Unlocking the Future: How Smart Raleigh and the Connected Triangle+ are Planning for the Future
Raleigh is widely regarded as a hub for innovation, and the City’s smart city initiative (Smart Raleigh) is setting the standard for how urban areas can harness technology to improve the lives of residents. The Smart Raleigh program, launched in 2018 by the City’s Office of Strategy and Innovation is designed to enhance urban efficiency and the overall quality of life by integrating advanced technologies into the fabric of city operations. But what truly sets this initiative apart is its connection to a broader regional effort known as the Connected Triangle+, which expands the benefits of smart city development across the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Metro Area, a region collectively known as the Triangle.
The Connected Triangle+ initiative is a fledgling example of regional collaboration at its best. By engaging public and private leaders from around the region this initiative seeks to address shared challenges and capitalize on opportunities that benefit the entire region. The Triangle is consistently rated among the best regions to live in the United States, and this initiative aims to maintain that status by fostering the development of innovative technological solutions that can be scaled across the region. Whether it’s improving public transportation, enhancing public safety, or ensuring equitable access to digital services, Connected Triangle+ is focused on creating a more connected, efficient, and inclusive region.
What makes the Smart Raleigh and Connected Triangle+ collaboration so impactful is its community-centered approach. Both actively engage with residents, businesses, and local governments to ensure that the technologies being implemented are truly meeting the needs of the community. This collaborative process not only helps to refine and improve the services offered but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents. As a result, the community is not just a passive recipient of new technologies but an active participant in shaping the future of the region.
The benefits of the Connected Triangle+ initiative are in the opportunities of leveraging shared resources and expertise. Together, the communities across the Triangle are able to implement solutions that might have been out of reach for any one community alone. We are exploring opportunities to expand technology and data sharing to improve local flood early warning systems, address climate change, improve air quality, the develop electrical vehicle charging across the region, and more. As Raleigh and the Triangle region continue to develop, Smart Raleigh and Connected Triangle+ initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring that this change is sustainable, inclusive, and supported by innovation and technology. By focusing on the needs of the community and fostering collaboration across municipal boundaries, these initiatives are not just shaping the future of Raleigh but are setting a model for smart city development that can be replicated across the country.
Regional Smart City Movement: Connected Triangle+ | Raleighnc.gov
The Featured Blog Posts series highlights posts from partners and members of the All Things Open community leading up to ATO 2024.