Big data is changing life in cities for governments and citizens alike.

In a previous episode of 10 blocks, we heard from journalist David Black about how sophisticated

data analysis is helping the police to predict where crime is likely to occur.

Additionally, we heard from Harvard Business Schools

Mike Luca, who helped cities and companies work together, using data to create better policies

and better customer service experiences. There's no doubt that big data is shaping the way

today's cities run.

Hello, I'm City Journal editor Brian Anderson. Thanks for joining us for the Ten Blocks podcast featuring urban policy and cultural commentary

with City Journal editors, contributors, and special guests.

Today on the Ten Block, contributors and special guests.

Today on the 10 Blocks podcast, we take a broader look at how data shapes the modern urban environment. Joining us is City Journal contributing editor Nicole Jelineas, who is also

the Searle Freedom Trust Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and a regular columnist

for the New York Post. In the fourth urban revolution, which can be found in the spring 2016

issue of city journal, Nicole gives a fascinating account of the history of big data in New York

City, as well as some thoughts on how it might continue to improve life in the

city. Nicole Jelineas, thank you for joining us on 10 blocks.

Hi, Brian. Thanks for having me again.

Now in your piece, you note that New York City has been a pioneer for decades in the use

of data to improve the delivery of government services. Can you give our listeners a brief overview of that history?

Sure. We tend to think of the data revolution as new, and what's new is the sheer amount of

data points that we have now and how easy it is to transmit them. I mean, taking pictures used to be something you

save up for two roles of film when you went on vacation and be very careful about which

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