Dr. Mina Sartipi describes smart cities as proactive, data-driven systems that identify challenges before they occur on a recent episode of the What’s the Future for Cities podcast. As founding director of UTC’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress and recently appointed head of its Research Institute, she focuses on mobility, energy, health, cyber‑physical systems and big…
Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt Discusses the Drop in Crime Across the US on Jed & JR Mornings
Rick Dierenfeldt highlighted the recent decline in U.S. crime rates, attributing much of the progress to strong partnerships between UTC and local law enforcement. He spoke about UTC’s Violence Reduction Initiative, developed in collaboration with Chattanooga Police, which employs data‑driven strategies—like reopening cases, tracking crime guns, and using trauma‑informed interventions. These efforts have been instrumental in…
Chattanooga’s SMART corridor on MLK Boulevard shows promise for future safety solutions
UTC and the City of Chattanooga have collaborated on a smart technology pilot along MLK Boulevard, creating a “smart corridor” to improve traffic safety and efficiency. Launched in 2018 with U.S. Department of Transportation funding, the project uses real-time data to prioritize emergency vehicles, ease congestion, and enhance pedestrian safety. With promising results, UTC researchers…
Chattanooga tests traffic tech to improve safety, speed up emergency response
Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are partnering on a $1.9 million SMART Grant project to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. Using sensors and AI-powered cameras, the initiative monitors speeding, red-light running, and pedestrian movement in high-traffic areas. The real-time data gathered will help reduce accidents, inform infrastructure planning, and support research at…
UTC, Chattanooga pact accelerates AI’s local potential
UTC and the City of Chattanooga have formalized a new collaboration agreement to accelerate AI-based innovations in city operations. The pact allows UTC to apply for federal grants and launch pilot projects without requiring separate city council approval, streamlining the process. The agreement aims to advance AI-driven solutions in public safety, traffic management, and data…