NTXIA recognizes the benefits of a regional approach to share best practices, leverage shared resources, build connections, create efficiencies, and improve services. At the inset, this will be accomplished through convening frequently to focus on immediate challenges related to COVID-19, while looking ahead to establish core priorities, plans, and deliverables that drive cross-jurisdictional solutions.
One of the core tenets of NTXIA is the formation of strategic advisory committees to tackle complex topics including data standards and privacy, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, financial models, and procurement. It is NTXIA’s belief that these problems can only be solved through best minds approaches, and can be addressed more quickly together than those developed individually.
“Smart City collaboration is now moving beyond municipal boundaries, and more and more regions are working together in order to create seamless interchanges for their residents,” said Jennifer Sanders, Cofounder of the North Texas Innovation Alliance. “Everyone benefits from the North Texas region working collectively to create the most compelling and innovative solutions that support government, residents, and businesses, and to provide the infrastructure that can attract more residents and organizations, and is prepared to respond together with agility in times of crisis.”
The 21 founding members of the North Texas Innovation Alliance include: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Coppell, Corinth, Dallas, Dallas County, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas Innovation Alliance, Dallas Regional Chamber, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Frisco, Garland, Irving, McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corporation, North Texas Commission, North Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), Plano, Richardson, and the Texas Research Alliance. Through its leadership and vision for the region, the North Texas Commission played a key role in establishing the consortium through hosting convenings of its membership that facilitated collaboration in shaping the mission of the NTXIA.
The NTXIA has joined Mastercard’s City Possible network, a partnership and co-creation initiative that brings cities, companies, and communities together to identify common challenges and co-develop solutions that advance inclusive and sustainable urban development.
“Since its inception, City Possible was always designed to become a network of networks, and we are already seeing that come to fruition in 2020,” said Miguel Gamino, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Partnerships and Head of Global Cities. “By bringing their consortium of cities to the network, we will help the regions represented by NTXIA tap into the insights and resources of the global community and accelerate local collaboration to deploy solutions at scale.”
The NTXIA will enhance economic vitality and highlight a culture of innovation that supports municipalities, agencies, companies, and academic institutions across North Texas. In addition to the consortium addressing both current and evolving challenges of efficiencies, sustainability, economic growth, and quality of life, the NTXIA will also focus on regional standards, policies, and models that will facilitate faster deployment and results.
Through the consortium, NTXIA will work to address and enhance elements serving the region including:
- Linkages between educational institutions, business, and community leaders. These links create alignment, incentivize shared investment, and generate economic opportunity.
- Infrastructure and the effective management and stewardship of shared natural and human resources.
- A strategy for resilience in the face of extreme weather and other events, such as COVID-19 and related impacts.
- Connecting all parts of the region through linking elements that are the lifeblood of access to opportunity and economic development, including power, water, and broadband.
- Effective and forward-looking land use policies, urban design, and zoning.
- Ensuring a strong talent pipeline throughout the lifecycle to prepare the workforce for future career skills and opportunity.
- Accessible and efficient transit solutions and traffic management.
