This past Tuesday marked the completion of the 12th cohort of the City’s Academy for Civic Exchange and Design (formerly known as the Academy of Municipal Innovation), or simply “the Academy.” The 10-week professional development program is offered annually to 20 City employees through a partnership between the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Thomas Jefferson University.
Throughout the program, participants learn about systems thinking, design thinking, leverage points, and government innovation by applying a variety of tools and problem-solving techniques to a self-identified “problem statement.” Participants rarely leave the program having fully solved their problem and often discover they were trying to solve the wrong problem altogether. Instead, they leave with a new toolbox of skills, a deeper understanding of government systems, and a growing network of more than 200 program alumni that helps them think more creatively and holistically about solutions.
Some of the core themes of the program include:
- Problem identification and framing
- Systems thinking and understanding the City as an interconnected system
- Human-centered design methodologies
- Application of innovative tools and digital resources
- Proposing, testing, and analyzing potential solutions
But the greatest incentive for many participants remains the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from across City departments and build meaningful relationships beyond their day-to-day roles. This year, 20 City employees participated in the Academy, representing 18 departments, including the Department of Aviation, Board of Ethics, Office of Immigrant Affairs, and, for the first time, the Department of Sanitation.
The term “siloed” is often used to describe work in government, and at times, that characterization can be true. It can be difficult to step away from operational responsibilities and daily workloads to connect with new people and think differently about persistent challenges. The Academy creates intentional space for employees to better understand how the broader system of government functions, spark new ideas and connections, and explore challenges through varied perspectives. Participants dedicate five hours each week (50 hours total) away from their desks and to-do lists to collaborate with creative and passionate City employees from across government.
To date, more than 200 City employees representing over 50 departments have graduated from the Academy. The relationships and perspectives built across the program’s 12 cohorts have created meaningful impact and contributed to a tangible shift in thinking across City government. In fact, 100% of this year’s participants agreed with the statement: “The Academy impacted the way I think about my work in connection to other work at the City.”
Innovation is not always loud, shiny, or driven by expensive technology. Sometimes, innovation is simply learning how work is being done elsewhere, understanding which roadblocks are easier to move than others, and recognizing how your work contributes to something bigger than your office or department.
