Jennifer Pahlka, founder of the Code for America and former Deputy CTO, discusses improving digital governmental capacity and recoding America. They explore the problems with technology in government and the impact of power dynamics. The struggles of Natalie developing a platform for doctors are highlighted. The accountability trap and its impact on veterans benefits are discussed. The chapter also focuses on bending regulations, restoring faith in government, and addressing crucial problems.
The podcast emphasizes the need for a whole new way of thinking about regulation and suggests reimagining the teaching of regulation for lawyers.
The podcast highlights how agile development allows for flexibility and the ability to prioritize core features and iterate over time, contrasting with the hinderance of progress caused by the waterfall approach.
The podcast addresses the need to rethink the relationship between law and code in technology implementation, understanding that code requires policy judgments and adaptability.
Deep dives
The Need for Digital Government
The podcast discusses the importance of having a government that can effectively work in the digital age. It highlights the current shortcomings in government agencies, such as reliance on outdated technologies like fax machines and inefficient processes like slow email communication. The election of Barack Obama sparked a desire among technologists and policy experts to change this reality. The podcast emphasizes the need for a whole new way of thinking about regulation and suggests reimagining the teaching of regulation for lawyers. The episode explores the book 'Recoding America' by Jennifer Polka, which delves deeper into the challenges and opportunities in making government more digitally sophisticated.
The Waterfall and Agile Development
The podcast compares the waterfall and agile development methodologies. It explains that waterfall development follows a hierarchical decision-making process where decisions are passed down through different layers, while agile development emphasizes constant feedback and a user-centered approach. The podcast highlights how the waterfall approach hinders progress and does not allow for iteration or adaptation, whereas agile development allows for flexibility and the ability to prioritize core features and iterate over time. It also emphasizes the importance of involving users throughout the development process.
Challenges in Implementing Government Technology
The podcast addresses the challenges faced in implementing technology within government agencies. It discusses the role of lawyers in interpreting regulations and their resistance to allowing flexibility and judgment in technology implementation. The podcast highlights the need to rethink the relationship between law and code and understand that code implementation requires policy judgments and adaptability. It also examines the impact of policies like the Paperwork Reduction Act and the need to balance reducing burden with the ability to conduct user research and deliver usable technology.
Improving Government Capacity
The podcast explores the importance of improving government capacity in three key areas. The first area is hiring, with a focus on reducing hiring time, increasing the use of assessments, and hiring individuals with the right skills. The second area is funding, advocating for a shift towards operational expense first, enabling iterative and user-centered projects, and focusing on outputs rather than compliance with complex requirements. The third area is oversight, calling for a new approach to oversight that empowers public servants to exercise judgment and rewards innovations and outcomes instead of focusing solely on compliance. It emphasizes the need for cultural changes within bureaucracy to support these improvements.
The Outlook for Government Technology
The podcast acknowledges progress made in government technology implementation, such as the COVID test.gov initiative and the increasing dialogue around implementing the Inflation Reduction Act. However, it stresses the need to remain vigilant and address challenges, such as hiring delays, burdensome requirements, and the need for effective oversight. It highlights the importance of tracking the entire process and outcomes, rather than just celebrating initial indicators. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the importance of building government capacity to deliver effective services and restore faith in government's ability to address critical challenges.
Jennifer Pahlka, founder of the Code for America and former Deputy CTO, talks with me about improving digital governmental capacity, working from her new book, Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Era and How We Can Do Better.
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