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9 <br />We’ve begun laying the groundwork for an extensive dialogue with the public about our options. <br />We will have opinion surveys, community meetings, and a lot more discussion as we decide – <br />together – what path to pursue. <br /> <br />Looking to the future, we will work with the community to balance the budget, so we’re not <br />kicking the can down the road. This will involve some tough decisions, but we are committed to <br />developing sound strategies for services for the long haul. <br /> <br />Innovation Sustainability <br /> <br />An area where San Leandro has really shined, is in our efforts on innovation and building a <br />Smart City. We know that to be efficient, we must invest in new technologies and leverage <br />existing infrastructure. <br /> <br />So, what does it mean to be a “Smart City” and what is our vision? <br /> <br />Smart City efforts refer to the use of technology to better manage municipal assets and <br />resources, while improving the overall quality of life. Some examples include smart parking and <br />transportation systems, broadband services, and data analysis to make informed decisions. <br /> <br />We spent many hours developing a Fiber Optics Master Plan that will guide these efforts. <br />Completing this plan included multiple surveys and public engagement efforts, which allowed us <br />think about where we want to be in the next decade and how to get there. <br /> <br />Some of the projects we have been working on include rolling out free public Wi-Fi in our parks, <br />new smart traffic signals and street lights, and other energy savings projects. <br /> <br />This past year, San Leandro partnered with Tech Exchange by donating hundreds of used city <br />computers. At our Library, the City held a Tech Fair event and distributed those computers, <br />along with access to low-cost Internet service to over 160 local families. It’s a model built on <br />partnership, and it dovetails perfectly with the other great programs offered at our libraries. <br /> <br />Free Wi-Fi is a critical component of our smart city strategy. Offering this service allows <br />residents, visitors, and businesses to benefit from the investments the City has made in Fiber <br />Optic Networks. <br /> <br />Publically accessible Wi-Fi and the internet services we offer for free in our libraries and <br />community centers have provided great public benefits. For example, public Wi-Fi can help our <br />students keep pace in school work and help our residents find services online. San Leandro is <br />committed to digital equity for all. <br /> <br />Ultimately, being a smart city is about you – the residents of this community. It’s about putting <br />people first and thinking about their needs, and then using technology to help achieve those