This week marked the end of the 11th Cohort of the Academy for Municipal Innovation (AMI). This 10-week design and systems thinking course, part of a broader innovation ecosystem program developed over the last decade, is a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University and a unique professional development opportunity for City employees. Weekly classes are taught by Jefferson professors and supplemented with optional small group coaching sessions to practice and learn digital tools for innovation.   

This year’s Cohort was made up of 20 City employees representing 17 different departments, along with 4 employees from SEPTA. This group met weekly to refine problem statements and explore solutions rooted in design thinking and systems-based approaches. The diversity of this year’s cohort—ranging from operations staff to policy experts—brought a rich mix of perspectives that proved invaluable in reimagining how we can serve our residents more effectively. 

Participants dug deeply into understanding complex problems, working collaboratively across departments to break down silos, and developing innovative solutions that can be applied to the work we do every day. The course was systems thinking in action—seeing the interconnectedness of issues, and recognizing that lasting change requires collaboration, open dialogue, and a willingness to experiment. 

We believe true innovation in the public sector happens when we break down barriers through intentional collaboration and most importantly, listen to the needs of the people we serve. We’ve learned not just to think outside the box, but to rethink the entire system and find creative ways to make our city more efficient, equitable, and responsive. 

The cohort left feeling reenergized about their work in public service—because together, we can create meaningful change that makes a real difference in our communities.