Nathan Olmstead
Biography:
NATHAN OLMSTEAD is pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Toronto and is a Research Fellow at the Niagara Community Observatory. His work focuses on digital infrastructure development, urban policy, and local government.
Olmstead's current project investigates the meaning and value of real-time in the context of Canadian smart urbanism. He explores what it might mean to exchange idealizations of the real-time city for alternative and more inclusive temporalities. He investigates these themes in the context of Sidewalk Toronto, Canada's most prominent - though ultimately abandoned - foray into smart city development.
?As a member of the Niagara Community Observatory, Olmstead is exploring the relationship between regional innovation systems, economic development, and municipal policy within Niagara. As an Observatory member, he is helping review the economic history of Niagara Region, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing Niagara today.
Olmstead has also worked as a consultant and advocate on projects related to environmental sustainability, responsible technology, affordable housing, and animal welfare. More recently, he has worked with organizations in Niagara Region to improve active transportation infrastructure, community wealth, and urban development.
Olmstead has BA, Psychology & Religions and Cultures, from Nipissing University, and MA, Political Science and Government, from Brock University. His work has been published in reputable journals such as Philosophy & Technology, Urban Studies, and Political Theology, and includes several public reports at the forefront of policymaking in Canada.
Source: https://www.nathanolmstead.ca/about
Activities:
Walter Gordon Symposium — AI, Public Policy and Accountability