Smart, But Human: A Renowned Futurist and Former Mayor’s Vision for Cities

In an insightful dialogue between Dr. Derek Woodgate, President and Chief Futurist at The Futures Lab, who advised over 170 governments and municipalities, and Joanne Anderson, the first Black woman to be a directly elected mayor in the UK, the conversation shifts from hardware to humanity. Their perspectives bring clarity to a critical truth: a city’s greatness is not measured solely by its digital capabilities, but by its ability to foster inclusion and create a shared sense of belonging.

1.A City Beyond Infrastructure

While architecture, infrastructure, and innovation outline the silhouette of a city, its soul lies in the stories of its people. Dr. Woodgate argues that the future of urban development must move beyond efficiency metrics and embrace the complexity of social evolution. Cities must be designed not only for function, but for feeling – to reflect cultural diversity, foster community bonds, and adapt to evolving human needs.

Drawing on her experience as the former Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson offers a grounded perspective on the city's duality. Despite being a city celebrated for its vibrant tourism and global football legacy, disparities in access to opportunities persist across neighbourhoods. Her experience underscores a vital point: even globally recognised cities can leave pockets of their population behind if growth is not inclusive by design.

2.The Role of Policy in Human-Centric Urban Development

During her tenure as mayor, Joanne Anderson implemented a governance framework called the “Triple Lock” to ensure that every policy and development project was assessed based on three key factors: Social Impact – How does this initiative benefit the local community? Equity and Inclusion – Does this project meet the needs of all residents equally? Environmental Sustainability – What are the ecological consequences of this decision?

This approach reframes governance from transactional to transformational. Major events and large-scale developments became practical demonstrations of this philosophy. The Eurovision Song Contest, for example, wasn’t merely celebrated as a city milestone – it became a vehicle for engagement, ensuring benefits reached beyond central districts and into classrooms, care homes, and underserved communities.

Similarly, the proposed Everton Stadium was not imposed upon a neighbourhood – it was co-created with it, following over a decade of consultations. The result: a project that resonates with local values and reflects community aspirations.

3.Balancing Technological Advancements with Social Inclusion 

As cities become more data-rich and AI-integrated, it’s easy to equate progress with digital advancement. Dr. Woodgate highlights the need for cities to strike a balance between smart infrastructure and human well-being. Technology is merely the tool – not the goal. A truly “smart” city isn’t defined by how connected its systems are, but by how well it understands and supports the lives of those who live within it.

Mayor Anderson reinforces this point: “A city that doesn’t know its people cannot claim to be smart.” With the rise of automation, digital platforms, and virtual services, cities must be intentional about bridging the digital divide and investing in digital literacy. Otherwise, innovation risks becoming another vector for inequality.

4.Beyond Branding: Rediscovering a City’s Identity 

A fundamental question that arose during the discussion was: What defines a city? Many cities are globally recognised for specific industries – Dubai as a luxury hub, New York as a financial capital, and Liverpool for its musical and sporting heritage. However, true city branding goes beyond these labels.

Liverpool illustrates how cities can evolve beyond their traditional identities. While globally recognised for its musical legacy and football culture, the city is actively redefining its future by investing in sectors such as life sciences and health innovation. Flagship initiatives like the Pandemic Institute are helping reposition Liverpool as a hub for global health preparedness and medical leadership – broadening its identity beyond culture and sport.

5.The Future of Cities: Are We Ready? 

Looking ahead, one thing is clear: the future of urban life cannot be shaped in isolation. Top-down development is no longer sufficient. Bottom-up engagement – empowering communities, enabling local leadership and listening to diverse voices – is the foundation of cities that not only grow, but flourish.

The challenge ahead is ensuring that cities are designed not just for today’s populations, but for future generations. As AI integration, automation, and hybrid living models redefine urban lifestyles, cities must prepare for these shifts while maintaining social cohesion. The key lies in proactive policy-making that embraces innovation without losing sight of human needs.

Mayor Anderson rightly concludes, “We must move fast with technology - but we must bring everyone with us.” The city of the future is one that balances foresight with empathy, and progress with purpose.

Join the Conversation at Cityscape Global 2025 

The future of human-centric cities is a conversation that requires global collaboration. Cityscape Global 2025 will serve as a platform for developers, architects, policymakers, and urban planners to discuss innovative strategies for building liveable, inclusive, and future-ready cities. Join the dialogue on November 17-20, 2025, and be part of shaping the cities of tomorrow.