls 25 state legislatures and governorships-one of the largest advantages either party has had since the New Deal.
On November 18, 2019, the Ash Center hosted a discussion with discussion with Alex Hertel-Fernandez, author of _State Capture: How Conservative Activists, Big Businesses, and Wealthy Donors Reshaped the American States -- and the Nation _and Assistant Professor in Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. Theda Skocpol, Victor S. Thomas Professor of Government and Sociology, Harvard U…
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Feb 28, 2020
Deliberative Democracy and Urban Policy Design in Buenos Aires
In recent years, Buenos Aires City Government has set out to become a more inclusive and sustainable city, with a priority of serving the city's most vulnerable populations. The Housing Authority of the City of Buenos Aires has designed an innovative Socio-Urban Integration Plan which makes focus in the process by seeking to involve the relevant actors in the decision making of the slum upgrading intervention.
There are many examples in the global experience in slum upgrading. Unlike these experiences, the particularity of the Buenos Aires City program is that it starts from the premise that the community will design and implement the plan. In practical terms, this means that instead of a top-down approach to design and implementation of the public policy, the government's action concentrates on building local capacity so that neighbors are able to engage actively in a dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to further common goals, and ultimately, have the opportunity to…
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Feb 26, 2020
Getting Out the Intersectional Vote: What Do Black Women Voters Want?
On Thursday, November 21st, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, and the Harvard Kennedy School Black Student Union hosted a discussion about the results from the 6th annual "Power of the Sister Vote” survey and how the priorities of Black women voters may shape key dimensions of the 2020 presidential race. Panelists included:
* Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable
* DeJuana Thompson, Creator of “Woke Vote” and Partner, Think Rubix
* Kirsten West Savali, Senior Editor News & Politics at Essence
* Kimberlyn Leary, Moderator, Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management & Enabling Change Program Director, DrPH Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School | Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Women’s Mental Health, McLean Hospital
A transcripti…
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Feb 26, 2020
Political Brands
From 'I Like Ike' to MAGA hats, branding and politics have gone hand in hand, selling ideas, ideals and candidates. Political Brands, the new book from Ciara (Chara) Torres-Spelliscy, is a unique exploration of the legal framework for the use of commercial branding and advertising techniques in presidential political campaigns, as well as the impact of politics on commercial brands.
On October 30, the Ash Center hosted Spelliscy, a Professor of Law at Stetson University, for a discussion of her latest book. The talk was moderated by Miles Rapoport, Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy at the Ash Center.
A transcription of this podcast can be found online here.
About the Ash Center
The Ash Center is a research center and think tank at Harvard Kennedy School focused on democracy, government innovation, and Asia public policy. AshCast, the Center's podcast series, is a collection of conversations, including events and experts Q&As, from around the Center on pressing issues, fo…
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Oct 21, 2019
From the Archives: Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project's Truth and Transformation Conference 2019
Institutional Anti-racism and Accountability (IARA) Project's Erica Licht, HKS MPA Candidate, sat down with Justin Freitas and Addys Castillo from People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB) after the 2019 Truth and Transformation conference to talk about PISAB’s innovative approach to structural inequality and anti-racism training.
About IARA
The Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project, housed at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School, was formed in 2018 with the goal to use research and policy to promote antiracism as a core value and institutional norm.
While diversity and inclusion work is an important step in this process, antiracism work encompasses demographic change at every level of the institution in conjunction with the adoption of antiracist institutional norms, values, and practices. For profound transformation of institutions, diversity and inclusion work is not sufficient when addressing structural proc…
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