Collaborating with Other Cities to Share Technological Solutions

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett recently attended the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, where she participated in the U.S. Conference of Mayors Civic I/O event. Alongside 26 other mayors, Daggett engaged in discussions and workshops focused on the intersection of technology and urban challenges.

One of the highlights of the conference was a session on the importance of foresight in leadership, particularly in the face of transformative technologies and societal disruptions. The workshop aimed to equip leaders with the skills needed to navigate change and anticipate future trends effectively.

Daggett also had the opportunity to hear from one of the founders of SXSW, who reflected on the early days of the conference when social media was a hot topic. He emphasized the need for caution when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, urging attendees to consider the potential risks and unintended consequences.

Reflecting on her experience at SXSW, Daggett expressed her belief that local business owners and non-profit leaders would benefit from attending the conference. She highlighted the value of learning from other mayors and sharing Flagstaff’s accomplishments on a national stage.

Overall, Daggett found the SXSW conference to be a valuable learning opportunity and a source of inspiration for future initiatives in Flagstaff. As she continues to lead her city, she remains committed to leveraging technology and innovation to address urban challenges and drive progress.