Detroit's new model for scaling urban innovation with Kevin Mull

Many high-profile smart city projects have missed the mark—not because the technology didn’t work, but because the process left people behind. That’s why a new model is emerging—one grounded in collaboration, transparency, and the idea that urban innovation should create value not just for investors, but for entrepreneurs, neighborhoods, and the public at large.In Detroit, Bedrock is helping lead this shift. In this episode, host Kate Gasparro talks with Kevin Mull, Senior Director of Urban Strategy and Innovation at Bedrock and Co-Founder of the Urban Tech Xchange and the Detroit Smart Parking Lab. In his work, Kevin is creating spaces—both physical and institutional—where startups can test new ideas, city stakeholders can weigh in, and new technologies can grow in ways that are practical, inclusive, and aligned with local goals.The conversation dives into how Detroit is navigating this new era of urban technology and and what it takes to build cities that are not just technologically advanced—but responsive, inclusive, and future-ready.Resources:What's fueling the smart city backlash (Wharton)How Detroit's enduring automotive ingenuity legacy shapes the future of transportation (Fast Company)This parking garage is a high-tech research lab (Axios)Detroit welcomes four mobility startups to tech incubator (Smart Cities World)Bedrock is one of the most innovative companies in urban development and real estate (Fast Company)Send us Fan MailThanks for listening to Building Better Cities! If you'd like to stay connected, don't forget to Subscribe and Follow. You can find all our archived newsletters and podcasts right here. Want to get in touch? Just email the team at [email protected].