Infrastructure law’s digital equity goals are key to smart cities that work for everyone

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act comes at a time when smart-city initiatives, which aim to use technology to make cities more responsive to their residents’ needs, are growing more common around the world. As a researcher who studies public-sector technology and policy, I believe expanding broadband access in underserved communities is a critical piece of the new infrastructure act and an important step toward realizing President Biden’s goal of using this infrastructure legislation to advance social equity. There are two reasons for this. The first is that the digital infrastructure that makes widespread data collection and analysis possible, such as broadband internet, tends to underperform in less affluent communities. The second reason expanding access to high-speed internet will promote equity in smart cities relates to the fact that smart cities rely on systems of interrelated services that run simultaneously. That said, broadband on its own won’t be enough. Truly addressing systemic inequity will require governments to create meaningful opportunities for the diverse communities they serve to participate in the process.

[Gregory Porumbescu is Assistant Professor at the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University - Newark.]