The RCN focus on three topics related to the aging population. A multiagency report ¹ identifies major issues and services related to the well-being of the aging population, based on a survey administered by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Among those issues, transportation, public safety/emergency services, and housing are selected because they align perfectly with S&CC issues for disadvantaged populations in general.

Overall, the RCN will identify research directions with respect to the challenges for the utilization of currently available technologies (e.g. ride-sharing apps, information and communication technologies for emergency operations) as well as the emerging technologies (e.g. autonomous vehicles, voice-command tools, smart homes).  An overarching perspective of the RCN is to understand the societal need and corresponding S&CC solutions within varying levels of urban density, and built environment settings.