Access to technology and learning the skills needed to use different technologies are some of the major issues facing Tampa’s recently rebranded Uptown neighborhood, which includes MOSI, the University of South Florida, the entertainment venue Busch Gardens, and several healthcare facilities.

The neighborhood is a target of recent redevelopment efforts led by the city and county to shape it into an innovation district with a focus on technology. MOSI partnered with High Point Gamer and others in the community to discuss community priorities related to technology access and deliberate on how to create opportunities for learning and engagement with technology.

This project featured a series of community meetings, as well as a large public deliberation event focused on how the community wants technology to shape their future.

Small community meetings leading up to the public event engaged local community leaders and helped identify the specific topic focus for the event. The all-day public event included activities and booths for the public to learn about new technology, and those interested in deeper discussions were able to sign up to attend a one-hour deliberative discussion on the same day.

A panel kicked off the discussion and facilitated conversations were held in small groups. A final, smaller community meeting will follow the larger public event to develop an action plan based on the issues raised.