Last week, we joined Code for America for their annual summit, a three-day celebration of technology in the civic sector both in the US and worldwide. Each year, Code for America celebrates its successful brigades and their impactful local projects, as well as tech and government leaders from around the world who are using new tools and creating innovations to make the world a better place.
Throughout the summit, we heard from leaders who are working toward tech-driven futures for the people, by the people. From food stamps to government websites to recidivism, we explored the hard topics that are affecting Americans and discussed tech solutions that are being developed to tackle these issues:
- Cecilia Muñoz, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council, showed us how starting with user-driven tech can help us build user-driven government.
- Mai-Ling Garcia and Kiran Jain used examples from the City of Oakland to show how opportunity and equity can improve underserved communities and foster resilience.
- We saw firsthand how CalFresh is helping Californians get access to healthy, affordable food.
- Jazmyn Latimer showcased the importance of justice and second chances for those who have been incarcerated.
- Tiffany Andrews, Cristine Deberry, Kristian Lum, and Wayne McKenzie brought forth data that explained racial disparities in the justice system — and how to reduce that disparity.
- The City of Boston highlighted their work in strengthening youth employment.
- The White House launched Code.gov live, offering open source options for access to the federal government’s custom-developed software.
Throughout the summit, we shared our excitement for the solutions we are building and the unity that comes with working in tech for the people. But it’s clear that our country — and our world — has plenty of work still to do. Please join us in furthering civic action through technology. Visit CodeForAmerica.org to learn how to volunteer, network, and attend next year’s summit. Let’s work together to build a brighter future!
Some top tweets from the 2016 Code for America Summit (#cfasummit):
