The University of Florida, along with the University of North Florida and City of Jacksonville, have partnered up to join the MetroLab Network. Made up of 35 city-university partnerships, their focus is to bring data, analytics and innovation to local government. Launched in 2015 as part of the Obama administration’s Smart Cities initiative, it is supported by a $1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

In MetroLab Network’s city-university partnerships the university partner serves as a research and development arm, and the city serves as a test-bed for technologies and policies. Together, the Florida group will be working on the research, development and deployment of three projects:

1. Bicyclist/Pedestrian Behavior Analysis – understanding the interactions between motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists that can lead to crashes in order to successfully install proven safety countermeasures.
2. Emergency Response Mapping – tracking emergency response times allows decision-makers to determine whether response times can be improved through enhanced data integration.
3. Neighborhood Connectivity Analysis – determining ways to connect neighborhoods, allowing residents easier access to services and amenities in their neighborhoods and communities.

The initiative is led by  University of Florida Transportation Institute’s affiliated faculty  Dr. Sanjay Ranka who is UF’s representative for the MetroLab Network. Last month he attended the first MetroLab summit in San Diego, CA.

“Metrolab is a unique opportunity for cities and universities to collaborate on innovative technologies and solutions that can have a significant impact on public services,” he said. More details about the summit can be found here.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jacksonville, UNF and UF to our network,” said Ben Levine, Interim Director of MetroLab Network when interviewed by the City of Jacksonville News.  “Their focus on bicyclist and pedestrian behavior, emergency response mapping and neighborhood connectivity will help drive progress in the cities and regions that are addressing similar issues across the country. Furthermore, their collaboration with our extensive national network of cities and universities will accelerate progress in Jacksonville on many of its priorities.”