#181: Dr. Bianca Lochner, Feroz Merchhiya, Dr. Muriel Reid, & Ken Williams – Smart Cities & Digital Innovation – Transforming Cities with AI & 5G
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Featuring:
- Dr. Bianca Lochner, CIO, City of Scottsdale
- Feroz Merchhiya, CIO, City of Glendale
- Dr. Muriel Reid, CIO, City of Jackson, MS
- Ken Williams, National Sr Manager, Partner Solutions Engineering at T-Mobile
Note: At the time of recording, Feroz Merchhiya was serving as CIO for the City of Glendale. He is currently the CIO for the City of Santa Monica, as of release date on November 1st, 2024.
Summary
Guests share their expertise on smart city initiatives and digital transformation in local government. This dynamic conversation explores how cities are leveraging emerging technologies, from 5G infrastructure to artificial intelligence, while fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance community services and resident experiences.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How cities like Scottsdale and Glendale are implementing smart city initiatives through strategic roadmaps and innovative technologies
- The role of GIS and data analytics in improving public safety and city operations during major events
- Approaches to implementing AI solutions safely and effectively in government settings
- How public-private partnerships and inter-city collaboration drive innovation in municipal services
- Strategies for balancing competition and cooperation between neighboring cities to improve resident services
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intros
(03:55) Scottsdale's Smart City Journey and Digital Transformation
(07:32) Fiber Network Infrastructure and IoT Implementation
(11:00) Glendale's GIS Center of Excellence and Major Event Management
(16:44) City of Jackson's Approach to Technology Partnerships and Challenges
(20:27) T-Mobile's Role in 5G Smart City Infrastructure
(21:29) Glendale's Implementation of Generative AI Solutions
(27:59) Scottsdale's Strategic Approach to AI Implementation
(32:41) Public Safety Communications Future with T-Mobile
(36:05) Regional Collaboration and Competition in the Phoenix Metro Area
(43:53) Cross-City Technology Sharing and Innovation
(47:04) Closing Thoughts on Public-Private Collaboration
RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES
→ #180: J.R. Sloan, Ryan Murray & Doug Lange – Arizona State CIO, CISO & Former CSO Talk AI
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:
1. The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.
2. The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.
3. Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.
CONNECT
POWERED BY:
Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner
SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers
Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.
Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🎥 Upcoming Live Podcast Tours
1. 2026 IGNITE Powered by Info-Tech LIVE - Austin, TX - Sept. 17th-18th
If you’re an IT leader in Austin, Houston, or nearby, Info-Tech’s got complimentary tickets with your name on them (just DM me I’ll be there). IGNITE is getting past the AI hype and into the real questions CIOs are wrestling with: how to get your people actually using AI, what the shift from “employee in the loop” to “employee on the loop” looks like, and how to budget when the costs keep moving up.
→ Ready to join the conversation in person? Email joe@techtables.com
2. 2026 EDUCAUSE - Denver, CO - Sept. 30th - Oct. 1st
Returning for a third year in partnership with Carahsoft, and we could not be more excited. TechTables heads to Denver to celebrate the leaders, the stories, and the work shaping the future of higher education!
→ Ready to join the conversation in person? Email joe@techtables.com
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:
1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter
Thanks for reading TechTables! Get early access to new episodes, insights, upcoming events, and more — straight to your inbox.
Join now: https://www.techtables.com/
2. 🤝 Are you a local government CIO who wants to become a better leader?
Check out our high-trust, vendor-free peer group built for local government CIOs tackling real challenges, honest conversations, and an authentic desire to become a better leader — our next retreat is November 4th-6th in Austin, TX!
Learn more → https://techtables.com/communities-local-government
3. 🤝 The Better Together Series
The narrative-driven series bringing together industry partners and public sector CXOs. Discover the compelling stories that unfold when we stop working in silos and start building together.
»»» Email joe@techtables.com to learn more.
