I think what everybody at the New Idea Factory believes is change is going to happen. You are either going to get on or get run over. That optimism, though intangible, is a critical dividend of the program. Ms. Ellis says a potential downside of an endeavor like the idea factory is that paid government staffers might feel threatened by the volunteer activity in their territory. Volunteers, for their part, could become discouraged if they feel their efforts have been given only lip service and see no follow-through.
Limits are crucial.
You don't want people to get disillusioned. Mr. Roddey has had to table some ideas for now, such as extending the light-rail transit system to the airport from downtown. Redesigning a county Web site, though, could be done gratis by a volunteer. Other ideas build off the region's existing strengths, such as the Pittsburgh International Airport, one of the newest in the country. Plans are under way to create a business center, such as those at other airports, so travelers can plug in their computers.