The city of Bellevue, Wash., along with Bellevue College, Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) and King County Information Technology (KCIT) have formed The Exchange Northwest, a regional partnership with the goal of furthering civic innovation and community collaboration across the region.
The partnership brings together public agencies, community organizations, educators, technologists and residents "to co‑design solutions to real challenges facing our region,” Bellevue CIO Sabra Schneider said in an email.
“It’s a collaborative space for experimentation, learning and practical problem‑solving,” Schneider said. “Basically, it’s a coordinated way for jurisdictions, nonprofits and innovators to work together, share insights, pilot ideas, and strengthen regional capacity.”
WaTech, which manages IT at the state government level, will provide “expertise and thought leadership,” Vickie Sheehan, its communications director, said.
King County IT looks forward to additional and new opportunities to collaborate across sectors and government agencies, Lindsay Pryor, KCIT communications manager, said. This may include projects like the Sound 2 Summit, an initiative to establish a regional GIS data platform for local jurisdictions in planning, responding to emergencies, and enhancing mobility.
“We also see strong opportunities to work together on advancing AI strategy and responsible use frameworks that emphasize ethics, risk management and workforce readiness,” she said via email. “In addition, we are committed to modernizing cloud infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity so our region’s systems remain resilient and interoperable."
The Exchange Northwest offers a portal for KCIT to strengthen its engagement with residents and businesses, as the county works to develop digital services, partnerships and “community-centered innovation,” Pryor said. Working together, King County’s technology leader said, can make a long-term difference.
“When we pool our strengths, we can solve problems more effectively and make a real difference in our communities," King County CIO Stephen Heard said via email. "Engaging and collaborating with the communities we serve is how we will make meaningful, long-lasting improvements.”
The Exchange offers new pathways for community involvement, Schneider said, which can involve participating in events and workshops throughout the year, volunteering, sponsoring programs and more. Topics the Exchange will take on include community and small‑business innovation, digital equity, service delivery improvements, and solutions co‑designed with community members.
Anyone wanting to learn more is encouraged to attend the second annual Innovation Exchange, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. June 3 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. The event will feature a full day of workshops, conversations, hands-on sessions and community building.
