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Jennifer James Named Global Director of Smart Cities Council Readiness Program

Jennifer James will oversee Smart City Council Readiness Programs in the United States, Australia, Europe and India.

The Smart Cities Council turned to the private sector to find its new global point person to work with cities, counties and other municipalities.
 
Jennifer James, a former director of Smart City Solutions for Black & Veatch, an international engineering, consulting and construction company, has been named global director of the Readiness Program, which works with cities and communities in the United States and abroad to implement smart city projects and solutions.
 
The Readiness Program, developed over the last five years, offers a range of free resources such as experts, workshop planning, as well as hosting conferences.
 
“I’ve focused the majority of my career and education on advancing solutions at the intersection of physical infrastructure, digital technologies and sustainability,” said James, who has spent the last 20 years working with cities and their technology efforts.
 
“I’m looking forward to applying my experience and passion for smart sustainable city development to further the Council’s Readiness Program and improve quality of life in cities around the world,” she added.
 
James will oversee programs in the United States, Australia, Europe and India. James is a member of the Leading Cities advisory board representing Boston. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management from the Harvard University Extension School.
 
The Smart Cities Council recently announced nine finalists for the 2018 Smart Cities Council Readiness Challenge Grants. Five city, county or state governments will be selected in March to receive a year of mentoring as well as workshop support.
 
Albuquerque, N.M.; Aurora, Ill.; Birmingham, Ala.; Cary, N.C.; Fairfax County, Va.; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; and the state of Virginia are the other finalists. Also, Puerto Rico, which is recovering from devastation left by Hurricane Maria, will be awarded a separate Readiness Challenge Grant.
 
Skip Descant writes about smart cities, the Internet of Things, transportation and other areas. He spent more than 12 years reporting for daily newspapers in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and California. He lives in downtown Yreka, Calif.