FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 14, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

NEW YORK, NY – Last week, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Co-Chair of the Smart Cities Caucus, toured the Cornell Tech Campus at Cornell University. Rep. Clarke met with faculty leaders, including Dean and Vice Provost Greg Morrisett and Founding Director of the Urban Tech Hub Michael Samuelian, who debriefed her on their latest advancements in smart city technologies, provided insight into their revolutionary Urban Tech program, and highlighted the direct impacts their program has had on New York City. Since its founding in 2012, Cornell Tech has stood as a leading institution in the smart cities space. In the 118th Congress, Rep. Clarke introduced the Smart Cities and Communities Act to expand smart city technologies and improve governmental coordination of these programs.

“Every American should have the right to call a clean, safe, and climate-resilient community their home, and it’s overwhelmingly clear smart city technologies represent the best, most practical path to making that aspiration a reality. As a leader in Congress’ efforts to shepherd the widespread adoption of smart cities, it was a privilege to tour Cornell Tech and learn from its many experts on the revolutionary research and work they are doing to make our cities run smoother,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “These visionaries are truly paving the way forward in smart city technology, which I am confident will benefit communities in New York and other cities across the nation. We know overcoming the climate crisis will demand bold, creative solutions to the myriad of challenges that lie ahead, and that is why I find great comfort in knowing Cornell Tech is a leader in this existential fight. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn about their work firsthand, and I look forward to witnessing what they can achieve in the years ahead.”

“We were honored to welcome Congresswoman Yvette Clarke to the Cornell Tech campus to discuss how our campus, faculty, students, and staff are creating and fostering technological solutions and advancements that enhance daily life for New Yorkers and beyond. Congresswoman Clarke’s leadership in advancing smart cities, digital equity, and innovation aligns closely with our mission to build a more inclusive, robust, and sustainable tech ecosystem,” said Greg Morrisett, Jack and Rilla Neafsey Dean and Vice Provost of Cornell Tech. “Shaping a future that supports all members of society and drives economic growth requires that policymakers, academia, and the tech and business communities work together. As co-chair of the Smart Cities Caucus, the Congresswoman shares our optimism for the catalyzing and positive role technology will continue to have in the world and we want to be a partner and resource in endeavors to improve communities through innovation and power New York forward.”

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