undefined

Jennifer Pahlka

Founder of Code for America and co-founder of the U.S. Digital Service, working to improve government digital infrastructure.

Top 10 podcasts with Jennifer Pahlka

Ranked by the Snipd community
undefined
325 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 49min

628. Sludge, Part 2: Is Government the Problem, or the Solution?

Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America, teams up with UC Berkeley's Benjamin Handel, an expert in health care economics. They dive into the sludge of bureaucratic inefficiencies in Washington, D.C., and how even Elon Musk is implicated. The discussion touches on consumer rights, data privacy in healthcare, and the pressing need for reform in government digital infrastructure. They offer innovative solutions for reducing complexity and enhancing service delivery, all while advocating for a future where technology streamlines rather than complicates.
undefined
259 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 54min

Jennifer Pahlka on Reforming Government

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.
undefined
79 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 48min

Why Government Hiring Is So Inefficient

Jennifer Pahlka, author of "Recoding America" and founder of Code for America, dives deep into the inefficiencies plaguing government hiring and operations. She reveals how outdated software and rigid hiring practices stifle talent recruitment. The conversation touches on the urgent need for reform, including the potential of AI to streamline processes. Pahlka also discusses the complexities of government budgeting and why simply identifying problems won’t cut it—it's a cultural overhaul that’s essential for real change.
undefined
53 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 55min

Is Elon Musk Right About Big Government?

Jennifer Pahlka, a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center and founder of Code for America, discusses the need for bipartisan government reform. She argues that Democrats must engage in reform efforts rather than sidelining them, emphasizing systemic inefficiencies. The conversation dives into the importance of modernizing hiring practices and policies, while addressing challenges in government efficiency. Pahlka also highlights the distinction between state capacity and political will, advocating for a refined approach to governance to ensure effective outcomes.
undefined
48 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 28min

Trump’s government purge

Andrew Prokop, a senior correspondent at Vox, delves into Trump’s drastic government reshaping, highlighting controversial firings that reflect his 'drain the swamp' agenda. Jennifer Pahlka, a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center, discusses the urgent need for modernizing government tech and the challenges faced in this digital age. They explore the impact of tech visionaries like Elon Musk on employment policies and the ambitious goal of cutting federal spending by $2 trillion, all while emphasizing empathy for the civil servants affected.
undefined
18 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 4min

Making Government More Effective ft. Jennifer Pahlka

Jennifer Pahlka, author of 'Recoding America' and former U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer, joins the discussion on governmental inefficiencies. They delve into the new Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, questioning if top-down changes can truly revamp bureaucratic systems. Pahlka advocates for focusing on real-world outcomes rather than superficial tweaks, emphasizing accountability and the need for innovative, adaptable policies to enhance government effectiveness and prevent unintended consequences.
undefined
15 snips
Jun 13, 2023 • 1h 6min

Trump Heads to Court (Again), Tesla's Autopilot Danger, and Guest Jennifer Pahlka

In this conversation, Jennifer Pahlka, former Deputy Chief Technology Officer in the Obama administration and founder of Code for America, shares insights from her book, Recoding America. She delves into the failures of government in the digital age and advocates for modernization and better civic engagement. The discussion also tackles Donald Trump's ongoing legal challenges and the safety concerns surrounding Tesla's autopilot technology, highlighting the need for responsible innovation and effective regulatory practices.
undefined
11 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 51min

What Can the Brits Teach Us About State Capacity?

Jennifer Pahlka, a former deputy CTO under Obama and founder of Code for America, teams up with Andrew Greenway, a co-founder of Public Digital, to discuss the intricacies of state capacity. They explore why this topic is gaining traction in the UK while addressing the U.S. government's shortcomings. The duo shares insights on transforming digital services, the impact of civil service reforms, and the pressing need for collaboration to effectively tackle unemployment insurance. Their expertise shines a light on innovative strategies for rebuilding public trust.
undefined
11 snips
Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 1min

This Is What Happens When Governments Build Software

Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America and author of "Recoding America," teams up with Dave Guarino, a public sector software expert. They delve into the government's struggles with software development, citing examples like the Obamacare rollout and pandemic-related unemployment systems. The conversation highlights the cumbersome procurement processes and the need for agile practices in developing government tech. They also discuss the importance of modernizing systems and attracting tech talent while emphasizing the urgency for efficiency and innovation in public services.
undefined
9 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 50min

Delivering services to the public—digitally—with Jennifer Pahlka

Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America and former US deputy chief technology officer, discusses how digital transformation can reshape government services. She shares insights from her experiences in government, emphasizing the importance of user-centered design to enhance accessibility. Pahlka highlights the challenges of navigating equity in digital services and advocates for a product management mindset in public organizations. She also explores the role of AI in improving service delivery and the critical need to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.