What will cities look like in the next 5, 10, or 15 years?

In this Tech Legacies conversation, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares his vision for the future of smart cities and how technology will reshape the way people live, move, and access services.

From autonomous transportation to AI-powered city operations, the next generation of cities will be built on connectivity, data, and intelligent infrastructure.

But technology alone is not the answer.

Jorge explains why cities must modernize their foundations today, why connectivity is the backbone of future growth, and why people and imagination will still play a critical role in shaping what comes next.

In this episode you will learn:

• What smart cities could look like by 2030 and 2040

• Why connectivity and digital infrastructure are essential for growth

• How autonomous transportation and AI will reshape city services

• Why cities must modernize or risk falling behind

• How the workforce must adapt and upskill for the AI era

• Why leadership and service to the community still matter most

The future of cities is not just about technology.

It is about how people use technology to build better communities.

What will cities look like just a few years from now?

In this TechBytes segment, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares his vision for the next generation of smart cities — where connectivity, automation, and artificial intelligence reshape how people move, access services, and live.

From autonomous transportation to app-based services and safer public spaces, the future city will be more connected, efficient, and accessible.

In this segment, you’ll learn about:

• How connectivity will transform everyday city services
• The rise of autonomous transportation and mobility
• Why AI will improve safety and accessibility
• How smart infrastructure improves quality of life
• The future of cities isn’t decades away — it’s already beginning.

How does someone go from struggling with a language barrier to leading technology for an entire city?

In this Tech Legacies conversation, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares the leadership journey that shaped his career.

Born in Mexico, Jorge moved to the United States at 11 years old and faced the challenge of learning a new language while adapting to a completely new environment. Early struggles with language and confidence shaped the resilience and discipline that would later define his leadership style.

After joining the United States Marine Corps, Jorge developed technical skills, confidence, and a deep appreciation for preparation and teamwork. Eventually, he became a Marine instructor, teaching others and sharpening the leadership lessons he carries to this day.

Today, he leads technology initiatives for the City of Brownsville, applying those same principles of preparation, respect, and strong relationships to build high-performing teams.

In this episode, Jorge shares:

• How moving to the U.S. shaped his leadership mindset

• The leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps

• Why preparation is the key to overcoming fear

• How strong teams are built through trust and respect

• Why leadership is about people as much as technology

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room.

Sometimes it begins with quiet strength and relentless preparation.