Seattle Culture
Seattle Near Top of ‘Future-Ready’ Global Cities
The city is one of only two in North America in the top 10
By Rob Smith November 8, 2024
Seattle has landed among the top 10 on a global list of “future-ready” cities.
An analysis by ThoughtLab, an analytics agency based in Salt Lake City, cited Seattle’s considerable investment in smart technology, its increasing emphasis on green infrastructure and transportation, and its use of AI to streamline government services. ThoughtLab research shows that 92% of future-ready cities like Seattle are advancing faster than their peers on goals such as net-zero emissions, and public health.
Future-ready cities “have made the most progress in safety, security, and resilience,” the study notes. “About two-thirds also have made considerable headway in environment and sustainability as well as citizen living, health, and trust, more than three times the share of others. Over half have made significant progress in transportation and urban infrastructure, which are more challenging because of the costs and complexities. “
Smart technology investments include the Smart 911 program, a service that allows residents to create safety profiles; the use of advanced analytics in policing, including surveillance cameras and street lighting technology, and public safety mobile apps.
Seattle also received high scores for its green spaces and urban ecology (it has 485 parks); its investment in light rail and pedestrian infrastructure; its commitment to carbon neutrality; and its focus on using technology to improve government services, including AI-powered customer service support (think chatbots) and by digitizing many public services that residents can access online such as permits and license renewals.
Out of the 250 cities studied, Seattle is one of nine in North America and one of only two in the top 10 (ranking No. 7). Toronto is the other. Ankara, the capital of Turkey, ranked No. 1, followed by Edinburgh, Scotland, and Guangzhou, China.
Follow Us
Microsoft Awards $5M Worth Of Grants To AI innovators
The grants are part of the company’s 50th anniversary this year
Microsoft has given 20 organizations $50,000 each as part of its AI for Good grants program. The grants — part of an initiative to celebrate Microsoft’s 50th anniversary this year — recognize organizations for their innovations in artificial intelligence. The organizations — who applied for the grants earlier this year — receive resources to help…
Seattle Commute Survey Shows More Office Activity
Both transit travel and driving trips are on the rise
Downtown Seattle foot traffic still isn’t nearly what it was prior to the pandemic, but more people are commuting to offices on a regular basis. The 2024 Commute Seattle Survey finds that both transit travel and drive-alone trips are on the rise as remote working drops. Citywide, the percentage of people reporting that their jobs…
Seattle Pride Seeks Support As Sponsorships Dry Up
The nonprofit has launched a fundraising campaign to make up for a $350,000 deficit
For Patti Hearn, no amount is too small. Every little bit helps. Hearn, executive director of Seattle Pride, is working feverishly to bridge a $350,000 fundraising gap because of shifts in corporate sponsorship. Seattle Pride — a nonprofit foundation that produces the annual Seattle Pride Parade and a slew of other events, including Seattle Pride…
Tapped Out
Washington lawmakers propose doubling beer and wine taxes
You might be paying significantly more for your pint next year. House Bill 2079, introduced by Representative Lauren Davis (D–District 32), would raise the tax on beer from $4.78 to $9.56 per barrel for most breweries. The bill also proposes doubling taxes on wine from 1 cent to 2 cents per liter and increasing taxes…