The discussion centers on the evolution of digital government, not merely as a technological shift but as a nuanced change in systems and problem-solving methodologies that prioritize citizens.
SHOW NOTES
The episode provides eight essential takeaways:
- Tara Dawson McGuinness discusses the future of digital government, emphasizing that it should be citizen-centered, rather than purely technological.
- McGuinness has experience in the Obama White House and founded the New Practice Lab to foster cross-sector collaborations.
- The pandemic highlighted the importance of implementation in government services, such as the vaccine rollout, making citizen experience a key focus.
- McGuinness identifies a "renaissance" in local and state governments enabled by federal funding but notes challenges such as underinvestment and workforce retention.
- Local governments are often more in touch with human-centered design due to their closeness to the communities they serve.
- Technology alone is not a solution for complex social problems; it should be part of a broader, problem-solving approach.
- Visibility is critical; a working policy or system is irrelevant if it's not easily accessible and experienced by citizens.
- McGuinness' New Practice Lab provides "sprint teams" to government bodies to help them rapidly implement solutions, with the aim to inform and improve future policies.
