Code for America Summit in Chicago

We were thrilled to see hundreds of leaders and innovators in our community gather to explore new ideas, strategize for the future, and consider all the opportunities of emerging technologies in civic tech. We left Summit feeling renewed and inspired to build the next chapter together.

We’re excited to share some of our favorite moments from the event with you, including:

• We explored Code for America’s new and expanded 2026 Government AI Landscape Assessment. Yuri Kim from NextLadder Ventures, was joined by Harrison MacRae from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Ruthie Nachmany from the New Jersey Innovation Authority to discuss how states are approaching the responsible adoption of AI technologies.
• The Demo Lab returned for another year, featuring hands on demonstrations and interactive sessions with new products at the forefront of civic tech. This was more than a civic tech science fair. Attendees got hands-on experience, interacted with creators and innovators, and nerded out on all things civic tech.
• Code for America announced 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.

Code for America Summit is back next year. Join us in Washington, D.C. from June 3-4. We look forward to seeing you there in 2027!

Civic tech stories and best practices

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. Read more about how we are helping shape the future of government.

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. Our 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.

The Government Fix Podcast

Tune in to our podcast, The Government Fix, where 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—from smarter systems to people-centered design—that help bridge the gap between the government we have and the one we need.

Introducing Our New CTO: A Video Interview with Jonathan Porat

Code for America is thrilled to welcome our new Chief Technology Officer, Jonathan Porat, to the team! Jonathan brings great experience in technology leadership, digital transformation, and building systems that work better for people. In a recent interview, our new CTO shares perspectives on civic technology, the role of AI in government, and why human-centered design must remain at the core of innovation. 

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.

Improving Street Outreach Data to Provide Better Homeless Services

Outdated systems and fragmented data can make it harder for outreach workers to connect people experiencing homelessness with essential services. Code for America partnered with local teams to improve how street outreach data is collected, shared, and used—creating more responsive systems that help providers coordinate care and improve outcomes. The project highlights how thoughtful technology and people-centered design can strengthen public services and help communities better serve their residents.

In the news

• AI use booms in states, with mixed results [Axios]
  A new Axios report highlights the growing momentum behind AI adoption in state governments, while also underscoring the uneven pace of readiness across the country. As agencies explore how AI can improve service delivery and efficiencies, questions around governance, infrastructure, and responsible implementation remain critical.

• Code for America partners with Anthropic on AI tools for SNAP caseworkers [StateScoop]
  Code for America and Anthropic are exploring how AI tools can help SNAP caseworkers navigate complex administrative processes and better support families applying for food assistance. Read more on how this partnership helps government workers spend more time supporting people directly.
• Digital Services wins national award for human-centered design [Portland]
  The City of Portland’s Digital Services team has received national recognition for its commitment to human-centered design, highlighting the growing importance of building government services around the needs of real residents. The award celebrates efforts to create more accessible and responsive digital experiences that improve how people interact with the government.

Events

Save the date for FormFest 2026

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.

Come work for Code for America!

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:

• Director of Product
• Lead Product Manager
• Associate Program Director
• Principal Solutions Architect
• Senior Advisor, AI & Technology Alliances
• Associate Director, Financial Analysis

 Learn more about working at Code for America here.

Support Code for America

If you’ve never given to Code for America before, there is no better time than right now. Give today—and consider becoming a monthly donor to power this work all year long.

Consider making a donation and supporting our work as we work to keep public benefits accessible for the people that need them.

Thanks for reading!

The Code for America team