S5 | Ep. 13: The Beta District: How Central Ohio Became America's Smart Mobility Testbed

A connected region doesn’t happen by accident. It takes cities willing to coordinate, infrastructure that can support real-world testing, and leaders who can turn big mobility ideas into solutions that make everyday life safer. Lindsay and Bruce sit down with Doug McCullough, Executive Director of The Beta District, to discuss how Dublin, Marysville and Union County are building a smart mobility innovation district that serves as a national testing ground for transportation and logistics technologies. We talk through what “mobility” really means when you look beyond cars: the movement of people, goods and services across communities, industry, agriculture and logistics. Doug explains The Beta District’s living labs, including the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor and its partnership with the Transportation Research Center. Plus, he shares how multi-level coordination with DriveOhio creates an edge that many regions simply can’t replicate. You’ll also learn about practical examples like truck platooning, why fiber and digital connectivity matter for both residents and businesses, and how the district keeps its focus on a clear North Star: reducing fatal crashes and improving quality of life. Lindsay, Bruce and Doug then look ahead to the next five to ten years, from microelectronics and logistics modernization to advanced air mobility. You'll even learn a new word as Doug describes himself as a "techno-optimist" when it comes to AI. If you’re curious about smart cities, connected vehicles, transportation technology and how regional collaboration actually works, hit play, subscribe and share the show with a friend.