Fixing Our Government for the Future

Over the last decade, government has made significant strides to transform how people access critical government services. Frustration over outdated, burdensome systems drove early digital transformation in government. The need for remote services during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated it. And through it all, the civic technology community demonstrated the role of technology in improving government service delivery.

Now, we are in a moment of change. The Department of Government Efficiency has kicked off a national dialogue around how to make government more efficient. There is little debate, when you talk to practitioners and civil servants, that reform is needed. Government can and should work better for people accessing services and the people working in government. But what is less clear is how to do it right. One path will strip government down to the bones.

A better path will make government work for everyone.

Shoulder to Shoulder

At Code for America, we’ve made it our mission to transform government service delivery. For 15 years, we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with government at every level and across the country to reimagine how public services are designed and delivered. In red states and in blue states, our government partners have demonstrated the transformative power of technology that puts people first. From helping families access tax credits to modernizing food assistance programs, we’ve shown what’s possible when government meets the moment with creativity and compassion.

We recognized there is much more to do. That’s why we’ve developed a bold vision to fix government for the future. At the heart of this vision is a simple but profound idea: when government is ready, responsive, and resilient, it will deliver on its promise to the people it serves. When government delivers, people prosper.

A government that delivers is ready. A government that is ready isn’t just reacting to challenges as they arise—it’s anticipating them. This means investing in modern digital infrastructure, harnessing the power of data responsibly, and empowering public servants to innovate. Imagine a government equipped to get benefits to the people who are eligible for them, as soon as they require them. A ready government acts proactively, saving resources and, more importantly, lives.

A government that delivers is responsive. Too often, people face barriers when they turn to government for help, encountering confusing paperwork, outdated websites, and long wait times. A responsive government works at the speed of change. It meets people where they are, delivering services that are accessible, easy-to-understand, and user-friendly. Responsive government rebuilds trust, because when people feel seen and heard, they feel valued.

A government that delivers is resilient. We need a government that is resilient—one that can adapt and thrive no matter what challenge arises. Whether it’s a pandemic, a natural disaster, or an economic shift, government systems must be flexible enough to withstand disruptions. Resilience requires forging partnerships with civic tech innovators, private companies, and local organizations to create solutions that last. A resilient government is prepared to face the future with confidence.

This work won’t be easy, but it’s essential. Code for America is ready to lead the way, side by side with our government partners, the broader civic tech community, and everyday people who believe that our public systems can and must do better.