UB researchers convened representatives from government and community agencies in Buffalo, Erie County, Cleveland and Tempe for the Smart and Connected Communities Buffalo Forum in Hayes Hall on June 29.

Nick Rajkovich (far left), assistant professor in the Department of Architecture in UB's School of Architecture and Planning, is a co-investigator on the National Science Foundation-funded project, along with Zoe Hamstead, assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

Eric Walker (right), director of energy development and management for Erie County, and Josh Wilson, pollution prevention program coordinator for Erie County's Department of Environment and Planning, led a breakout group on energy.

Smart and Connected Communities is examining the different ways in which extreme heat and cold impact U.S. cities, beginning with case studies from Erie County in New York and Maricopa County, Arizona, which includes the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. A series of forums are being held in both locales to learn how practitioners are managing extreme weather.

Paul Ray, associate director of operations for the UB Regional Institute, takes notes during the Smart and Connected Communities Buffalo Forum.

Gregory Gill (left), deputy commissioner for Erie County's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Gale Burstein (center), the county's health commissioner, led a breakout group on health and emergency services.

Zoe Hamstead (center), assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, is a co-principal investigator on the Smart and Connected Communities project.