Malden has been named a winner in IDC Government Insights’ sixth annual Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA). Malden was recognized for its continued project to remove lead pipes in the category of Smart Water. The awards were designed to recognize the progress North American states and municipalities have made in executing Smart Cities projects, as well as provide a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate Smart City development in the region.
The Smart Cities North America Awards recognize the best among smart city initiatives and unlike anything else in the industry, provide a blueprint for government officials looking to execute similar projects. “We congratulate the winners on their unwavering dedication to executing compelling projects from start to finish – leveraging cutting edge technology to offer sustainable, new services and economic opportunities and enhancing the lives of citizens,” said Ruthbea Yesner, Vice President, IDC Government Insights and Smart Cities and Communities Strategies.
Winners in the SCNAA illustrate best practice examples of how forward-thinking municipalities are effectively leveraging technology and innovation to offer sustainable, new services and economic opportunities to meet the needs and expectations of diverse communities. Over the past year, The City of Malden’s Engineering Department, Department of Public Works, and Water Department together replaced 286 lead water service lines, 4,800 feet of water mains, completed 35,000 feet of sewer cleaning and lining, and repaved 38 streets. “One of my main priorities continues to be our water system and the elimination of lead lines,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “I continue to be grateful to Engineer Yem Lip, Councillor Steve Winslow and Conservation Commission Chair Isaac Slavitt for their efforts in this vital initiative,” said Christenson.
City Leaders are continually looking for ways to improve their Lead Line Replacement Program, which this year will include implementing a new system of prioritization. Remediation efforts will be prioritized based on which existing lead lines serve the greatest density of households with young children. Malden City Councillor Steve Winslow added: “I am happy to have collaborated with our Conservation Chair Isaac Slavitt and City Engineer Yem Lip on conceiving and implementing an approach focusing federal, state and local resources to remove lead pipes first in areas where the most children live. With this approach lead pipes have or are being removed near our Early Learning Center and a large day care center along with one of our lowest income neighborhoods along Newland Street. Thanks to the Malden Public and Cheverus Catholic School for their assistance on providing critical data used to develop this risked based approach.”
“It's great to see our city recognized for innovation in this year's Smart Cities awards. Everyone probably agrees we should target infrastructure funds where the impact will be greatest, but there's always some perceived risk when considering new approaches,” said Conservation Commission Chair Isaac Slavitt. “We're fortunate to have leaders in the city who are open to trying new things when they believe residents will benefit.”
To learn more about this awards program, visit HERE . Winners will be honored at Smart Cities Connect being held May 16-18, 2023, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. To learn more about the event, please visit https://spring.smartcitiesconnect.org.