Arctic Smart City: Anchorage, United States

Climatic, geographic and demographic factors often become a challenge for arctic city development and growth. Smart City concept then often adopted to boost the innovation and growth of the arctic cities. with approximately three-quarters of the Arctic population living in the urban area, many cities shift their economy by honing the knowledge-based economy. By increasing the primary, secondary and higher education opportunities, arctic cities including Anchorage try to diversify their economy. 

In 2001, the city government of Anchorage released the Anchorage 2020 – Anchorage Bowl Comprehensive Plan (Municipality of Anchorage, 2001). This strategy aims to improve the quality of life of their citizens by utilising smart approaches. With the appointment of Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), the City of Anchorage established a transparent online Open Data Portal that became the foundation in advancing public service provision. Public service becomes more transparent, up to date and efficient. There is also a significant interest in developing the research and development with the municipality providing grant funding for ten centers for research on economic development, technology, health and education. Moreover, to build a liveable city, the government improves civic engagement so that the citizens are more connected, safe, in healthy communities with equitable access to education, economic development and entrepreneurship opportunities. 

Reference:

Raspotnik, A., Grønning, R., & Herrmann, V. (2020). A tale of three cities: the concept of smart sustainable cities for the Arctic. Polar Geography, 43(1), 64-87.

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