By 2050, it is projected that there will be 3.1 billion additional people living in cities as the trend toward globalization and urbanization continues with approximately 80% of the world’s GDP coming from urban centers.1 People are moving back to urban areas to have access to industry, as well as the services and conveniences a city offers. This growing urban population makes planning for current and future needs more difficult and puts increased pressure on infrastructure and budgets. As a city’s population grows, security becomes an even larger issue.2 Increased criminal activities create additional stress for the city’s law enforcement and the judicial system since the city now requires additional police patrolling. In addition, there seems to be a new competitiveness for cities to attract and retain residents and corporations to take advantage of the benefits of a broader tax base.
At a recent United States Conference of Mayors Meeting, the mayors explored strategies and best practices to prepare for the growing wave of retirees who desire the convenience of an urban environment.3 Their vision for the safe, integrated city of tomorrow is focused on securing people, property, and processes. As a result, city mayors, Chiefs of Police, and IT managers are under increasing pressure to ensure public safety. Leveraging the best of technology, integrating systems, and sharing information helps create overall situational awareness. As leaders, they are challenged to leverage the most from their capital investments by implementing the optimal security and fire safety technologies, but more fundamentally, find a way to finance this necessary technology. The purpose of this white paper is to explore ways that city leaders can work towards the goal of a safe, integrated city and options for financing safety and security technologies for their city.
