Civic technologists are transforming government for the 21st century
I’m always excited to attend conferences that Microsoft sponsors—especially one that puts the spotlight on leaders across the public, private, non-profit and academic sectors who are transforming government for the 21st century. That’s the perfect description for the code for America Summit, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, in Oakland, Calif.
Microsoft served as the only capstone supporter of the Summit, a self-described “roll-up-your-sleeves conference that brings together innovators from hundreds of governments across the U.S. along with civic-minded technologists, designers, community organizers and entrepreneurs.” Our participation helps further Microsoft’s efforts to create smarter cities and demonstrate the benefits of civic technology, especially to address challenges around education, job creation, public safety and more.
My Microsoft Technology and Civic Engagement colleagues and I met with a number of civic/gov tech startups at the Summit, including a few winners of the Code for Technology Awards, which honor “the most influential and effective products and services powering 21st century governments.” SeeClickFix received a pioneer award for a public communication platform that turns neighborhood problems into constructive civic engagement. We’re proud to partner with SeeClickFix on solutions that connect residents with city staff through our powerful and flexible Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform.
Another award winner was SeemlessDocs, which helps bring city hall online with a platform that digitizes and automates government forms and processes. SeemlessDocs is backed by 1776, a Washington, D.C.-based startup accelerator that Microsoft has sponsored since its inception.
While not at the conference physically, Rejjee, Opportunity Space and Insights were all there in spirit. These companies in the Microsoft ecosystem are creating innovations that are helping to transform governments and better serve citizens. Microsoft CityNext and our partners look forward to working with these and other civic tech startups to build digital, safer, smarter, healthier and more sustainable cities.
One other takeaway from the Summit was pride in my hometown of Philadelphia, which has partnered with Code for America since 2011. Before joining Microsoft in 2014, I was co-director of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics. We were early Code for America adopters and the only city to enlist CfA fellows two years in a row. It’s great to see the strong Philadelphia-Code for America connection continue, as evidenced by CyclePhilly—a smartphone app for recording bicycle trips—earning the prestigious brigade award at the Summit.
The Code for America Summit brought together 1,200-plus civic innovators committed to making government work in the 21st century. I come away inspired, enthused and hopeful for a future where cities are empowered to become more vibrant places to live and work!
