Code for America

@codeforamerica

Government can work for the people, by the people, in the new digital age. Let’s make it work for everyone. codeforamerica.org

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Code for America@codeforamerica· 20d

The average SNAP Payment Error Rate for a state is roughly 10.26%—well above the 6% threshold that triggers cost-sharing responsibilities under H.R. 1. That could mean millions in new financial liability for some states. Making smart policy choices can help lower it: https://bit.ly/4eqJ0hE

Code for America@codeforamerica· 21d

How can technology support place-based initiatives? When used well, it helps partners stay organized, share information, track progress, and coordinate their work more effectively. Check out our toolkit for local governments and organizations: https://bit.ly/4aYFpqm

Thoughtfully Implementing Technology at the Local Level

We’ve created a toolkit for local government agencies and organizations leading place-based initiatives.

Code for America@codeforamerica· 25d

Kernels. Git. Dotfiles. If you know what these are, the latest Humble book bundle might be for you. Pay what you want for Linux: All the Things. Your purchase helps support our work to modernize government services. Get yours today: https://bit.ly/4ygDQy0 #HumbleBundle

Linux: All the Things Book Bundle
Supporting Code for America

Book covers:
Learning Kali Linux
Linux Pocket Guide
Learning Git

Code for America@codeforamerica· 29d

Every interaction with government either builds trust or breaks it. That's been true for 250 years. When accessing government services is difficult, it breaks down that trust. We exist to change that. Watch our America 250 episode from @USAToday: https://youtu.be/e3jmFyd_RXY

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jul 10

When we talk about impact, we’re not just talking about numbers. We’re talking about experiences. Trust is often built one experience at a time. That's real impact. Watch the full episode from the America 250 documentary series: https://bit.ly/4vmQrwO

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jul 10

New H.R. 1 cost-sharing provisions could make states responsible for a portion of SNAP benefit costs. Depending on a state’s SNAP Payment Error Rate (PER), they might be on the hook for millions, if not billions, of dollars. Here are our recommendations for improving PER: https://bit.ly/4eqJ0hE

Use Simplified Reporting vs Change Reporting

Change reporting requires clients to report every minor income fluctuation. The frequency and timelines creates administrative challenges for caseworkers, which expose states to error risks.

Simplified reporting only requires clients to report major income changes that cross the eligibility threshold—a win for both caseworkers and clients with variable, low-wage incomes.

Don’t impose asset tests

SNAP rules allow states to choose whether to impose asset tests on SNAP participants. Calculating the exact value of a 15-year-old used car in a fluctuating market, for example, is extremely difficult, and an added burden for caseworkers and families.

When states impose asset tests, they’re introducing a massive liability for errors. States should waive these optional tests to preserve their budgets.

Don’t artificially limit discretionary exemptions

Discretionary exemptions give states a grace period for people who'd otherwise lose SNAP due to new work requirements.

Some legislatures want to prohibit states from using these exemptions. Stripping agencies of this tool will further complicate time limits and translate directly into higher payment errors.

Don’t continuously verify income for Medicaid. Verify when someone is up for renewal.
In integrated systems, automatic Medicaid income checks can create alerts that require SNAP caseworkers to take action—even on minor changes clients aren't required to report.

When SNAP caseworkers must act on every alert, it creates backlogs that can lead to payment errors.

Checking at renewal, instead of continuously, avoids this pileup.

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jul 8

Linux powers much of the infrastructure that keeps digital government services running, which is why we’re excited to announce the latest Humble Bundle Linux: All the Things! Pay what you want for your bundle and support our work. Get your bundle today: https://bit.ly/4ygDQy0 @humblebundle.com

Linux All the Things Bundle

Books include: Linux Pocket Guide, Learning Kali Linux, Learning Git, Practical Unix System Administration, Version control with Git.

Get a bundle of books for $25

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 30

Only 7 states can prove measurable impact in their AI investments. Most are still focused on getting off the ground, not tracking outcomes. Here are a few takeaways from our state-by-state Government AI Landscape Assessment: https://bit.ly/4oeK4Jz Does anything surprise you?

AI Readiness - 2026 Government AI Landscape Assessment
Most states are still building the foundation
Only 11 states are in advanced stages.
Readiness relies on leadership, capacity, and infrastructure conditions.
States are focusing on guardrails, ethics, transparency, risk mitigation.
Readiness at the state level is outpacing that of individual agencies.

AI Pilots
Experimentation emerges alongside planning
Nearly every state has AI pilots, but only four are in advanced stages.
Usually focused on internal productivity: summarizing, drafting, and improving workflows.
Often decentralized—with individual agencies piloting AI to solve their own unique challenges.

Implementation
Pilots are becoming operational in government
Most states are in early stages, with 11 states operationalizing AI.
These AI systems are typically used for reducing backlogs, processing documents, and detecting fraud.
States with strong data infrastructure are moving the fastest.

IMPACT
Measuring outcomes is the next frontier
Few states have built the systems to track AI's impact over time.
Only seven states can demonstrate measurable impact.
What's next for states? Measuring outcomes, efficiency, service quality, and public value.

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 26

Today is the last day to submit your session proposal for #FormFest2026! It’s the perfect place to share how you’ve used forms to improve government. Submit your proposal before 11:59 pm PT today: https://bit.ly/44au5TU Co-hosted with @beeckcenter.bsky.social

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 22

Filing your taxes is no easy task, but the IRS's VITA program completes millions of free tax returns every year. These volunteers are some of the most important people in their communities every tax season. We're proud to partner with them through GetYourRefund: https://bit.ly/4vlmrSH

Why We Appreciate Our VITA Partners—And Tax Filers Do Too

Through VITA, trained volunteers complete millions of federal and state tax returns every year

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 18

Millions, or even billions, of dollars. That's what most states could be on the hook for in new SNAP cost-sharing liabilities under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Here are four ways to avoid policy traps that drive up errors, while also building a more effective safety net: https://bit.ly/4eqJ0hE

SNAP Policy Choices That Could Cost States Billions
Common policy traps that increase payment error rates and how states can avoid them

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 18

Next Friday is the last day to submit your session proposal for #FormFest2026! It’s the perfect place to share how you’ve used forms to improve government. Learn more about the call for proposals and submit yours: https://formfest.org/call-for-proposals/ Co-hosted with @beeckcenter.bsky.social

Formfest 2026
Better government, one form at a time
September 16, 2026 - Virtual Event

Calling all form fanatics
Submit your proposal June 8-26

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 17

Nearly every state has piloted AI, but no two approach it in the same way. Our 2026 Government AI Landscape Assessment looks at states' AI journeys across readiness, piloting, implementation, and impact. See who's making progress and where challenges remain: https://bit.ly/4oeK4Jz

Impact
Vermont
ChatVT, an AI chatbot, has managed
thousands of citizen questions about state programs—from health services to the DMV.

Providing 24/7, plain language responses, the
virtual assistant has improved public access
to information and reduced routine inquiries
to call centers.

Vermont backs ChatVT with strong oversight: an advisory council, decision systems inventory, and annual reviews, while public reporting keeps it accountable.

Implementation: Maryland
Deployed a GenAI-powered benefits and eligibility guidance agent to help residents navigate food assistance, Medicaid, and housing support programs. It:
Answers questions about programs
Helps residents identify which programs they qualify for
Guides them through the application

Gives personalized information for household circumstances

Gen AI Pilot: North Carolina
The state's Government Data Analytics Center (GDAC) was already innovating with traditional AI and machine learning pilots — using them to flag fraudulent benefit claims or tax evasion patterns, and predict which counties were at risk of opioid overdose spikes.

Now, the GDAC supports GenAI pilots like document summarization for policy briefs for the legislature’s research staff.

AI Readiness: Georgia

Deployed a GenAI-powered benefits and eligibility guidance agent to help residents navigate food assistance, Medicaid, and housing support programs.

The system answers questions about public benefits programs, helps residents identify which programs they qualify for, guides them through the application, and gives personalized information for household circumstances.

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 11

#FormFest2026 call for proposals is now open! Help us improve the future of government form design and service delivery by sharing your innovative ideas and best practices. Submit your proposals for a virtual session by June 26. https://formfest.org/ Co-hosted with @beeckcenter.bsky.social

Code for America@codeforamerica· Jun 8

“The future we build is …” what? We asked attendees at Code for America Summit to share their vision. We were blown away by the responses! What do you think the future we build will look like? Share in the comments.

Code for America@codeforamerica· May 19

The Head First by O’Reilly Humble Bundle is still live through May 27! Build new technical skills while supporting Code for America’s work to improve government services. https://www.humblebundle.com/books/head-first-oreilly-books?srsltid=AfmBOooJVVlf1ayhEfKm9sBRSvdpdJzfzDfz0uThIDmGcKq7ouDBOfis

Code for America@codeforamerica· May 15

We’re proud to be featured in the latest Humble Bundle: Head First by O’Reilly! Explore books on Python, and more, all while supporting Code for America’s work. 📚 https://www.humblebundle.com/books/head-first-oreilly-books?srsltid=AfmBOooJVVlf1ayhEfKm9sBRSvdpdJzfzDfz0uThIDmGcKq7ouDBOfis

Code for America@codeforamerica· May 7

The wait is over—Summit 2026 has arrived! You can feel the excitement in the air as our #civictech community comes together for two days of sharing, learning, and growing. #CfASummit

Code for America@codeforamerica· May 4

Code for America’s 2026 Government AI Landscape Assessment looks at state readiness, implementation, and real-world impact, showing how states are progressing from early exploration to measurable outcomes. See how your state compares: https://bit.ly/4oeK4Jz

Code for America@codeforamerica· Apr 29

Registration for Code for America Summit closes today! Whether you’ve got a passion for procurement, or a fervor for federal tech policy, Summit is the place. You’ll find your people here. Join us in Chicago next week, May 7-8. Get your tickets today! https://summit.codeforamerica.org/tickets/

Code for America@codeforamerica· Apr 27

Just two days left to secure your spot at Code for America Summit! Join us in Chicago on May 7-8 as we explore the future we build. Tickets are going fast! Secure your spot today. https://summit.codeforamerica.org/tickets/

Code for America@codeforamerica· Apr 17

Last year, Code for America worked in 27 different states. States faced incredible challenges, a shifting policy landscape, and the longest shutdown in history. Still, we managed to meet the moment and support states. Check out our 2025 Impact Report https://bit.ly/4dKwUkJ

Code for America@codeforamerica· Apr 6

Back by popular demand—Demo Lab returns to #CfASummit this year! Demo lab is an interactive, experiential opportunity for innovators, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers to dig deep on the latest products, processes, and more! Get your tickets now! https://summit.codeforamerica.org/

Code for America@codeforamerica· Apr 3

Just in time pricing closes today! After today, tickets return to full price. The future we build is stronger when we innovate today. Join us in Chicago on May 7-8! Register here: https://bit.ly/46CREqe

Code for America@codeforamerica· Apr 1

Code for America was built for moments like these. No single actor can meet this challenge alone. When government, nonprofits, philanthropy, and the private sector come together, we prove what’s possible. Check out our full 2025 Impact Report here. https://codeforamerica.org/impact/2025/

Code for America@codeforamerica· Mar 27

Don’t miss your chance to snag Summit tickets at the reduced price of $699. This price is available through Friday, April 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT or until tickets run out. Hurry and get your ticket now! https://summit.codeforamerica.org/tickets/

Code for America@codeforamerica· Mar 25

Don’t miss it. ⏳ The Interfacing with Machine Learning Humble Bundle runs through March 30 and includes titles on AI agents, LLMs, and more. https://www.humblebundle.com/books/interfacing-with-machine-learning-oreilly-books?srsltid=AfmBOorxr7i7unSH8n00vUfGaBHisU3PxLYXKFKJVf2xCJPhrDmnJe4L

Code for America@codeforamerica· Mar 10

Don’t miss your chance to snag Summit tickets at the reduced price of $699—available through April 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT or until tickets run out. Hurry and get your ticket now, and join us in Chicago for THE civic tech event of the year! https://summit.codeforamerica.org/tickets/

Code for America@codeforamerica· Mar 9

Today’s the final day to get the Humble Tech Book Bundle by O’Reilly, while supporting Code for America. Ends 3/9 at 11am PT. https://www.humblebundle.com/books/cookbooks-playbooks-and-workbooks-oreilly-books?srsltid=AfmBOopTfMyIriwYvNIzuDw970TUeN1bHMSDEpb1S-FclFuHpz0hnVFZ #HumbleBundle #AI

Code for America@codeforamerica· Mar 4

Upcoming Webinar! Join us for “Medicaid Auto-Renewals and Work Requirement Mandates: Lessons for States” on March 18, 2026 @ 10am PST / 1pm EST. Register here: https://codeforamerica.zoom.us/webinar/register/6217715286268/WN_pL67l93pRq-1vEnUbtEOcw#/registration