As we look back on the first half of the year, it’s clear that civic tech is having a moment—and AI is making the choices ahead even more important.
Government agencies are being asked to do more with less. New policy requirements under H.R. 1 are increasing complexity. And families are left dealing with the consequences of hard-to-use government systems.
At Code for America, we see both the urgency and possibility of this moment. Across the country, states and agencies are working hard to build trust during this period of enormous change.
Technology, when designed responsibly and with people at the center, can help government do what it was meant to do: serve. It can make benefits easier to access, reduce administrative burden, support caseworkers, improve decision-making, and help agencies adapt to changing needs.
But the next phase of civic tech cannot be about technology for technology’s sake. It has to be about impact. Are we making systems simpler? Are we reaching people who have been left out? Are we helping government deliver faster, more accurately, and with more dignity?
That is where we go from here. The work ahead is to move from responsible technology as a project to responsible technology as a practice, building public services that are ready for this moment and resilient enough for what comes next.
With gratitude, Amanda Renteria CEO, Code for America
Civic tech stories and best practices
Code for America and Anthropic Partner to Create AI Tools for Caseworkers Code for America is proud to announce that we’re officially partnering with AI leader Anthropic to improve public benefits administration through the responsible use of AI. Together, we’re creating Claude-based tools to help government caseworkers better administer public benefits.
Why We Appreciate Our VITA Partners—and Tax Filers Do, Too Code for America’s tax benefits work is all about making tax filing simple, free, and accessible for all. A key component of that mission has been our relationship with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA partners serve as a reminder of what’s possible when people step up to serve their communities.
The Future of Government Services in an AI-Powered World What if applying for public benefits felt as simple as explaining your situation to a trusted friend? In our latest blog, we explore how AI can help government become more responsive, effective, and human-centered—reducing administrative barriers for caseworkers while making services easier people to access. From simplifying document processing to improving language access and client communication, we outline a vision for how thoughtful and responsible AI implementation can strengthen public services and help the government better serve communities.
Code for America Unveils Second Annual Government AI Landscape Assessment AI is rapidly reshaping the way governments think about service delivery, operations, and public trust. Code for America's second annual Government AI Landscape Assessment offers a comprehensive look at how states are integrating AI into their systems and policies, from technical infrastructure to governance frameworks and accessibility considerations.
That’s a Wrap on Season 1 of The Government Fix Podcast Season 1 has officially wrapped! Catch up on all you missed on The Government Fix, where Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria sits down with leaders and innovators to explore how we can build a government that works better for everyone. Each episode highlights real solutions that help bridge the gap between the government we have and the one we need.
In the news
States are embracing AI to help manage safety net programs [Axios] States are deploying artificial intelligence to help manage their social safety net programs and reduce worker caseloads, but advocates warn there's little evidence of safeguards around the technology. Code for America’s Amanda Renteria explained the importance of piloting and monitoring as states navigate this critical time for responsible adoption of AI.
Introducing Claude Corps [Anthropic] Anthropic is launching Claude Corps, a national fellowship program for people early in their careers who are passionate about extending the benefits of AI to communities across America. Code for America is proud to have been included and to host a Claude Corps fellow in the upcoming cohort.
States are moving fast on AI. Now, we must measure what matters [Route Fifty] “As artificial intelligence transforms our economy, more people may turn to government for help with food assistance, healthcare, unemployment and more. The question is whether the systems they find will be ready for them,” writes Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria.
Events
Save the date!
Presented by Code for America and the
Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University September 16, 2026
Mark your calendar for FormFest 2026—the premier virtual event dedicated to improving government services through better forms and digital experiences. From benefits applications to tax filing and beyond, forms shape how people experience government every day. At FormFest, government leaders, designers, technologists, researchers, and civic innovators come together to explore how human-centered design and modern digital tools can make services more accessible, effective, and responsive.
Join us for conversations, practical sessions, and real-world examples focused on reducing administrative burdens, building trust, and helping government work better for everyone.
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At Code for America, we work shoulder to shoulder with communities and government to solve society’s toughest problems. Are you ready to help us drive change that lasts? Check out current openings below:
Learn more about working at Code for America here.
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