Outmoded technology, budget shortfalls, an aging workforce. There are many obstacles that stand in the way of the public sector adopting new technologies to transform the way in which the government “does business.”
But these challenges also create a great opportunity. “What if the professional talent in the tech industry went to work innovating the public sector,” asks . “What if City Hall looked more like a start up?”
The City Halls of Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Boulder and the District of Columbia will have just that opportunity when the Code for America project kicks off next year. The project will help build the next generation of Gov 2.0 apps that, once complete, will be shared with cities around the country.
And applications are being accepted now for the 2011 Fellowship program. Developers, designers, researchers, data wranglers, system administrators, community managers, analysts, and project managers are encouraged to apply.
During the 11-month program, the Code for America Fellows will be based in San Francisco, engaging in training and development exercises and connecting with various mentors from the Bay Area tech community. During the month of February, fellows will live onsite in their assigned cities and work with local officials hands-on in order to help develop projects that address community needs.
Fellows will also receive a stipend in the amount of $35,000, travel expenses, and healthcare benefits. Applications are due August 15.
