Metro City Council voted 7-2 Thursday evening to approve a $2.3 billion infrastructure contract with Nexus Corporation for the implementation of AI-powered monitoring and management systems throughout the city.
Contract Details
- Value: $2.3 billion over 10 years
- Contractor: Nexus Corporation
- Vote: 7-2 (Council members Reyes, Thompson opposed)
- Implementation: Q3 2045 - Q4 2048
- Components: 50,000+ sensors, cameras, AI systems
Contract Scope
According to documents filed with the City Clerk, the contract includes:
• Installation of 50,000 AI-enabled cameras and sensors citywide
• Deployment of facial recognition systems at 200 key locations
• Integration with existing traffic and infrastructure systems
• 24/7 monitoring center staffed by Nexus Corp personnel
• 10-year maintenance and upgrade agreement
Supporters
Council member Robert Hayes, who sponsored the measure, stated the contract would "modernize Metro City's infrastructure and improve public safety outcomes."
Mayor Thomas Bradley issued a statement calling the vote "a significant step toward making Metro City one of the safest cities in America."
Nexus Corp CEO Victoria Chen pledged that the company would "work transparently with the community" during implementation.
Opposition
Council member Diana Reyes, who voted against the measure, cited concerns about "the concentration of surveillance capabilities in the hands of a single private corporation."
Council member James Thompson expressed concerns about data privacy protections he characterized as "insufficient."
The Digital Rights Foundation submitted written testimony opposing the contract, arguing it "creates infrastructure for mass surveillance without adequate public oversight." The American Civil Liberties Union submitted similar objections.
Public Comment
During the three-month public comment period, the City Clerk's office received 4,247 written submissions: 2,891 in support, 1,356 opposed. Twelve public hearings were held with approximately 340 residents providing oral testimony.
Financial Terms
The contract will be funded through a combination of federal infrastructure grants ($800 million), municipal bonds ($1.1 billion), and Nexus Corp financing arrangements ($400 million). City Controller Margaret Wu stated the financing structure was "within normal parameters for projects of this scale."
Nexus Corp stock rose 8% following the announcement.
Full contract documents are available at metro.gov/smartcity.
