Supporting County agencies by identifying, analyzing, and implementing innovative business intelligence and technology solutions to effectively inform decision-making, address agency challenges, and provide more effective and efficient service to the residents of Broward County.
Broward County Innovation Unit
Here in Broward County, Innovation is part of our DNA, embedded in our programs, processes, and services to the residents, visitors, and businesses of South Florida. The Broward County Innovation Unit was formed in early 2020, with the intended purpose to develop and implement cutting edge data analysis and visualization solutions. This information can then be used to create dynamic reports and dashboards with real-time, interactive representations of specific datasets in a rapidly changing environment.
Among the many County agencies partnering with and working with the Innovation Unit are Aviation, Cultural Affairs, Enterprise Technology Services, Human Services, Mobility Advancement Program (MAP), Port Everglades, Public Communications, Public Works, Purchasing, Regional Communications, and Resilient Environment. Learn about our Past Projects and how we assisted in tracking applications for Emergency Rental Assistance; or the role we played in reporting COVID-related data; or managing vendor contracts. The Broward County Innovation Unit also interacts with local organizations to promote innovation and technology advancements in South Florida.
News & Highlights
Broward County Celebrates Innovation Week, April 15th - 21st
Innovation is part of Broward County's DNA and is evident everywhere – all year-round. During the month of April, however, Broward County and the Broward County Innovation Unit are pausing to recognize the importance of innovation and the role it plays in all agencies, as our County Commission, Administration, agency leaders and staff strive to make our County a better place for all who live, learn, work, and play in Broward County.
Why April? For starters, April 21st was designated as “World Creativity and Innovation Day" by United Nations Resolution 71/284, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2017, acknowledging that innovation is essential for harnessing economic potential and the importance of supporting entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. Today, “World Creativity and Innovation Week," commencing on the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, on April 15th, and running through April 21st, is now recognized across the global community, spanning more than 50 countries. In addition, both Microsoft Corporation and Apple Computer were founded in the month of April in 1975 and 1976, respectively. NASA launched the Mars Odyssey in 2001.
And in April 2024, Broward County launched its first-ever Citizen Data Portal. The Citizen Data Portal is a gateway into open data, establishing a single point of access for anyone seeking to learn more about their community and government, thereby aligning with the Broward County Goal Theme of “Accountable Government: Committed to providing an open government that is transparent and accessible to the public."
Broward County's commitment to, and investment in Innovation is wide-reaching and long-standing, as evidenced by the creation of The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, housed in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and IT Center at NSU, where it serves as a public-private partnership between Nova Southeastern University and Broward County, “acting as an economic and education development engine linking the South Florida innovation ecosystem."
In Broward County, “Innovation is Everywhere," as leaders recognize that building a culture of Innovation within government is not just an option – it's a necessity. It is a vital tool that can help governments create a better future for citizens by improving performance, addressing complex challenges, remaining competitive, and fostering economic growth and job creation, whether through the use of drones to rapidly visualize and assess our changing environment, increasing citizen engagement with technology and the use of public portals, or creating a shared access point across all municipalities which links city and County permitting for the public. In 2023, The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized Broward County agencies with a record 17 NACo Achievement Awards for innovation in local government, and more are likely yet to come in 2024.
The Broward County Innovation Unit was established in 2020, with the mandate to support County agencies by identifying, analyzing, and implementing innovative business intelligence and technology solutions to effectively inform decision-making, address agency challenges, and provide more effective and efficient service to the residents of Broward County. With collaborative projects like the Citizen Data Portal, the Innovation Unit continues to partner with agencies in their quest to improve processes, decision-making, and the services provided to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Broward County.
“Innovation is EVERYWHERE!"
Innovation abounds in Broward County – Phillip Dunlap, Director of Broward Cultural Division, has a lot of innovative projects on his plate these days.
The excitement in downtown Fort Lauderdale's Esplanade Park was contagious on the eve of the third annual IGNITE Broward: Art & Light Festival, which took place at the end of January. IGNITE illuminated and enlightened Broward residents during Lauderdale Art week as one of the signature events. The five-day, interactive of immersive art and technology, featured both national and international artists using innovative digital technologies.
“Technology is something everyone is familiar with; but it's also a great way for people to experience art in new and innovative ways and immerse yourself in the arts," reflects Director Phillip Dunlap.
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Besides the announcement of a new cultural center in West Broward, Broward Cultural Division is working on a Digital “Metaverse" as a digital way to view 35 pieces of the County's public art collection, which consists of more than 300 commissioned pieces across the County. “This technology allows everyone anywhere to virtually approach the art," says Dunlap.
“We thought, through AR/VR (Artificial Reality/Virtual Reality), we could create a unique experience of a centralized collection and do it virtually. It's currently in a pilot phase but is set for launch soon. The idea is that you will enter a central 'station' or location virtually, and it will take you to different places in the County to view some of the many amazing pieces of public art.
The prototype creates a virtual “homebase" that resembles a floor on the Main Library. In the blink of an eye the viewer can virtually be transported to either the arena, the airport, the south regional courthouse, or the Dillard green space. The great thing about it is that it doesn't require downloading an app, as one can access it through a mobile device or computer. The next step might include utilizing AI to enhance the experience so that a visitor will be greeted by an AI tour guide, and could answer questions about the art, that they may have." The Public Art Metaverse is currently in a beta phase, set to launch in late spring/early summer. ![]()
The
prototype for AR/VR project will virtually take you to different artwork
locations throughout Broward County.
Another project in the works is the Public Art GeoMap and Grants Dashboard.
The Broward County Innovation Unit is working on multiple projects with the Broward Cultural Division. Among them is The Public Art GeoMap, which includes maps for locations of public art, a description of the work, monetary value, and details such as: artist name, artwork title and medium, and year it was commissioned by the County, as well as where the art is located. A thumbnail image accompanies each art reference, which can be expanded for a better viewing of the piece.
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The Grants Dashboard, also built by the Broward County Innovation Unit, may be accessed by the public. Users can search for art opportunities, as well as an understanding of where grant funds are being distributed and to whom. Grants support music, performing arts, film, and writing, to name a few, and the dashboard helps to highlight the locations and Commission District.
Rest assured, Phil Dunlap and the Broward Cultural Division have many more innovative initiatives in store for the future. “Part of why I love the idea of art and technology is because it's become more accessible, which in turn makes the art more accessible. These advances in technology allow more and diverse groups of people to virtually approach and experience art.
Broward County's Innovation Unit receives two National Association of Counties (NACo) 2023 Achievement Awards.
Broward County’s Innovation Unit is honored to be the recipient of two National Association of Counties (NACo) 2023 Achievement Awards on behalf of Broward County Government for "Dynamic COVID Response Data Visualization" and "Interactive Contracts Management Data Visualization." The Dynamic COVID Response Data Visualization program used data analytics to greatly enhance resource allocation, and communication (both within organizations and to the public), in addition to allowing a more diverse and inclusive outreach effort that substantially improved Broward County’s recovery from the physical, economic, and social impacts of COVID-19. The Interactive Contracts Management Dashboards provide real-time visualization of County contract data, including usage, pending expirations, and goal performance, thereby allowing staff to manage contract resources and make decisions more effectively and efficiently. For past Highlights visit the Innovation Gallery and Media Room.
