Dallas is doubling down on digital, scooping up a finalist spot in the IDC Government Insights' Smart Cities awards. The City of Dallas has been named in the running for its "Civic Engagement through Data Products" initiative, a nod to the city's investment in technologies aimed at improving urban living. The Civic Engagement category recognizes endeavors in harnessing digital tools to foster community participation and better city services, according to the City of Dallas.
In infrastructure news, Dallas Water Utilities is to not only begin but also finish work on the Cedar Crest Tunnel Project, a massive under-the-river pipeline designed to keep water flowing come what may. Southland Contracting Inc. swung into action this February and isn't expected to hang up its hard hats until the summer of 2025. This 84-inch diameter pipeline is part of a larger initiative to overhaul the city’s water transfer systems beneath the Trinity River.
Elsewhere in town, Dallas is turning up the music on its nightlife. Local stakeholders including Visit Dallas and 24HourDallas have allied with the city's Nighttime Economy and Responsible Hospitality division to launch surveys measuring the night's financial impact. Data crunched by the research firm Tourism Economics will shine a spotlight on after-dark dollars, with findings scheduled for release at the upcoming Sociable City Summit. This survey seeks opinions from everyone from the barflies to the business owners to better understand the nocturnal side of the city's economy.
If you're planning to hit Dallas streets this weekend, heads up: The Dallas Observer's The Morning After Brunch is sure to mix up your normal navigation. City Hall Plaza will be brimming with brunch-goers from 11 a.m. to afternoon, so plan to dodge the congestion if you’re in a rush. Despite the event frenzy, City Hall Parking Garage access will remain open. Locals are advised to plot out their weekend commutes to avoid any brunch-induced bottlenecks, with the buzz and the bustle set to begin on setup Friday.
