Code for America

Code for America. Founded in 2009 by Jennifer Pahlka, it is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses technology, data, and the principles of human-centered design to improve how government serves the public. The organization works to make public services more accessible, effective, and equitable for all, particularly for those historically marginalized by systemic inequities. Its approach involves partnering directly with government agencies and mobilizing a national network of technologists and volunteers.

History

The organization was launched in 2009 by Jennifer Pahlka, inspired by models like Teach For America and the potential of civic technology demonstrated during the 2008 Obama campaign. Its first major program, the Fellowship program, began in 2011, placing small teams of technologists into local governments across the United States, including Philadelphia and Boston. Early projects focused on issues like streamlining access to social services and improving criminal justice data. The organization also quickly established its Brigade network, a coalition of volunteer-led local groups that apply civic tech to community problems, which grew to include chapters in cities like Chicago, Austin, and New York City. Key early support came from foundations like the Knight Foundation and the Omidyar Network.

Mission and model

The core mission is centered on building a government that works for all people in the digital age, with a focus on equity and human dignity. Its operating model is built on three primary pillars: direct government partnership through its professional Fellowship and product teams, community empowerment via the national Brigade network of volunteers, and field-building through advocacy and knowledge sharing. The methodology is deeply rooted in user experience research and agile software development, ensuring solutions are co-created with the people who use them. This approach is applied across diverse policy areas, including safety net benefits, the criminal justice system, and voter engagement.

Programs and initiatives

Major programs include the **Fellowship Program**, which embeds multidisciplinary teams with state and local governments such as the California Department of Social Services and the City of Denver to build digital services. The **Brigade Network** is a coalition of over 80 community groups, including Code for DC and Hack for LA, that work on local civic tech projects. The organization also develops and maintains its own digital products, like **GetCalFresh**, a simplified application for CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, and **Clear My Record**, which automates record clearance for eligible convictions. Other key initiatives include the **Safety Net Innovation Lab**, which partners with states to modernize benefit delivery, and the **Annual Summit**, a major conference for the civic tech field.

Impact and recognition

The organization's work has demonstrably improved access to critical services; for example, its tools have helped hundreds of thousands of people apply for food assistance and cleared over 100,000 criminal records. It has influenced broader government technology practices, contributing to the adoption of the U.S. Digital Service playbook and state-level digital service teams. The organization and its founder have received significant accolades, including the **Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship** and Pahlka's receipt of a **MacArthur Fellowship**. Its research and advocacy have also informed federal policy discussions around digital accessibility and benefits delivery.

Organizational structure

Led by a Chief Executive Officer and supported by a senior leadership team, it operates with a hybrid staff of technologists, designers, policy experts, and community organizers. Governance is provided by a **Board of Directors** that includes leaders from the technology, philanthropy, and public sectors, such as Megan Smith and Tim O'Reilly. Funding is derived from a mix of philanthropic grants from organizations like the Ford Foundation and Google.org, corporate partnerships, and government contracts. The national office is headquartered in San Francisco, with employees distributed across the United States.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in San Francisco Category:Civic technology organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2009