Title
Request to Pay Annual Membership Fee for The Connective, a Smart Cities Initiative of the Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI)
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee information on recent successes from the City's participation in The Connective, a Smart Cities initiative of the Partnership for Economic Innovation, and requests approval to pay an annual membership fee.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix is a lead participant in The Connective, a Smart Cities initiative of the Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI), with a mission to transform Arizona into a top global market for innovation and establish the first Smart Region. Phoenix has had many recent successes in working with The Connective. The Office of Innovation and Public Works Department are partnering with The Connective on a pilot project to evaluate and test an after-market device that connects to a vehicle's fuel system that could save on fuel and maintenance costs as well as reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 percent, to support the City's Climate Action Plan goals during the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The Connective will also support the City in scientific evaluations of initiatives, pilot projects and existing processes, designed to reduce costs, improve performance, and advance innovation across City departments.
Phoenix is part of the leadership council for The Connective and, as the only identified "large city" in the Valley, will have the opportunity to direct its focus toward shared goals and objectives for the City and region. The Connective identifies and evaluates Smart Cities opportunities for cities and the region; leads education and certificate opportunities; tests and implements pilot projects and brings them to scale; fosters data-sharing agreements; and grows innovation hubs and districts in the region. Five overarching impact areas include: Circular Economy; Digital Equity; Public Safety; Transportation and Mobility; and Innovation in Government.
PEI was co-founded in 2016 by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), Arizona Public Service, Sunbelt Holdings, Arizona State University's Center for Smart Cities and Regions, and Salt River Project. PEI launched The Connective in 2019, in collaboration with GPEC, ASU, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Institute for Digital Progress, Arizona Commerce Authority and Maricopa Community College District. More than 25 cities and towns now participate in The Connective, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and Glendale.
Financial Impact
The annual cost for the City of Phoenix to participate in The Connective is $50,000.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Managers Karen Peters and Inger Erickson and the Office of Innovation and Information Technology Services.