Phoenix Named an All-America City 2022 https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/education/2421Education7/22/2022 7:00:00 AMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2421/03.24.21 Tablet distibution at Aeroterra.JPGPhoenix Named an All-America City 2022 <div class="ExternalClass0565F123DC5B4F77B15567AD45285F54"><html> <span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>The National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading named the City of Phoenix as a winner of the 2022 All-America City Award (AAC). This year's theme was, “Housing as a Platform to Promote Early School Success and Equitable Learning Recovery." <br><br>The City's commitment to improving digital equity and collaborating with Phoenix residents in underinvested areas and public housing communities landed the City a winning spot. Phoenix was one of 20 finalist cities across the nation and is one of 10 communities to be recognized this year. <br><br>“COVID-19 caused a profound shift in traditional learning. As students transitioned to an online learning environment, we knew too many families were missing the basic tools needed to navigate this new way of learning," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “City staff put forth a tremendous effort to close this digital divide, especially for our most vulnerable kids. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and equally proud the City of Phoenix has been honored with the All-America City Award for the sixth time." <br><br>During the pandemic, the City mobilized community partnerships to distribute more than 12,000 laptops to 15 school districts in underserved areas within public housing communities. Additionally, the City provided 1,600 tablets and Wi-Fi connectivity to families and seniors for at-home learning, telemedicine and more. <br><br>Providing digital devices was one of many steps the City took to support its residents. As the literacy rate for Phoenix students passing the third grade reading assessment declined to 25%, Phoenix co-created literacy and tutoring programs with students, parents and educators to reverse the trend.<br><br>“As someone who grew up in public housing during my childhood, I understand the impact these programs have on our residents. It takes a village to aid in the success of our youth and I am proud to lead a city that takes initiative to make a positive impact on its residents," said Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “Congratulations, Phoenix, on a well-deserved win!"<br> <br><div dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;">The City of Phoenix is one of the most honored cities in the Country, winning the All-America City designation six times: 1950, 1958, 1980, 1989, 2009 and 2022.<div style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-align:center;background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-align:center;background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">###</span><br></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>About the National Civic League </strong></p><p style="text-align:left;">The National Civic League advances inclusive civic engagement through our community assistance programs, including tools, trainings and facilitation services, our award and recognition programs, and nationally recognized research and publications. We promote efforts that seek to listen to, and to learn from residents in ongoing conversations and leverage those insights to help reshape communities so they will thrive.</p><p style="text-align:left;">The All-America City Award is made possible through the support of Southwest Airlines, the official airline sponsor, The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, CGI Digital, MissionSquare Retirement, HealthONE, and Womble Bond Dickinson.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about the National Civic League's All-America City Awards.</a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>About the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading</strong></p><p style="text-align:left;">The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading seeks to disrupt generational poverty and ensure more hopeful futures for children of economically challenged, fragile and otherwise marginalized communities. We support community-driven initiatives to improve the likelihood that these children will grasp the first rung of the success sequence ladder – graduation from high school. Since its launch in 2012, the GLR Communities Network has grown to include more than 350 communities, representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two Canadian provinces — sponsored by 5,200+ local organizations, institutions and agencies and supported by 500+ state and local funders, including 200+ United Ways.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://gradelevelreading.net/" target="_blank">Learn more about the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading</a><br></p><br><br></div></html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/educationNewseducationPerson helping someone use their tablet Education#AAC2022 #AllAmericaCity #Award #NationalCivicLeague Keyera Mitchell602-859-5089602-534-8922keyera.mitchell@phoenix.gov
Phoenix COVID-19 Testing and Select Vaccination Eventshttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/em-and-hs/1399Emergency Management & Homeland Security7/26/2022 7:45:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1399/Newsroom_Virus_Testing.jpgPhoenix COVID-19 Testing and Select Vaccination Events<div class="ExternalClassD9C82FA050AB49C5810E7CA4010800A5"><div class="ExternalClassFA4EFB964BD142158CA446F5807F9C77"> <br> <h2 class="ms-rteElement-H2">General Information</h2><h3>Face Mask Requirements After CDC Eases Guidelines</h3><p>In Feb. 2022, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new set of measures that will allow people who are healthy and living in counties where the coronavirus poses a low or medium community risk level, to stop wearing a face mask in public settings.<a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/city-manager/2253"> As of Feb. 28, 2022, Maricopa County is at a medium risk level, so effective immediately, a face mask will not be required for most City employees</a>.<br></p><h3>Downtown Phoenix Buildings Are “By Appointment Only”<br></h3><p><a href="/newsroom/public-works/1084" target="_blank">Public access to the following downtown city of Phoenix buildings is currently by appointment only </a><br>Phoenix City Hall – 200 W. Washington St.<br>Calvin C. Goode Building – 251 W. Washington St.<br>Phoenix Public Transit Building – 302 N. First Ave</p><p></p><h3>City of Phoenix Impacted City Services Update</h3><p> <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/em-and-hs/1054">Learn what's impacted with current city services. Learn more.</a><br> </p><h3>Coronavirus Business & Resident Resources </h3><p> <a target="_blank" href="/resources">Additional resources for Phoenix businesses, the workforce, and residents relating to COVID-19. Learn more.</a><br> </p><h3>Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Strategic Plan</h3><p> <a target="_blank" href="/COVIDrelief">Information and updates on the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Strategic Plan funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Learn more.</a> <br> </p> <h2>COVID-19 Testing<br></h2><p>We're all in this together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash" target="_blank">#COVID19</a> testing with no out-of-pocket cost. The city of #PHX now has two #COVID19 mobile testing vans out in the community. A limited number of free at-home COVID-19 test kits and masks will be available at mobile testing events on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: The FDA has extended the shelf-life of iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests. <a href="https://ihealthlabs.com/pages/news" target="_blank">Learn more and check the expiration date of your test.</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;"> <strong>Mobile Van #1: </strong><a href="https://vincerecancer.com/" target="_blank">Vincere Cancer Center</a><br><strong>Mobile Van #2: </strong><a href="https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix" target="_blank">Premier Lab Solutions</a><br><strong>Blitz Vendor #1: </strong><a href="https://www.familytreehealthcare.com/" target="_blank">Equality Health</a><br><strong>Blitz Vendor #2: </strong><a href="https://www.onecommunityaz.com/" target="_blank">Family Tree Health Care</a><br> </p><p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are also available at all <a href="https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/locations" target="_blank">17 Phoenix Library Locations</a>. The tests will be available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis.<br></p><h2> Vaccinations<br></h2><p>Select events marked with <strong><span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong> offer COVID-19 tests and vaccines! For other vaccine locations see <a target="_blank" href="https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations">Maricopa County Vaccine Finder</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">Vaccines.gov seach</a>.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span></p><h3>Saturday, July 30, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #2.</strong> Falcon Park<br> 3420 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85009<br> 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix">https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix</a></p><p> <strong>Equality Health Event.</strong> Grant Park<br> 701 S. 3rd Ave., Phoenix 85003<br><strong><span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>4:00 - 8:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.onecommunityaz.com/">https://www.onecommunityaz.com</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span></p><h3>Monday, August 1, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #1.</strong> El Reposo Park<br> 502 E. Alta Vista Road, Phoenix, AZ 85042<br> 7:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.<br> Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://vincerecancer.com/">https://vincerecancer.com</a></p><h3>Wednesday, August 3, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #2.</strong> Roadrunner Park<br> 3502 E Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032<br> 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix">https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix</a></p><p> <strong>Family Tree Event.</strong> Zion Institute<br> 1522 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.familytreehealthcare.com/">https://www.familytreehealthcare.com</a></p><h3>Friday, August 5, 2022<br></h3><p><strong>Mobile Van #1.</strong> Cesar Chavez Library<br> 3635 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen, AZ 85339<br> <strong><span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br> 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.<br> Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://vincerecancer.com/">https://vincerecancer.com</a></p><h3>Saturday, August 6, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #1.</strong> Trinity United Methodist Church<br> 3104 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix. AZ 85051<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br> 8:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.<br> Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://vincerecancer.com/">https://vincerecancer.com</a></p><h3>Tuesday, August 9, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #1.</strong> El Oso Park<br> 3451 N. 75th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85033<br> 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.<br> Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://vincerecancer.com/">https://vincerecancer.com</a></p><h3>Wednesday, August 10, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Family Tree Event.</strong> Zion Institute<br> 1522 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.familytreehealthcare.com/">https://www.familytreehealthcare.com</a></p><h3>Friday, August 10, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Equality Health Event.</strong> Raul H Castro Fine Arts<br> 2730 N 79th Ave., Phoenix, 85035<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>2:00 - 7:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.onecommunityaz.com/">https://www.onecommunityaz.com</a></p><h3>Saturday, August 13, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #2.</strong> Santa Maria Park<br> 3425 S. 71st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br> 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix">https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix</a></p><h3>Monday, August 15, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #2.</strong> Cortez Park<br> 33434 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85051<br> 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix">https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix</a></p><h3>Wednesday, August 17, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Family Tree Event.</strong> Zion Institute<br> 1522 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.familytreehealthcare.com/">https://www.familytreehealthcare.com</a></p><h3>Thursday, August 18, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #1.</strong> Paradise Valley Park<br> 17642 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032<br> 7:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.<br> Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://vincerecancer.com/">https://vincerecancer.com</a></p><p> <strong>Equality Health Event.</strong> Morris K Udall Middle School<br> 3715 W Roosevelt, Phoenix 85009<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>4:00 - 7:30 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.onecommunityaz.com/">https://www.onecommunityaz.com</a></p><h3>Wednesday, August 24, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Equality Health Event.</strong> Alhambra Pre-School/Girls Innovation<br> 4730 W Campbell Ave., Phoenix 85031<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>2:15 - 6:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.onecommunityaz.com/">https://www.onecommunityaz.com</a></p><h3>Saturday, August 28, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #1.</strong> Falcon Park<br> 3420 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85009<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br> 7:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.<br> Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://vincerecancer.com/">https://vincerecancer.com</a></p><h3>Tuesday, August 30, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Equality Health Event.</strong> Grant Park<br> 701 S 3rd Ave., Phoenix 85003<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>4:00 - 8:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.onecommunityaz.com/">https://www.onecommunityaz.com</a></p><h3>Wednesday, August 31, 2022<br></h3><p> <strong>Mobile Van #2.</strong> Falcon Park<br> 3420 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85009<br> 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix">https://premierlabsolutions.com/covid-19/phoenix</a></p><p> <strong>Family Tree Event.</strong> Zion Institute<br> 1522 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042<br> <strong> <span style="color:#0066cc;">Testing & Vaccination Event</span></strong><br>8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br>Register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.familytreehealthcare.com/">https://www.familytreehealthcare.com</a><br></p> </div></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/emergencyNewsBusiness Roadmap Series Returns!https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/library/2424Library7/26/2022 5:00:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2424/Newsroom_Library_BusinessRoadmap-1.jpgBusiness Roadmap Series Returns!<div class="ExternalClass722B3651595F4B8CB371C6950C5870DB"><html> <p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Calling those that are ready to start a business in Phoenix! Phoenix Public Library's StartUpPHX is excited to announce the return of its premiere Business Roadmap Series, offered in both English (Business Roadmap) and Spanish (Mapa Para Su Negocio). An 8-session series, this signature program helps Arizona entrepreneurs with specialized expertise in legal issues, target markets, budgeting, and pricing, setting milestones, and accessing capital.</span></p> <p>Both Business Roadmap and Mapa Para Su Negocio series start on August 2, 2022 and are being held in person inside StartUpPHX at Burton Barr Central Library. Additional Business Roadmap and Mapa Para Su Negocio series are scheduled to be offered online and at additional Phoenix Public Library locations throughout the fall. Visit <a href="https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/acacia?cid=-1&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=-1&ct=55221&inc=0" target="_blank">Business Roadmap/Mapa Para Su Negocio</a> for location, schedule, and registration details.</p> <p>Sign up today because your business starts here, and we are excited to help!<br></p> <p> <em>Registration required. By registering, you are committing to attend all 8 sessions.</em> <em>Capacity is limited. </em></p><p><em></em><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">Co</span><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">ntact: Lee Franklin, Community Relations Manager, </span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">lee.franklin@phoenix.gov</span></p><p> </p> <strong style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><img alt="" class="" style="margin:5px;" /><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><img style="margin:5px;" class="" alt="" /><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><img style="margin:5px;" class="" alt="" /><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br>About StartUpPHX:</strong> <br> <p>StartUpPHX is a discovery space for business entrepreneurs, combining elements of a co-working space with expert library fact-finding services and resources located on the 2nd floor of Phoenix Public Library's flagship, Burton Barr Central Library. For more information, please visit https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/startupphx or call (602) 262-4636 during business hours.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span><img style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;margin:5px;" class="" alt="" /><img style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;margin:5px;" alt="" class="" /></p> <strong style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">About the Facilitators:</strong> <br> <p>The Compass CBS Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that focuses on developing resources to help strengthen a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Arizona. The Foundation's founding board members have been doing economic development work in the state of Arizona since 2011. It's founder, Edgar R. Olivo, helped launch the first version of the Business Roadmap Program in 2014. In 2018, the Compass CBS Foundation was established to continue serving the needs of minority entrepreneurs and bilingual small business owners. Their work in entrepreneur ecosystems, economic recovery efforts, sustainability, and financial readiness programs reach audiences across the country. To learn more about the Compass CBS Foundation, please visit MyBizAZ.com.<br></p> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/libraryNewsPhoenix, ASU Partner in Street Smart Tech Pilothttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420Street Transportation7/22/2022 6:00:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2420/argos vision camera.jpgPhoenix, ASU Partner in Street Smart Tech Pilot<div class="ExternalClass200E291E580B4DB1B2538ECA9DAF53D4"><html> <p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><em>This article was originally published July 18, 2022 on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://research.asu.edu/"><em>research.asu.edu</em></a><em> - </em><a target="_blank" href="https://research.asu.edu/asu-entrepreneurs-develop-street-smart-cameras"><em>ASU entrepreneurs develop street smart cameras</em></a><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p><p>By Pete Zrioka<br>ASU Strategic Marketing and Communications</p><p>It’s said that nothing is certain, except death and taxes. Let’s add a third certainty to that list: traffic.<br></p> <p>All across the globe, traffic engineers and city planners are locked in an eternal struggle to improve the flow of traffic, the efficiency of streets and the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Finding the best way to meet these goals requires an enormous amount of data, which is often difficult to collect and analyze.</p> <p>Two Arizona State University entrepreneurs are making this data easier to understand and access. Mohammad Farhadi and Yezhou Yang founded Argos Vision, a tech startup developing smart traffic cameras that can passively capture, analyze and deliver droves of data to help cities improve road safety and efficiency.</p> <p>Argos Vision emerged from Farhadi and Yang’s work as researchers in the <a target="_blank" href="https://scai.engineering.asu.edu/">School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence,</a> one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://engineering.asu.edu/">Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering</a>. Yang, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering and director of the <a target="_blank" href="https://yezhouyang.engineering.asu.edu/research-group/">Active Perception Group</a>, advised Farhadi as he pursued a doctorate in computer science. Farhadi earned his doctoral degree in spring 2022.</p> <p>The pair created a self-contained, solar-powered traffic camera that uses on-board computer vision, a type of artificial intelligence, to identify and classify what it sees.</p> <p>“We identified three major things we wanted to accomplish with this technology,” says Farhadi. “Cost reduction, privacy protection and rich metadata extraction.”</p> <p>Installing traffic cameras can be costly to local governments. Closing intersections to add new power and network cable to existing infrastructure is a lengthy and expensive process. Argos Vision solves this financial roadblock with a self-contained camera system that runs off solar power and transmits data over a cellular network.</p> <p>“We want to extract rich data that meets not only the minimum desire of cities, such as vehicle counting, but data that can be used in the future as well,” says Farhadi.</p> <p>Named for the many-eyed giant of Greek myth, the Argos algorithm can also capture detailed contextual information, including type of vehicle, dimensions, color and markings. It can also develop a 3D model of vehicles for future reference.</p> <p>Distinguishing vehicle type could be helpful for road maintenance. Roads degrade at different rates depending on their use, and understanding which vehicles use which roads at high rates may help cities better allocate resources and predict where preventative maintenance is most needed. For example, an Argos camera might observe large trucks commonly using a shortcut to access an industrial area.</p> <p>“At that location, a city might elect to reinforce a road so they don’t have to replace it every year,” says Farhadi.</p> <p>Despite the detailed information the Argos Vision technology collects, it does not employ any facial recognition or collect identifying information to protect the privacy of everyone on the road.</p> <p>Argos extracts detailed information using a novel software framework developed by Farhadi. As the Argos cameras take images, a neural network analyzes the images’ content and distills it into its component parts. Much like how our brains can quickly distinguish what we see into separate parts — person, dog on a leash, bus stop — a neural network uses a similar process to contextualize information.</p> <p>Traditionally, neural networks are computationally and power intensive, especially on small devices such as cameras. But Argos Vision’s software allows their neural network to run on low power and provide real-time traffic monitoring that collects incredibly detailed data, says Yang.</p> <p><strong>A new point of view</strong></p> <p>Say a city wants to figure out why the intersection of Main Street and 1st Avenue is frequently congested. The city might send someone to observe traffic, or put down road sensors to count cars, or use mobile phone sensors to estimate the number of drivers in the area.</p> <p>The problem with these methods is that the data collected is imprecise. Human observation only offers a snapshot of traffic and is prone to error. Road sensors don’t differentiate between buses, cars or emergency vehicles. Mobile data can’t tell whether 15 phone signals passing through an intersection represent 15 drivers or a mix of drivers, bus riders and pedestrians.</p> <p>“This doesn’t give you a clear picture, because these are snapshots of data. Traffic has a dynamic nature,” says Farhadi. “The beauty of using a computer vision–based system like ours is that it gives cities a permanent, precise flow of information.”</p> <p>Yang and Farhadi also see potential for the Argos system to augment and improve the function of autonomous vehicles.</p> <p>“We can provide autonomous vehicles with situational awareness of other vehicles or pedestrians outside the scope of their on-board sensors,” says Yang. “Also, our rich metadata could help local authorities measure how safe the AVs are while operating on public roads.”</p> <p>“Many of these research ideas, I have to attribute to Mohammed, thanks to his constant exploration of what is possible,” adds Yang.</p> <p>The permanent flow of data supplied by Argos cameras can help cities evaluate more than just motor vehicle traffic. It could also help policymakers and city planners improve safety for all road users.</p> <p>“Pedestrians are a big factor in street traffic,” says Farhadi. “Arizona has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates, and we want to understand why that is happening and how to prevent it.”</p> <p><strong>Taking it to the streets</strong></p> <p>Argos cameras will be lending its vision to Arizona streets starting this summer, helping improve road safety for all users.</p> <p>In partnership with the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department, Argos Vision cameras will be installed at the intersections of <a target="_blank" href="https://goo.gl/maps/1YfEVrtHpZ781MTS8">3rd Avenue and Adams Street</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://goo.gl/maps/gGasmQECPAPrfRp7A">1st and Taylor streets</a> for a one-year pilot program.<br></p> <p>Both downtown locations - near City Hall and ASU’s Downtown campus, respectively - were chosen for their high pedestrian activity, says Simon T. Ramos, a traffic management and operations engineer in the <a target="_blank" href="/streets">Phoenix Street Transportation Department</a>.</p> <p>Along with collecting standard traffic information like number of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, the Argos camera will be cataloging near miss data.</p> <p>“Say there's a close call, where a vehicle crosses the path of a pedestrian. We can identify these conflict hotspots,” says Ramos.</p> <p>Through its persistent monitoring and evaluation, Argos’ data will identify conflict areas between vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Ramos and his department can use the near miss data to then develop tailored safety measures to mitigate such conflicts, such as changing signal timing or the visible markings on the road.</p> <p>This effort aligns with Phoenix’s plan to incorporate Vision Zero principles into its <a target="_blank" href="/streets/roadsafety">Road Safety Action Plan</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://visionzeronetwork.org/">Vision Zero</a> - a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and increase mobility within urban areas - <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/street-transportation/2217">was adopted by Phoenix City Council in early 2022</a>, joining more than 40 other U.S. communities striving for safer, more equitable roadways.<br></p> <p>The city already has an array of traffic cameras collecting data, but Argos provides a more cost-effective alternative than existing systems.</p> <p>“What really kind of drew our attention to this specific technology was it is economically cheaper than the competition,” says Ramos. “Phoenix is committed to working smarter and spending wisely and it’s an ongoing effort to identify technologies to improve travel times and reduce congestion and accidents.”</p> <p>The Argos Vision team is looking forward to contributing to the city’s goals while refining their technology.</p> <p>“Together with the city, we are excited to bring advanced AI technologies from ASU onto Arizona roads for social good,” says Yang.</p> <p><strong>Getting caught in traffic</strong></p> <p>Farhadi and Yang’s collaboration goes back to 2016, when both were newcomers to ASU.</p> <p>“The school organized a student recruitment session, and I brought a poster of my research,” recalls Yang. “Four or five people stopped by, but Mohammad was the only person who was interested.”</p> <p>Combining Yang’s expertise in computer vision and Farhadi’s background in hardware acceleration and computer networks, Argos Vision was born. When they begin looking for the most lucrative use of their technology, they first landed on shopping malls.</p> <p>“We focused on tracking the movement and amount of people to improve the HVAC efficiency in a retail area,” says Farhadi.</p> <p>However, they found this route to be a dead end. Not only were a lot of competitors pursing this application, but stores simply weren’t willing to justify the installation cost to save on heating and cooling. Retailers also wanted to a system that could tell them more about their customers.</p> <p>“We couldn’t tell you everything about somebody,” says Ryan Kemmet, Argos’ business and legal advisor. “We don’t have facial recognition and we can’t link people to their Facebook account or anything.”</p> <p>Kemmet was drawn into the Argos orbit when Farhadi and Yang joined the <a target="_blank" href="https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/learn/nsf-innovation-corps-i-corps-site">National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Site at ASU</a> (NSF I-Corps). The five week training program, led by the <a target="_blank" href="https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/">J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute</a>, includes entrepreneurial training, industry mentorship and financial support for researchers looking to commercialize their technology research. Kemmet served as Argos’ industry mentor during their ASU I-Corps participation, which serves as a springboard for the nationwide NSF I-Corps program. After completing the ASU program, they were selected to continue onto the national version.</p> <p>“It’s quite an intensive program,” says Kemmet. “We went through some initial ideas of what we thought the applications of this technology would be, but it was the work in the national I-Corps program that helped us define the beachhead application for this technology.”</p> <p>I-Corps, along with Farhadi and Yang’s professional experience and interests, ultimately led Argos to traffic monitoring. Farhadi learned about the growing need for active traffic monitoring during a 2020 summer internship with the Ford Motor Company. Yang saw the potential from his work with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.azcommerce.com/iam">Institute of Automated Mobility</a>, which brings together academia, government and industry to develop a safe, efficient ecosystem to support testing and adoption of autonomous vehicles in Arizona.</p> <p><strong>Getting in the driver’s seat</strong></p> <p>Prior to participating in I-Corps, Yang and Farhadi participated in a number of Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute programs to strengthen their venture and connect to resources and entrepreneurial communities. </p> <p>Argos joined Edson E+I Institute’s <a target="_blank" href="https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/launch/venture-devils">Venture Devils</a> in 2020. The program provides mentorship and support to fledgling businesses, social enterprises and nonprofits founded by ASU students, faculty, staff and local community members with ties to ASU. The program includes an opportunity to participate in Demo Day, a biannual pitch competition where Venture Devils startups make their case for investment to a range of funding sources. In the <a target="_blank" href="https://news.asu.edu/20211207-entrepreneurship-alumni-student-entrepreneurs-win-investment-cash-demo-day">fall 2021 Demo Day</a>, Argos secured $6,500 in funding.</p> <p>They also enrolled in the <a target="_blank" href="https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/national-security-academic-accelerator-nsa2">National Security Academic Accelerator (NSA2</a>), to explore the national security applications of their technology. A partnership between Edson E+I and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nsin.mil/">National Security Innovation Network</a>, NSA2 creates connections between ASU-led ventures and Department of Defense representatives and opportunities, as well as providing tailored training and mentorship. NSA2 was instrumental was helping Argos navigate the complexities of assembling a proposal for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sbir.gov/">Small Business Innovation Research</a> award with the Department of Transportation.</p> <p>“It’s a powerful resource,” says Farhadi of Edson E+I. “Coming from Iran, I had entrepreneurial experience, but the U.S. has a totally different culture, totally different business landscape. Edson E+I has connected us with the right people, like Ryan, and really propelled Argos Vision.”</p> <p>In Iran, Farhadi ran a business providing internet-based phone service and network security to remote regions. He watched his father found and operate a telecom company from a young age, which left an impression on him.</p> <p>“Iran is a consumer country, most of the time technology is imported from elsewhere,” he says. “But when my father starting selling his devices in country, suddenly there was trust in a local company. That’s something I’ve tried to pursue in my life — people trusting your work.”</p> <p>Despite entrepreneurship being a family tradition, starting a company wasn’t on his mind when he came to the U.S. to study. However, Farhadi relishes the opportunity to forge his own path.</p> <p>“When you work at a company, you work within someone else’s system, you have specific goals that are assigned to you. You might be able to achieve them however you want, but they aren’t your goals,” says Farhadi. “As an entrepreneur, you create your own system. You set your own goals.”</p> <p>Yang, recently named a <a target="_blank" href="https://fullcircle.asu.edu/faculty/asu-entrepreneurial-program-expands-research-impact/">Fulton Entrepreneurial Professor</a>, says Edson E+I resources and programs are preparing entrepreneurs in AI like himself and Farhadi for very timely opportunities.</p> <p>“As a professor in AI, I wouldn’t have been interested in entrepreneurship 20 or 30 years ago. The technology was just not ready,” he says. “Right now, we’re at a very special time, where the technology is maturing and the market is very hungry for real world applications. So having the connections and resources facilitated by ASU and Edson E+I to find those applications has been very helpful.”<br></p><p><a href="https://research.asu.edu/" target="_blank">To learn more about research at Arizona State University, vist ASU Knowledge Enterprise (research.asu.edu)</a>.<br></p><br> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/streetsNews
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