The event will be held in the Special Events Forum at Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. It will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Dr. Townsend’s research focuses on the impact of new technology on cities, infrastructure and public institutions and the role of technology in economic development. In an era of mass urbanization and technological ubiquity, what happens when computers take over the city? He explores this and other questions in a new book, Smart Cities: Big Data, Civic Hackers, and the Quest for a New Utopia. Dr. Townsend’s presentation will take a broad look at the people and historical forces that have transformed the design of cities and information technologies. Smart Cities explores the motivations, aspirations, and shortcomings of a new generation of “technology barons,” entrepreneurs, mayors, and civic coders working together to shape our urban future.

The Robert A. Catlin Memorial Lecture honors the legacy of Robert A. Catlin, Bloustein School professor, who died in July 2004. Catlin began his career as a staff planner for governmental agencies and community organizations in several cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York. He also served as dean of the College of Social Science at Florida Atlantic University, dean of the Camden College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers, and provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Bakersfield. He was inducted as an AICP Fellow in 2001. At the Bloustein School, he specialized in urban revitalization and’ the impact of race in public policy decision-making.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is requested to RSVP@policy.rutgers.edu by Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

This event has been approved for 1.5 American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification Maintenance credits.