United States
John D'Amico
36,000 (2018)
Francisco J. Contreras
Improve internal government operations
Simplify administrative procedures for firms and residents
Generate new sources of revenue
Dedicated innovation team
Culture of innovation in city
Engagement with partners
Leadership from Mayor
West Hollywood’s Innovation Division spearheads a variety of programs and projects that leverage civic engagement and smart city concepts to improve service delivery, transparency, and quality of life. The WeHoX Innovation program has led a series of salons that bring together community organizations and citizens to identify creative, efficient solutions to common challenges. Notable outcomes include public WiFi, an open data visualization portal, the installation of electric car charging stations, and tech training classes for seniors. By clarifying its innovation strategy and designating staff to innovation, West Hollywood has built a culture of change and improvement.
Along with 50% of cities surveyed, West Hollywood, CA has an explicit innovation strategy. Similar to more than half of cities surveyed, West Hollywood, CA approaches innovation capacity both from a holistic/macro level, as well as in specific policy areas.
West Hollywood is in the process of establishing next-generation infrastructure and managing smart city and strategic projects to make government more efficient, effective, and open. The city develops and implements three major components of the Street Media Project (i.e. wayfinding, welcome signs, and street furniture); enhance community engagement through innovative approaches so that all constituencies participate in civic life; and promote greater citizen engagement through the use of civic technology and innovation. West Hollywood also increases governmental transparency by supporting Open Data initiatives and similar programs.
As an independent department, West Hollywood’s dedicated innovation team consists of 2 staff.
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
Like 81% of cities surveyed, West Hollywood, CA has dedicated funding to support innovation capacity.
Similar to 61% of participating cities in the 2020 survey, West Hollywood's funding for innovation capacity is also directed towards training staff and building capacity*.
*"Training staff and building capacity" is not an option in the 2018 survey, while "Launching or sustaining a project" is not an option in the 2020 survey.
West Hollywood has developed partnerships to promote innovation capacity with other public agencies, private firms, not-for-profit organizations, and city residents/resident associations.