Code for America Updates Proposal to Support Progress in Negotiations with CfA Workers United

Code for America updated its offer to CfA Workers United to reflect our ongoing commitment to our employees while honoring the realities of our current environment. We remain dedicated to reaching an agreement that is fair to our employees, responsible to our organization, and aligned with the needs of the people we serve.

If we’re not able to reach an agreement by the end of the year, Code for America will continue our work partnering with governments to support those who rely on public benefits and services. We have plans in place to maintain stability across our operations and minimize any impact on the communities that depend on our work.

Our Proposal

From day one, our goal has been to remain best-in-class in our industry while ensuring organizational sustainability. The following reflects the updated proposal.

Remote Work: At a time when organizations are calling employees back to the office, we remain committed to supporting staff working from their desired location and attracting talent from across the country.

Compensation: We’re proposing a $1,000 one-time payment now, with the potential for salary increases up to 3.4% in 2027 based on our financial position. We remain competitive with the most expensive markets in the country and exceed market rates in most geographies where our team lives.

Retirement Benefits: We believe that doing mission-driven work shouldn’t mean sacrificing your financial future. We offer 401(k) plans matching 100% of employee contributions up to 3% of annual income. After three years of service, we match 50% of contributions over 3% up to a maximum of 5% per year.

Professional Development: Our work evolves as technology and government needs change—and we support staff evolving with it. Every staff member will receive a $500 annual professional development budget to encourage continued learning and growth.

Paid Time Off: We’re intentional about rest and recognize that meaningful time away strengthens both individuals and our collective work. We’ve proposed open paid time off after 90 days of employment, plus 14 paid holidays and office closures each year—including Election Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Juneteenth, and one floating holiday for a day of personal significance.

Sabbatical Benefits: After five years of employment, employees receive a three-week paid sabbatical—time to rest, learn, and return refreshed with new insights.

Health Care: We offer a menu of health plan options, allowing staff and their families to choose the one that works best for them. This includes at least one no-cost employee-only coverage plan, with a minimum contribution of 70% towards the cost of standard dependent coverage. 

Fertility and Adoption Benefits: Decisions about family planning are deeply personal, and we want to support whatever path is right for our staff. For employees whose health plan doesn’t cover these services, we provide up to $10,000 lifetime coverage for adoption assistance, fertility assistance and preservation, and family planning through a health reimbursement account—regardless of diagnosed infertility or gender.

Parental Leave: We recognize that welcoming a new child is a profound life transition that requires time and support. All employees—birthing and non-birthing parents—are eligible for up to 14 weeks of paid leave.

Sick Leave: Union members receive an initial 40 hours of paid sick leave on their hire date for use in the first 90 days. After 90 days, the remainder of the 96 hours allotted per year becomes available.

Bereavement Leave: We understand that loss requires time to grieve and heal. Employees receive 10 days of bereavement leave per loss of an immediate family member.

Looking Ahead

This package represents our commitment to staff and to the millions of people counting on us. It balances today’s constraints with tomorrow’s possibilities. Most importantly, it ensures we can continue doing work that matters—together.

We remain best-in-class in the civic tech sector, and we’re proud of that. Now we look forward to reaching an agreement that gives us the strength and sustainability to show up for our vital mission—and for each other.