Before a city can be smart, it has to be connected. That may sound simple, but it’s one of the most important shifts happening in how cities grow and compete today.
The first question companies ask
When companies consider investing in a city, they still look at the traditional factors: workforce, location, cost, and safety. But more and more, the first question I hear is about connectivity. They want to know whether we have the infrastructure in place to support their operations, their growth, and increasingly, their use of advanced technologies.
That question reflects a bigger reality. Connectivity is no longer just a utility in the background. It has become a core part of a city’s economic foundation.
Why connectivity is the foundation
We often talk about “smart cities,” but the conversation tends to focus on the visible outcomes; smart traffic systems, infrastructure, and real-time data. What is less visible, but far more important, is the foundation that makes all of that possible.
That foundation is fiber.
Fiber provides the speed, reliability, and scalability needed to support modern systems. It enables everything from AI-driven tools to public safety systems to coordinated city services. Without that underlying network, those capabilities simply cannot function at the level required.
What 100 miles of fiber taught us
Over the past several years, we have installed more than 100 miles, 576-strands of fiber across Brownsville and neighboring communities. That investment has reinforced several key lessons about how cities need to think about infrastructure moving forward.
First, connectivity is a direct driver of economic growth. Just as physical infrastructure like highways and ports enabled growth in earlier generations, digital infrastructure now plays that role. Companies evaluating where to invest expect reliable, high-capacity connectivity. Without it, opportunities move elsewhere. With it, cities can attract new industries, support innovation, and create jobs.
Second, connectivity plays a critical role in expanding opportunity for residents. Reliable broadband access is essential for education, workforce participation, and entrepreneurship. When access improves, so does the ability for people to participate fully in the modern economy. In that sense, connectivity is not just an economic issue…it is also a community issue.
Third, infrastructure decisions must be made with the future in mind. The demands we see today will only continue to grow, especially as AI, automation, and smart systems become more integrated into daily operations. Fiber provides a scalable foundation that allows us to get ahead and adapt as those demands evolve, rather than constantly trying to catch up.
Finally, progress depends on strong partnerships. Building and maintaining this kind of infrastructure requires alignment between city leadership, technology partners, and the broader community. When those groups are working toward a shared goal, progress accelerates and the impact becomes much more meaningful.
A connected city is a competitive city
At its core, this work is about positioning Brownsville for long-term success. Connectivity enables us to attract investment, support innovation, and create the conditions for sustained economic growth.
It also ensures that we are not just keeping pace with change, but preparing for what comes next. As technology continues to evolve, the cities that invest in strong digital infrastructure today will be the ones best positioned to lead in the future.
Tech Tip: Use Passphrases Instead of Passwords
One of the easiest ways to improve your online security is to rethink how you create passwords.
Instead of using short, complex passwords like Tx9!pL2, consider using a passphrase—a short sentence that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.
For example:
Coffee@6amIsNonNegotiable
Passphrases are:
If possible, combine this with multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection.
A small change like this can make a big difference in keeping your accounts safe.
Progress You Can Build On
Real progress does not come from a single project. It comes from building the right foundation and continuing to strengthen it over time.
That’s what we’re focused on—making steady, meaningful investments that position Brownsville for long-term success. I’ll continue to share updates as that progress unfolds.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was penned by Jorge Cardenas, MBA, PMP, chief information officer for the City of Brownsville. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 20 years of leadership experience across municipal government, defense, and technology sectors, he specializes in developing and executing technology strategies that drive mission success, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience. The commentary first appeared the Brownsville Connected newsletter.
