The way we move people and goods is changing - whether on foot, wheels, rails or in the air. How do we provide access to mobility in ways that are efficient, equitable, sustainable and affordable? With some of the highest capital needs of service areas, how can cities, counties, agencies and regions ensure decisions are made strategically, effectively and collaboratively? Here are some of the solutions and momentum underway throughout North Texas.
Built Environment
Whether pavement, pipes, placemaking or streetlights, the built environment impacts every day of our lives. Cities are taking a fresh look at how to design, permit, maintain and build new and existing infrastructure using new materials and tools. In this - greater process, time and financial efficiencies can be gained to put resources into additional services.
Dallas - Integrated Fiber and Wastewater Infrastructure: The City of Dallas worked with CableRunner USA, LLC (CableRunner) on a fiber optic pilot program to utilize sections of the City’s storm sewers to connect fiber optic cable from City Hall to the Canton St. Service Center. As part of the pilot program, City staff coordinated with CableRunner to connect fiber optic cable to five traffic signals along the fiber route. This pilot program is moving forward as part of the City’s plan to build a fiber network across all parts of the City to support smart city initiatives, with an ultimate goal of connecting high-speed fiber across all City facilities and smart infrastructure.
Irving - Artificial Intelligence for Wastewater Infrastructure: Uses artificial intelligence to assess sewer pipe conditions which helps to prioritize maintenance through predictive assessment, save staff time, resources and necessary street cuts.
Dallas - Project Safe Neighborhoods Placemaking: The Park at Forest-Audelia is a colorful and vibrant demonstration park located in North Dallas on a newly purchased piece of Dallas Parks property - currently a parking lot. Redesigned by the Better Block to improve safety and function, the pop-up park features sport courts, flex lawn space, shade, seating, a community garden, a play area for kids, and daily activities ranging from after-school programming to a weekend market featuring global cuisine and music. Pedestrian crosswalks stretch across the streets while planters and landscaping frame the space, making the plaza easily accessible and well-defined.
Irving - AMI Network: Implemented Advanced Metering Infrastructure to automate meter reading for staff efficiencies, enhanced accuracy and customer transparency.
DFW Airport - Apron Lighting: Apron lighting upgraded with wireless control solution has been deployed for energy savings and more efficient lighting for the safe of ground crews and pilots.
McKinney - "Where Can I Build That?": The code & zoning department built a digital interactive mapping platform accessible via mobile or desktop to help commercial developers hone in on certain land use categories prior to engaging staff.
Irving - Rapid Property Assessment App: Assists code compliance in identifying low performing districts much faster using a mobile app.
Irving - My Government Online: Enhance online permitting process to streamline customer experience and staff approval process.