Austin’s reputation as one of the nation’s smartest cities went under the microscope Sunday, with policy and academic experts examining the technology, educational, housing and transportation components – and the city’s shifting needs as it grows – that combine to make it a magnet for creatives.

The South by Southwest panel “What Is a Smart City?” was a typical SXSW mix of big ideas and analysis, though there was one bit of news for locals: The Austin CityUp public/private consortium is in the process of developing a Multiple Listing Service-style resource for Austin properties that accept government housing vouchers, which can be hard to redeem and expire if not used quickly.