Highlights of her April 1, 2015 talk included an overview of the city's new "open data" approach, which provides access and information about city services and performance metrics directly to the community. She provided an overview of programs through which students may become involved with city government, and encouraged students to take part in internships and summer work study opportunities. She also encouraged students to share their ideas directly with her office through social media, as well as the City's 311 phone system.

It was an inspiring presentation and prompted students to ask questions about the city's new snow plow tracker app. Students also asked the city to consider how a new bus tracking systems might include school buses as well as city buses. and how the city could better assist homeless people.

You may learn more about Ms. Lam's background here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/executive-team/debra-lam.

Information about the City's Innovation Roadmap may be found here:
http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/innovation-performance/innovation-roadmap/