Mastercard Previews City Inclusion Platform In Honolulu

Mastercard will test its Mastercard City Key, a card that combines ID, city services access and payment functionality all in one, according to the press release.

The new card will be previewed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 87th Annual Meeting in Honolulu, set for Friday through Monday, to let the mayors “experience first-hand how technology can unlock better access to social, economic and cultural opportunities.”

“In a new immersive showcase, Mastercard, the City and County of Honolulu, IDEMIA and MoCaFi will show how the power of collaboration can create inclusive access to services for city residents,” the company said. “Attendees of the conference will access event venues, local attractions and transportation options through one single card.”

The new service is the result of City Possible, a worldwide partnership and creation framework spearheaded by Mastercard.

“It’s been more than half a century since President John F. Kennedy traveled to Oahu to speak about civil rights to our nation’s mayors,” said Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “I can think of no better place and time to discuss how we move our country forward through economic inclusiveness and more resilient communities. As one of the founding members of City Possible, the City and County of Honolulu appreciates Mastercard’s leadership in working toward more inclusive and resilient cities.”

After the preview in Honolulu, the program will pilot in San Jose, California, “enabling the city to deliver critical resources and emergency support in a more efficient way. Using learnings and insights from the initial pilot, the partners will explore additional uses, including faster distribution of social benefits, and improving access to broadband and other digital services.”

“We are proud to support the City and County of Honolulu in welcoming the nation’s mayors, and in facilitating this important dialogue,” said Michael Froman, Mastercard vice chairman and president of strategic growth. “At Mastercard, we’re deeply committed to enabling cities to improve [the] quality of life for all their residents — and to help cities around the world learn from places such as Honolulu and San Jose. The challenges are too big to think small — or tackle alone.”