Inside Raleigh’s Approach to Public Innovation

By: Chelsea McCullough, Strategic Advisor, Smart Cities, TechConnect

While Raleigh (population 482,295) may be historically known as the “City of Oaks,” the city’s reputation as a technology and innovation hub is solidifying its position as one of the nation’s top hubs for urban transformation. 

Within the City of Raleigh, the Office of Strategy and Innovation is a centralized resource that leads and supports projects for multiple municipal departments while also managing external strategic partnerships including high-impact initiatives with local residents. The team, led by  Strategy & Innovation Officer, Dr. Heather McDougall, includes innovation champions John Holden (Smart City Manager), Cristina Leos (Strategy and Impact Manager), Macie Rush-Frazelle (Lead Service Designer), Gabriela Scarritt (Lead Innovation Designer), and Idia Enogieru (Senior Strategy Designer).  Heather describes OSI as “a small but mighty team seeking to push the boundaries of public innovation.” The OSI team runs several important programs:

Through the Raleigh Impact Lab, the OSI team advises city staff and partners on human-centered design (HCD) approaches so that innovative ideas are always connected to purpose. The result is “creative, responsive, and effective solutions” that serve Raleigh residents. The Lab specializes in centering community members as experts who inform not only the solutions, but also the questions related to how to deliver city services. This unique, resident-centered perspective focuses on outcomes that address real-world issues and cut through bureaucratic roadblocks. According to Heather, “HCD is a powerful innovation tool, enhancing trust and empowering residents and the city to bring “What-If” to life.” 

The City of Raleigh Innovation Ecosystem is a deliberate invitation for entrepreneurs and social/civic advocates to share their talent and unique solutions for the benefit of Raleigh’s residents and visitors. The willingness to say “we want your ideas!” is an exciting rallying cry that encourages new, relevant, and collaborative ways to discuss and design innovative solutions. 

Smart Raleigh details how the city has evolved its efforts to integrate sensor enabled technologies and data to inform city service delivery and improve residents’ quality of life. The team uses a pilot project approach to test applications before launching full-scale programs so that adjustments can be made along the way. Some of the key Smart Raleigh initiatives include:

  • Born from the Raleigh Impact Lab, The Greenway Innovation Corridor, is a 1.5-mile living lab designed to test new ideas using a combination of technology and (non-technology) community-led approaches. This physical space provides a “launchpad” so teams can see their collaborative work come to life. For example, based on resident input, the City of Raleigh is testing glow-in-the-dark paint to better define a portion of the corridor at dusk Also, the Greenway Explorer is an app that offers real-time information on Raleigh’s parks, trails, and amenities to support residents’ experiences. 
  • Peach Road Cultural Center Smart Lights and Wi-Fi which reduced lighting system energy emissions while also bolstering Wi-Fi access for residents at a local park. The city coordinated with multiple vendors to deliver savings and enhance public safety through smart lighting. 
  • The team is also leading a heat monitor program along with the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County to better understand the impact of urban heat related to climate action and resilience. 

There are many other projects underway and in the pipeline thanks to the platform that OSI has built to engage residents with city officials. In fact, Raleigh has many different ways for residents to connect with the City, to learn more about programs and policies (including the Strategic Plan), to interact with city leaders and neighbors, and to express their perspectives and ideas.

This spirit of engagement and collaboration related to urban innovation is rarely seen (unfortunately) in city government. Raleigh is setting the bar high but with a spirit of collaboration and openness so that more city leaders can follow in the path. Stay tuned for direct insights on how the OSI team has built this amazing platform and an ecosystem of purpose-led partnerships. And be sure and register for the Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo in Raleigh where you’ll get to meet the team and see their incredible work first hand!