Conversations with Tyler Jennifer Pahlka on Reforming Government
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Apr 9, 2025 
Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America and co-founder of the U.S. Digital Service, dives into the complexities of government reform. She critiques America’s bureaucratic dysfunction, arguing for agile governance that can swiftly adapt to change. Pahlka discusses the potential of AGI to reshape public services and questions the role of public-sector unions in balancing accountability. She draws insights from the gaming industry to rethink systems and highlights effective governance models from countries like Singapore, while pondering the challenges of national sovereignty in the age of AI.
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Congressional Passivity
- Congress increasingly knows passed laws don't work.
- This awareness contributes to their passivity.
Waterfall Governance
- Government operates with a rigid, top-down "waterfall" approach to policy implementation.
- A shift towards agile, iterative processes with feedback loops is needed.
Outdated Reform Efforts
- Past government reform efforts failed because they clung to outdated 20th-century mindsets.
- True digital transformation requires embracing 21st-century thinking.