University of Albany Enters Government Data Partnership

The MetroLab city-university partnership, which was launched as part of the Obama Administration’s Smart Cities Initiative, will incorporate Schenectady, N.Y., and The University of Albany.

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(TNS) — The city of Schenectady and the University at Albany’s Center for Technology in Government have been accepted into the MetroLab Network, a group of public-private partnerships focused on bringing data to local governments.

The MetroLab city-university partnership, which was launched in September 2015 as part of the Obama Administration’s Smart Cities Initiative, allows universities to do research and development with cities serving as a test for technologies and policies.

The MetroLab Network will be incorporated with the city’s Smart City Advisory Commission, which is tasked with incorporating new technology to improve public safety and city services while cutting costs.

“Schenectady has a strong track record of bringing together industry experts, leading academics, city personnel and community leaders in a collaborative environment to develop best practices in local government and we look forward to seeing even more innovation,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said in a statement.

CTG Director Theresa Pardo is a member of the smart city commission, which is led by ex-GE tech chief Mark Little. CTG is also working with the city on a shared platform for code enforcement data to help cities combat urban blight.

“Being part of the MetroLab Network with our partners in Schenectady will fast track our opportunity to test cutting-edge technologies and practice innovations and in turn enhance the network by sharing Schenectady’s innovative approaches to community building, problem solving and public value creation,” Pardo said in a statement.

The MetroLab Network will also provide training for students. The MetroLab Network is supported by a $1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

©2016 The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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