United States
Andre Sayegh
147,000 (2016)
Kathleen Long
Generate new sources of revenue
Improve service delivery
Simplify administrative procedures for firms and residents
Dedicated innovation team
Focus on measurement
Leadership from Mayor
Support from outside city administration
Paterson’s administration just kicked off on the first of July. The new administration is planning to launch innovative initiatives including additional GIS mapping investments that will better inform the public as well as serve some of the municipal goals.
In addition, as being part of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, the city will receive assistance in creating a "data and evidence" based culture in the city government as well as being provided with trainings on human-centered design and innovation prototyping.
Note: The City Innovation Snapshot (PDF version) was produced in 2019 and some aggregate findings have been updated with the latest survey results below.
Along with 50% of cities surveyed, Paterson does not have an explicit innovation strategy. Similar to 24% of cities surveyed, Paterson approaches innovation capacity in specific policy areas/domains.
Paterson does not have a dedicated team for innovation. The city aims to create at least one position by the end of 2020. In the meantime, department heads are accountable to promoting innovation projects.
Taking risks or testing new ideas
Data-driven analytics/public data management
Engaging residents in new ways
Developing new solutions based on digital technologies
Organizational change within the municipality
Human-centered design
Rethinking your city’s approach to financing partnerships
Its innovation activity sometimes include promoting data-driven analytics.
Like 19% of cities surveyed, Paterson does not have dedicated funding to support innovation capacity.
Paterson has no reported sources of funding.
Paterson does not fund any specific activities.
Paterson has developed partnerships to promote its innovation capacity with other public agencies, private firms, not-for-profit organizations, and city residents/resident associations.