MetroLab Network
444 N. Capitol Street, NW, Suite 399 | Washington, DC 20001
www.MetroLabNetwork.org | @metrolabnetwork
For Release 9 a.m. ET
May 5, 2016
MetroLab Network Announces Governor Martin J. O’Malley Will Join as
Senior Fellow and Chair of Advisory Committee
Former Governor of Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore will join the network of more than 30
city-university (and county-university) partnerships focused on bringing data, analytics, and
innovation to municipal government
Washington — May 5, 2016 — Former Governor Martin J. O’Malley will join MetroLab
Network, where he will serve as Senior Fellow as well as convene and Chair an Advisory
Committee consisting of leaders in government, industry, academia, and philanthropy. In his
role, Governor O’Malley will support MetroLab Network’s effort to accelerate innovation in
cities by deploying technology and policy solutions to urban challenges. Governor O’Malley’s
substantial experience inspiring state and local governments to focus on outcomes, data, and
tangible results will strengthen MetroLab Network’s efforts in working with local governments
and universities across the country.
MetroLab Network is a national network of more than 30 city-university (and county-university)
partnerships focused on incorporating data, analytics, and innovation into municipal government
programs. Its cities and universities are developing technologies and policy approaches that
address challenges facing urban areas. Its university partners serve as research and development
arms while its cities serve as testbeds to deploy solutions. MetroLab Network was launched in
September 2015 as part of the White House Smart Cities Initiative.
“Cities have always been one of my passions, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with
cities and universities across the country,” Governor O’Malley said. “Advances in technology,
data science, and computing provide new opportunities to deal with our cities’ greatest
challenges: aging infrastructure, the delivery of effective public services, the need to help our
most vulnerable neighbors, and the imperative to address climate change. By pairing cities with
universities, MetroLab Network creates a collaborative platform that is a critical to deploying
solutions.”
O’Malley served two terms as Governor of Maryland, from 2007 to 2015, after serving as Mayor
of Baltimore for two terms, from 1999 to 2007. Prior to his role as Mayor, he served two terms
on Baltimore’s City Council.
The City of Baltimore, University of Baltimore, and Johns Hopkins University recently joined
MetroLab Network.
“As both a former Mayor and Governor, Martin O'Malley brings a unique and important
perspective to MetroLab Network” said President of University of Baltimore and Former
Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke.
“Governor O’Malley’s insights and experience will be of enormous benefit to the cities and
universities in MetroLab Network,” said Ronald Daniels, President of Johns Hopkins University.
In 2015, Governor O’Malley was a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Carey
Business School, where he focused on government, business, and urban issues.
In 2009, Governing Magazine named Governor O'Malley as one of eight Public Officials of the
Year, citing his "data-driven approach to policy and administration." While Mayor, O’Malley
developed CitiStat, a data and management platform that won Harvard University’s Innovations
in American Government Award. While Governor, he implemented a state-level version of the
tool, called StateStat.
“Governor O’Malley brings the experience and the moral authority to lead the charge toward
smarter and more sustainable cities,” said Ben Levine, Interim Director of MetroLab Network.
MetroLab Network recently welcomed 13 city-university pairs to its membership, which now
includes 34 cities, 3 counties, and 44 universities.
“There is tremendous potential for what cities and universities can achieve together to improve
the quality of life for our residents. It is up to cities to become innovation leaders, and to test new
ideas and new approaches to public policy issues,” said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. “Governor
O’Malley’s experience and dedication will help elevate MetroLab’s important mission to
strengthen city-university bonds and facilitate collaboration across the country.”
Governor O’Malley will join representatives from MetroLab Network’s cities and universities
next week at the Network’s Spring Summit, hosted by the City of San Diego and University of
California, San Diego.
“We are excited to welcome Governor O’Malley to MetroLab Network as Senior Fellow,” said
Farnam Jahanian, Provost of Carnegie Mellon University. “The Network is committed to taking
an evidence-based, data-driven approach to address some of the biggest challenges facing urban
areas. Governor O’Malley’s leadership and expertise will allow us to follow through on that
commitment.”
MetroLab Network is supported by a $1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the fiduciary
of MetroLab Network during its incubation period.
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For more information on MetroLab Network:
www.metrolabnetwork.org
MetroLab Network Contact, press only:
Ben Levine, 412-377-0193, ben.levine@metrolabnetwork.org
Governor Martin J. O’Malley Contact, press only:
Rick Abbruzzese, 410-790-5002, ra@kofapublicaffairs.com