2012 Finalist: Santa Cruz[BETA]
“The interface proposed has a lot in common with TurboTax, simplifying the interface between small business owners and City Hall. We’re using technology to make government more efficient, transparent and easier to work with for small business owners.”
- Mayor Ryan Coonerty
For citizens, acquiring the right permits from their city government can be confusing — it’s not always clear which department should be contacted or what permits are actually required for a project. The process can frustrate local entrepreneurs, limiting economic development and stifling local job creation.
The city of Santa Cruz is seeking to partner with Code for America out of a shared vision that citizens shouldn’t have to choose between economic development and policies that protect the natural resources, vibrancy, and character of their communities. Together, we hope to use technology to streamline the process.
Most small business owners typically apply for permits from multiple agencies. The promise of this project is that it is focused not only on improving efficiency across agencies, but also in helping small businesses gain greater visibility and transparency into the permits, entitlements, time and money required to open a new venture. The hope is that Code for America can scale the best practices learned in Santa Cruz to a solution for other California cities that can increase efficiency, cost-savings, and transparency – while stimulating the local economy.
The Challenge
Santa Cruz is a finalist for the 2012 Code for America Fellowship, and if selected, it’ll be up to a team of CfA Fellows to take on this challenge. In less than a year, they’ll need to work with the city and our local partners to go from concept to delivery — with everything from research and marketing to development and testing. Up for the challenge? We’re now accepting applications.
