(Washington, DC) – Today, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a new partnership with Mayor Bowser aimed at transforming the digital landscape within DC Government. Along with five other cities from around the world, Washington, DC will receive a three-year grant to launch an innovation team (i-team) which will focus on leveraging data and digital technologies to further improve public services and provide a better digital experience for residents. The District plans to hire six new team members who will join forces with the current Mayor’s Office of Policy to create an expanded Mayor’s Office of Policy and Innovation.
“We are proud, with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, to launch an innovation team in the capital of inclusive innovation,” said Mayor Bowser. “DC Government is excelling in many ways – we’re accountable, we’re responsive, and we juggle the responsibilities of a city, county, and state. Throughout the pandemic, the team at DC Government – 37,000 members strong – rose to incredible challenges to not only protect our community but continue providing world-class city services. Now, as we make our comeback, the i-team will help us recover stronger and deliver that better normal we know is possible.”
Especially since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, state and city technology teams across the country have been focused on delivering seamless digital services. Even prior to the pandemic, however, the Bowser Administration underwent a nine-month strategic planning effort to build a vision for unleashing what is possible for District Government in the digital age. The innovation team will support DC Government in realizing its digital goals.
As part of the grant, Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide technical assistance to the innovation team throughout the three-year period. The team will focus on empowering residents, businesses, and visitors to seamlessly navigate government resources and opportunities by providing a user-friendly platform for giving feedback and engaging with DC Government.
“Under Mayor Bowser, Washington, DC has been a data and innovation leader,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City. “This investment will help the city continue to improve public services, meet resident needs, and emerge from the pandemic stronger and more equitable than ever.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies began funding innovation teams in 2011 to help city leaders around the globe drive bold innovation and change to create more inclusive communities. This is the first year that the grant will focus exclusively on digital transformation.
Other cities that will be launching innovation teams include: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bogotá, Colombia; Mexico City, Mexico; Reykjavík, Iceland; and San Francisco, California.
Today, at 11 am, Mayor Bowser will join a panel with Michael Bloomberg and other mayors to discuss the i-teams. Register to view the panel HERE.