About the Innovation Office

We help the City of Austin develop the problem-solving capabilities it needs to adapt rapidly and meet the needs of the future.

The Innovation Office opened in 2014, with a vision to explore and experiment with new solutions to Austin’s complex problems. We work with other City departments to research, design, and prototype early-stage concepts and solutions that make progress toward Austin’s strategic goals. In addressing challenges, we start with the needs, behaviors, and experiences of our community, and continue through a process of questioning assumptions, engaging with empathy, stewarding divergent thought, reflecting, and learning.

Look back at the timeline of the Innovation Office

Our team

Kerry O’Connor, Chief Innovation Officer

Kerry O’Connor is Austin’s Chief Innovation Officer. She joined the City of Austin on March 24, 2014. Previously, Kerry worked at the U.S. Department of State, where she established an innovation unit called the Research and Design Center in the Office of the Secretary of State, which offers research, consulting, brainstorming facilitation, and strategic design services. She developed and managed an employee idea generation program, helped architect sustainable management reforms, coordinated logistics for the Pittsburgh G20 Summit, served as an executive staffer, and improved programs and operations at two U.S. Embassies. O’Connor holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from James Madison University.

Innovation Office staff

Current i-Team members

Previous i-Team members