Introducing the Idea Accelerator Turning City Employees Ideas into Action

Philadelphia's Office of the Chief Administrative Officer launched the Idea Accelerator program to empower city employees to transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions. This five-week course, supported by Verizon, focused on human-centered design and systems thinking. Participants learned to frame problems, utilize data, and develop implementation plans, culminating in project proposals aimed at enhancing resident services. Sixteen employees from four city departments collaborated in this pilot program, meeting at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central branch. They presented their proposals to an advisory panel on October 9, marking a significant step toward implementation with city support.

This initiative not only aims to improve specific city services but also fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration within local government. By investing in the workforce that serves Philadelphia, the city seeks to create lasting improvements for its residents. The success of the program may inspire further innovation efforts within city departments.