Generocity Team
Buss talked about his work trying to make innovation a regular occurrence in city government. He outlined a number of projects that the Office of Innovation and Technology has spearheaded, including the creation of an "Innovation Academy" in partnership with Philadelphia University, where city officials can go to learn how to be more collaborative and innovative in their jobs. As per OAP tradition, Buss concluded with six words that represent his work: "Invest in people for better government."
Through a program called PhillyStat, Curtis has worked to implement programs that measure the performance of city government and build internal capacity. He also said he is trying to improve communication with citizens by bringing important data sets to the people that need them most, such as providing hard data about house fires to a neighborhood that is plagued by them. His six words: "Strategic thinking, smarter government, safer city."
Knapp talked about PWD's ongoing efforts to reduce pressure on the city's aging combined sewer system through sustainable infrastructure, such as raised garden beds, more permeable surfaces and rain barrels that reduce the amount of run-off that enters the system. Currently, sewage and run-off water mix when the system is overloaded, which pours tainted water into our rivers. Her six words spoke to this simple problem: "Keep shit out of the river."
Pinkelman discussed how he develops programming for the Free Library's public computer centers which reflect the needs of the people who use the centers. One piece of data he's gathered is that 1 out of 5 visitors to a computer center is looking for a job. His six words: "Bringing new resources to under-served communities."
Viren discussed some new projects happening at the Department of Parks & Recreation, including the "clusters initiative," which is looking at groupings of recreations centers throughout the city and finding ways for them to coordinate and leverage one another's strengths. His six words: "More, better programs for community needs."
Tucker So zeroed-in on the value of Culture Blocks, an innovative mapping tool for the city's arts and culture sector. She explained that the Office of Arts, Culture, & the Creative Economy has used data from the tool to research how cultural activity impacts the overall quality of a neighborhood. Her six words: "Creativity is the driver of well-being."
Dews unveiled a new project coming out of the Office of Sustainability (which was recently made a permanent office through a public referendum) that will visualize the energy use of building throughout the city. The program, he said, will launch this week. His six words: "Reducing building energy to reduce emissions."
Sahay reviewed a list of programs, benefits and tax incentives available to business owners through the Commerce Department, including grant programs for start-ups, small businesses and others. Her six words: "Sustained economic growth and job creation."
