In this insightful webinar, Andrew Buss, Deputy CIO of Philadelphia, and Tara Woody, Innovation Manager, discuss Philadelphia's digital equity initiatives, the groundbreaking Key Spot program, and the city's vision for an interconnected future. Hosted by Faz, they talk aboutthe transformative power of public technology and the city's commitment to innovation. Glimpse into Philadelphia's tech-driven transformation.
Andrew is a Deputy Chief Information Officer within Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology. He and his team focus on public technology and innovation, with a portfolio including digital equity, public sector innovation ecosystems, smart cities, creative services, and communications. After directing Philadelphia’s implementation of the KEYSPOT program, a citywide network of 77 community technology centers, he established the City’s first innovation team with a focus on helping public sector employees think and work more creatively. Andrew also started the Digital Literacy Alliance, a cross-institutional grantmaking group in the digital equity space, and collaboratively produced the City’s first comprehensive Digital Equity Plan. He earned a graduate degree in geography from Temple University in Philadelphia and teaches about the public sector in Temple University’s Master of Public Policy program.
Tara works as an Innovation Manager in Philadelphia's Office of Innovation & Technology, where she focuses on increasing public sector capacity for innovation and creative thinking. She previously worked as the Project Manager for SmartCityPHL, where she helped implement a first-time permit navigator application for Philadelphia residents and businesses to use when seeking City permits. Prior to joining OIT, Tara worked in the Office of Complete Streets in Philadelphia where she re-developed and managed the city’s transportation safety education program, Safe Routes Philly. She joined the City of Philadelphia in 2018, bringing several years of facilitation, program management, and teaching experience.
Tara earned her Master's degree in Public Policy from Temple University in May of 2023 and now speaks to different classes and audiences about innovation in government. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Temple University in 2013.