I have been involved in the startup space for about two decades as a serial entrepreneur of both for-profit and nonprofit ventures. I launched an entrepreneurship program at SMU’s Meadows School for Arts Entrepreneurship/Arts Management and co-founded the Dallas Innovation Alliance, the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, and, most recently, InnoCity Partners.
NCTCOG's Regional Transportation Council believes autonomous vehicles are part of the solution to North Texas' future.
From autonomous parking at DFW airport to self-driving DART shuttles to medication deliveries in McKinney—along with local hubs for Kodiak Robotics, Aurora, and TuSimple—the region could prove to be the "most robust, automated, and connected vehicle ecosystem in the country," says one official.
Aurora's autonomous trucks are just one self-driving innovation hitting the streets in North Texas these days.
BY KEVIN CUMMINGS • MAR 24, 2022
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)—a voluntary association of local governments aimed at regional initiatives—sees the North Texas area’s population growing to more than 11 million residents by 2045. To address strains that will put on the region’s transportation system, it sees autonomous vehicles as part of the solution.
At a meeting of the NCTCOG’s Regional Transportation Council (RTC) earlier this month, the organization approved plans to further test autonomous driving capabilities across North Texas, from automated parking at DFW International Airport to the delivery of medical supplies in McKinney, building upon a project it first began in 2018.
“The larger significance of this project…is deepening the innovation portfolio in the region, creating a level playing field for every community in North Texas to participate,” said Clint Hail, a transportation planner with the NCTCOG who’s overseeing its technology and innovation program.
At the meeting, an additional $3 million was allocated to fund five projects across DFW, adding to more than $31 million the council approved to test technology capabilities in the region.
One of the projects that’s part of the second round of the RTC’s Automated Vehicles Program includes $1.5 million to bring an autonomous parking system to DFW International Airport. As part of the project, the airport will conduct tests in the coming months that could see cars that already have autonomous parking capabilities “park themselves” after dropping off passengers at the terminal. This would be done via a system that tells the car where to go and coordinates with other vehicles to lessen congestion. Paul Puopolo, executive VP of innovation at the airport, told the Fort Worth Report that a full system could be implemented in the next five to eight years.
“Parking is vital, it’s another one of these vital bridge technologies,” Hail said. “It’s something that’s happening now…and it’s only going to accelerate. Finding ways to do parking differently in the light of these technologies, that’s a really great opportunity.”
Another project getting funding is the city of Arlington’s RAPID Program, which landed $600,000 to expend within the city. Through a partnership with UT Arlington, Via Transportation, and May Mobility, the RAPID program, which stands for rideshare, automation, and payment integration demonstration, provides an on-demand transportation service using autonomous vehicles.
With funding from the NCTCOG and the Federal Transit Administration, RAPID has provided more than 28,000 trips around Arlington’s downtown and the UT Arlington campus since beginning in March 2021.
As part of the Automated Vehicles Program, McKinney is eying a program that would use autonomous vehicles to deliver food and medications to underserved areas in the community. According to Community Impact, the NCTCOG and the city of McKinney are seeking to partner with nonprofit Feonix-Mobility Rising to bring two autonomous vehicles to the city to serve senior residents, along with those who are disabled or living below the poverty line. Additionally, Feonix would use its vehicles to act as mobile sites for telehealth visits.
Feonix currently has operations in nine states. Through the RTC’s program, the organization is looking to provide similar services in southern Dallas, working with potential partners like Children’s Health, Parkland Hospital, SMU, and DART. Feonix said it could begin those operations in early 2023.
“Technology is now a transportation mode, no different than transportation modes that maybe were generated 100 years ago,” said Michael Morris, NCTCOG director of transportation, at the meeting. “You’re changing the accessibility to the transportation system as a way for people to gain more productivity in that system.”
Other approved projects part of the second round of the program includes increasing broadband access in places like Lancaster and southern Fort Worth, along with transportation-related projects, including a system that would automate traffic lights for emergency vehicles to quickly reach their destination.
The first round of projects, which received funding approval in 2018, included testing an autonomous vehicle truck port in Fort Worth, mobile food delivery services at Paul Quinn College, and an automated bus line on DART’s operations between Dallas Love Field Airport and the Inwood/Love Field Station, along with other autonomous vehicle projects in various cities around North Texas.
The DFW area has quickly emerged as a hub for autonomous driving technologies. Companies like Kodiak Robotics, Aurora, and TuSimple have all opened operational hubs in the region in recent years. And Ford recently shortlisted Dallas as a potential site for a $160 million facility for its self-driving business, which could potentially bring 250 new jobs to the area.
In addition to the work of private companies, the NCTCOG is also tapping into talent at local universities to drive mobility innovation. In late 2020, the organization partnered with the Texas Research Alliance and a number of institutions, including UNT, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, and SMU, to launch the North Texas Center for Mobility Technology to address mobility challenges and provide an R&D network for local industry players.
With $2.5 million in seed funding from the RTC, the center unveiled its first two projects. One involves a partnership between UNT and Hermes Autonomous Air Mobility Solutions to look at how unmanned aircraft can be integrated into urban, suburban, and rural airspaces. The other involves UNT and Plano-based startup Emobilus developing a system to help vehicles detect cyclists on the road.
“What you’re seeing now is…the most robust, automated, and connected vehicle ecosystem in the country and certainly within the state,” Hail said.
Looking for a new podcast to fall in love with? Look no further than the Smart Community Podcast featuring Executive Director of DIA, Jennifer Sanders! In this episode, Jennifer starts by talks about her background in communications and change management, her passion for Dallas and her focus to make change locally, before she tells us what a Smart Community means to her. Jennifer then shares what she has been working on since we last spoke in 2020 and what changes she has seen in the Smart Communities space since then, before discussing how she collaborates across state and county and some of her learnings from these partnerships. Jennifer then shares with us some of the interesting projects she has been working on, and we discuss the digital divide, and how we can overcome this in our communities.
The Smart Community Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or their website.
The Dallas Police department was recognized for its “Violent Crime Evidence-Based Reduction Plan” in the Data-Driven Policing category in 2022 IDC's Smart Cities North America awards. The awards were designed to recognize the progress municipalities have made in executing Smart Cities projects, as well as provide a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate Smart City development. DPD will be honored at Smart Cities Connect being held on April 4-7, 2022. Congratulations DPD!
Are you passionate about digital inclusion?
The Dallas Innovation Alliance is looking for a Program Manager to lead our digital inclusion projects, including the development of our new Digital Ambassador Program and the continued growth of our Mobile Learning Lab and other projects and partnerships in the portfolio that serve communities in access and skills training related to internet and digital services and careers. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position may be considered for contract or contract → full time.
Successful candidates will have experience in program management, content creation, creating and managing partnerships across sectors, and community engagement. Experience in the nonprofit, public, academic or private sector is welcomed, and the ideal candidate will have experience working in underserved communities across Dallas.Candidates must be organized and detail-oriented, comfortable working with diverse teams, multi-tasking, self-directed, and a level of ambiguity that comes with building brand-new programs. The goal will be to facilitate the effective development and management of programs according to the organization’s mission and structure. The position is primarily virtual, but candidates must live in Dallas or immediate vicinity.
Responsibilities
Program Management
Plan and facilitate Mobile Learning Lab operations and execution
Support development, planning and coordination of digital inclusion programs, including new Digital Ambassador program
Support the planning and execution of community, education, outreach and events;
Ensure implementation of policies and practices
Manage program data collection and reporting
Periodic onsite coordination and event support at off-hour programs
Relationship Development & Management
Support new and ongoing partner relationships and management
Assist as a liaison with community organizations, program providers, funders and other institutional partners
Help build and maintain positive relations within the team and external parties
Content Development & Communications
Develop newsletters, social media, basic website updates, training materials, messaging, and surveys on periodic basis
Support communications through media relations, social media etc.
Administrative
Keeping the Executive Director in check!
Assist in hiring and onboarding new team members
Prepare paperwork, including managing invoicing and basic partner agreements as needed
Scheduling and organizing meetings/events
Monitor and report grant related efforts, including local and national foundations, state and federal grant opportunities. Ensure that the Executive Director is kept abreast of progress and key decision points
Skills & Qualifications
Familiarity or interest in Smart Cities
Knowledge and experience in program management and design processes
Ability to work with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
Experience in data capture, analysis and reporting
Excellent time-management and organizational skills combined with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
Comfortable multi-tasking, as well as working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Ability to support several small to medium-sized projects in addition to working on long-term projects
Self-motivated, creative, self-directed, and responsible
Experience in budget management and reporting
Experience
2-5 years of related project management or organizational experience preferred;
Bachelor’s Degree preferred, but not required;
Experience in community relations, including light event planning;
Experience in developing training materials, scripting and related program content;
Proficiency in Google applications, MS Office, Dropbox;
Ideal candidates will have experience with Squarespace, Salesforce, Mailchimp and other content, data, and relationship management tools; and
Experience in basic graphic design and GIS/ESRI preferred.
The Dallas Innovation Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries and a flexible, pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.
To apply, please email cover letter and resume to info@dallasinnovationalliance.com with the subject line referencing this job posting. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. Dallas Innovation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It can be easy to miss the forest when you’re amongst the trees, and taking this time at the close of the year to review the work undertaken and accomplished is always a ‘holy s**t, we DID get a lot done this year. Today, I’m so grateful for our partners and team that made our digital equity work possible this year. There’s much to do, but am so encouraged by the strides made together. Some of our favorite moments of 2021 – there were so many, I had to create this separate article! Thank you to our partners that provided the resources necessary to carry out this work, including: Communities Foundation of Texas, Meadows Foundation, Santander, Cisco, State Fair of Texas, Capital One, Cradlepoint, GTS, Parsec, REI, T-Mobile, and all our community partners – more on them later!
1. Celebrating the City of Dallas and Dallas Independent School District’s development and adoption of the first Broadband and Digital Equity Strategic Plan. This collaboration is critical to designing a network that serves both residents and the City of Dallas in streamlining operations, the foundation for smart technologies in transportation, traffic signals, sustainability and so much more. A true example of intra- and inter-organizational partnerships. If you haven’t yet seen the plan, please check it out https://bit.ly/3pyGmhC
2. Completing our first full year of the DIA Mobile Learning Lab ‘Wi-Fi bus’ program. The total number of community members through [Em]powerment pop ups, after school programs, and community events served was over 4,500, we have served at least 1,200 adults through [Em]powerment Pop Ups, where we collocated with other nonprofits at local events to provide public health information, vaccine registration, digital skills, job readiness, and support food access, and 95% of those served were low to moderate income (LMI) populations; and 97% represented people of color.
3. Expanding our partnerships with the CARDboard Project in on-the ground access and education support for broadband and digital skills. One of our partnerships, (Em)Powerment Popups, supports Wi-Fi access and services including awareness of programs like the Emergency Broadband Benefit, vaccine registration and signing up for free transportation to sites, basic digital skills and ‘start-up’ support for devices and hotspots, and many others.
4. Development of the Digital Ambassadors program: Creating a central resource for the community's questions and connections to programs is a major factor for both our neighbors, and for service providers in all areas, whether health, education, transportation and others. Our development of our Digital Ambassador program has the ability to increase capacity for these programs and to achieve this lofty goal of upward mobility for all, and we are currently in the process of securing support to implement the Ambassador program. One of the clearest gaps we (and all those we work with) have seen is in community awareness and understanding of the resources that are available to them, and how to access them.
5. Support of the Internet for All Coalition in moving from immediate crisis solutions to long-term programs to support permanent ongoing projects and programs to create digital equity throughout Dallas. In addition to continuing to ensure than all students had internet and devices in the home, community engagement campaigns including Connect Week brought direct insights from our communities and awareness of available programs, and collaboration on strategic planning for large-scale investments hit major milestones. www.internetfordallas.org
6. The Dallas Device Challenge! As a part of our organizations' shared commitment to expanding digital access across the Dallas area, the Dallas Innovation Alliance and the CARDboard Project partnered with Comp-U-Dopt to launch the Dallas Device Challenge! The Dallas Device Challenge is an easy way to support bridging the digital divide, by donating new or used laptops to our organizations. We are asking Dallas employers [and also individuals/employees!] to consider donating their used or new laptops to our organizations this holiday season so they can be gifted to families who need them. Devices will be securely wiped using DoD protocols, reconditioned and then redistributed to families and opportunity populations in the DFW area that need them to access services and opportunities. http://www.dallasinnovationalliance.com/news/2021/12/4/introducing-the-dallas-device-challenge
The students at Frazier Revitalization and TR Hoover ask for her by name and rely on her presence week after week. Allissa York is consistently reliable, patient, creative and hardworking. This is how she builds trust with our students and programming partners. She specializes in educating and caring for students with autism which enables her to provide customized care plans for each student. Allisa has done everything from tutor students to teaching them to fly drones to attending partner roundtable events on behalf of DIA. Allisa has worked with the Mobile Learning Lab for just about two years and has left a lasting impression on our team but on the hundreds of students and families she has worked closely with through MLL programming. eam. This week, the team at DIA wants to celebrate Allissa York, our senior Mobile Learning Lab team member. Allissa brings 4 years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician to our team. Not only does she work with students, she also participates in community outreach events like [Em]powerment Pop Ups where she leads our digital skills training program and educates families on federal benefits related to connectivity. We are so grateful to her for dedicating her time, energy and expertise to our Mobile Learning Lab programs. Allissa won’t be with us next semester because she has received a wonderful new work opportunity. Allissa, we hate to see you go but we are so grateful for having you on our team this long. We wish you so much success and fulfillment in your next opportunity.
In today’s age, reliable access to a computer isn’t just a want, it’s a need. As a part of our organizations' shared commitment to expanding digital access across the Dallas area, the Dallas Innovation Alliance and the CARDboard Project are partnered with Comp-U-Dopt to launch the Dallas Device Challenge! The Dallas Device Challenge is an easy way to support bridging the digital divide, by donating new or used laptops to our organizations.
We are asking Dallas employers and individuals to consider donating their used or new laptops to our organizations this holiday season so they can be gifted to families who need them. We are accepting donations now until January 18th, 2022. We would love it if you would consider joining us from the start. If you'd like to pledge devices right now just click here! For donations of 25 devices or higher the Comp-U-Dopt team can coordinate a pick-up from your local office, for those under 25, the DIA will coordinate pick-up with you. Please note we are only accepting desktops, monitors, laptops, or tablets (excluding iPads) for this project. If you'd like to pledge devices right now just click here! If you’d like to sign-up for the computer lottery, please visit here.
If this isn't possible for this year, please know we understand and we hope that you will help us spread the word far and wide to employees and beyond!
Do you know anyone in need of a computer? Individuals can sign up for our distribution lottery here, and if you’re a nonprofit that would like to help promote this program to your communities and clients, please reach out and we can help with materials and outreach!
To learn more about how you can get involved, please see below, or feel free to contact us directly
What type of electronics do you take?
We will accept any laptops, desktops, and monitors that are less than 5 years old. We do NOT accept CRT monitors or cell phones in any condition. Please include the power cords where possible. Mac’s are okay. At this time we are also unable to take Tablets, tv’s, routers, appliances, servers or printers.
My computer doesn’t work or I lost the cords, will you still take it?
YES! However, we do ask that you keep the hard drive intact.
How do I know my information is safe?
We take data security very seriously and have been doing this work for 13 years. All computers which enter our warehouse are accessed only by authorized staff members and hard drives are wiped using a program called Kill Disk which is an industrial grade disk sanitation software
(http://www.killdisk.com) We follow the Department of Defense standard 5220.22-M method which securely overwrites all data with a minimum of three passes.
Can I get a Tax Receipt?
Yes, Comp-U-Dopt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Within a few days following your donation you will receive a thank you letter with an official tax receipt at the bottom. The IRS prohibits non-profits from setting or determining a fair market value for in-kind donations, however, you will be able to do so in the space provided on your tax receipt.
Where will my computer go?
Our mission at Comp-U-Dopt is to provide technology to students who need it most. During this COVID-19 outbreak and as students will be required to learn online, Comp-U-Dopt is distributing computers to families without a device at home free of charge. Your previously used computer will be data wiped, sanitized, and given to a family in need to help children in our community continue to learn. If we’re unable to use your device for some reason it will still be data wiped and then recycled.
Dallas Innovation Alliance, 2022
