The digital kiosks are here

IKE Smart City has already installed two digital kiosks downtown and will be installing eight more by the end of the year. A memo Transportation & Public Works Director Richard Mendoza lists the sites:

In theory the kiosks offer useful "wayfinding" information, allowing people to search for nearby sites, businesses, eateries. They also can be used to convey important information about cold weather shelters or other resources for homeless people.

However, the billboards make money by displaying advertisements. The city gets a cut of the advertising revenue. So at least some of the money lost by people impoverished by sports betting will fund city services to help them remain housed and fed.

In order to enable the kiosks, Council had to change the city's sign ordinance, which prohibits digital signs in the public right of way. I think the prospect of more revenue for a cash-strapped city was the deciding factor for most Council members. The way finding argument is pretty weak in the age of Google Maps.

One guy who tried both out offered middling reviews:

Womp.

Earlier this year I had Planning Commission Chair Alice Woods, a kiosk skeptic, on my podcast to discuss the issue. It was a fun conversation about the creep of screens and advertising into our public spaces. You can listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.