Human-Centered Technology: How One Civic Tech Nonprofit Is Driving Change Nationwide 

Making Government Faster, Fairer, and More Human

For many Americans, interacting with government evokes images of long lines, complex forms, and frustrating phone calls. The mere notion of it can feel overwhelming. 

Code for America has spent more than 15 years proving that there’s a better way. Technologists at the nonprofit develop digital tools to streamline government services. These tools have the power to reduce the burden people face when completing administrative tasks like filing a tax return or applying for food and health care benefits. 

“Too many people can’t access government help—not because it doesn’t exist, but because the system is too complicated to navigate. Code for America fixes that. We build the tools that make it simple to sign up for food assistance, file for a tax refund, or find the services that can change your life,” says Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America. “When government works the way it should, people thrive.”

Transforming Lives Through the Mindful Use of Technology

To date, Code for America has worked with more than 500 partners in all 50 states across the country to help more than 40 million eligible people access $41 billion in benefits. 

Code for America streamlines systems via its work in several issue areas: strengthening the social safety net, expanding access to free tax filing, and working to advance criminal record sealing. For federal assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, the organization helps create more efficient digital enrollment experiences. Updating these systems allows for easier access and reduces states’ administrative inefficiencies; in one state, the reduction in caseworkers’ processing time translated to more than $4 million in annual savings. To ensure people receive the tax benefits they’re owed, Code for America created GetYourRefund—its free, virtual tax filing service—to help tax filers claim more than $612 million in tax refunds while saving nearly $39 million in filing fees. And Code for America’s multi-state effort to help seal people’s old criminal records using technology tools is opening doors to employment, education, and housing.

AI-Powered Solutions for Pressing Problems 

As artificial intelligence offers new opportunities to make government more efficient, Code for America is working to leverage the responsible use of AI to support states across the country. In partnership with Anthropic, the organization is designing, piloting, and deploying Claude-based tools that will support SNAP caseworkers with accurate policy information to assist their clients.

“As AI technology advances, we have an incredible opportunity to reach more people and deliver benefits more efficiently,” said Renteria. “At Code for America, we believe better technology should mean better service—for everyone. Our team’s vision for the future is rooted in our belief that AI, when responsibly used, is a tool that can ease burdens for caseworkers and clients alike.”

To learn more about Code for America’s effort to build digital tools and services, change policies, and improve programs, please visit codeforamerica.org.