Urban Mobility & the Gig Economy: The Future of Urban Life & Work with COVID-19 - Panel Series
Social distancing during COVID-19 significantly changed urban mobility and such change has had disproportionate impact in different neighborhoods within urban regions, often linked to their socio-economic demographics. The same infrastructure that supports these urban mobility patterns also supports a precarious yet growing economy driven by algorithms. These ‘gig economy’ jobs such as delivery, mobility services, and care work are lauded for the ease of entry. However, this same ease of entry resulted in significant workforce volatility during the pandemic as the demand for mobility decreased and delivery services increased, exacerbating existing risks to workers and impacts on infrastructure. This panel will explore the effects of the pandemic on urban mobility, how people will interact within new urban regions, and the impact of one of our economy’s newest forms of employment. Hear from the panel of speakers - Assistant Professor Qi Ryan Wang, Assistant Professor Michael Kane, William Roache, E'75, Charles Russo, P.E., Gregory Janey, CCM, MS'09 - on this amazing topic. Originally part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Solutions to the COVID-19 Pandemic Panel Series aired on July 20, 2020. About the Civil and Environmental Engineering Solutions to the COVID-19 Pandemic Panel Series During these unprecedented times, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and its Industrial Advisory Board present a series of panel discussions on Civil and Environmental Engineering solutions addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on all facets of life necessitates a broadly interdisciplinary approach to combating the disease, mitigating its economic impacts, and building a more resilient world against future threats. Drawing on the deep expertise of our faculty and industry leaders, these discussions will explore the ways in which we may respond to the pandemic’s impact on our health, society, and economy. Questions from the audience will be incorporated into each panel discussion.
