Smart Cities Council Welcomes Akanksha Balakumar 

Akanksha Balakumar, a Senior Smart City & Innovation Officer at the City of Parramatta, is at the forefront of shaping future-ready urban infrastructure. Currently leading the development of the Council’s first Smart Infrastructure Guideline, she is creating a city-wide manual that ensures all projects integrate sustainable, technology-driven practices—a mission that aligns seamlessly with the Smart Cities Council’s focus on scalable, innovative urban solutions. This guideline will serve as a blueprint for embedding smart technology into planning, maintenance, and delivery, mirroring the Council’s commitment to data-driven governance and cross-sector collaboration.

With a robust background in smart cities, transport planning, and stakeholder engagement, Akanksha has a proven track record of delivering digital infrastructure initiatives and inclusive community frameworks. Her work includes managing applied research projects, such as water quality monitoring and urban heat mitigation—where she leverages smart technology to address pressing urban challenges. These initiatives reflect the Smart Cities Council’s emphasis on resilience and sustainability, making her experience a natural fit for organizations prioritizing measurable impact and long-term urban transformation.

Akanksha’s leadership extends beyond project delivery. As a mentor to junior project officers, she builds internal capacity in smart city innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, another core value of the Smart Cities Council. Her ability to drive cross-organizational engagement ensures that smart city principles are embedded in planning, asset integration, and digital transformation, aligning with the Council’s goal of unifying stakeholders around shared urban goals.

Previously, as a Sustainable Transport Officer, she led 12+ transport projects in six months, collaborating with government agencies and stakeholders to integrate data-driven solutions into public and active transport systems. This experience underscores her ability to turn strategy into action, a skill that complements the Smart Cities Council’s mission to bridge vision with real-world outcomes.

Recognized as the Young Professional of the Year 2023 by the Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management, Akanksha is now pursuing a Master’s in Global Smart City Management to deepen her expertise in international best practices and strategic leadership. Her passion for sustainable, liveable, and technology-enabled cities positions her as a valuable ally for the Smart Cities Council, where her operational insights and innovative mindset can help advance global urban transformation.