Joint venture links IBM, Portland

IBM Corp. and the city of Portland have developed a computer simulation model that seeks to coordinate various policy initiatives so they’re more successful.

For example, the city recently announced plans to achieve a 40 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The IBM model emphasizes that policies that encourage bicycling and walking will create healthier citizens, who would then presumably drive less and use alternative forms of transportation, thereby helping the city reach its goal.

In a similar vein, the computer simulation model includes an interactive map that shows the relationships among various city systems in areas such as housing, education, public safety, transportation, health care and government services.