In Service: Notes from the Field
Tactical insights and thoughtful dispatches from inside the work.
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We write regularly about the ideas, tools, and practices shaping better public systems. View all blog posts or browse posts by theme to dig deeper into the topics that matter most to you.
Who bears the costs of AI innovation?
AI is reshaping public systems, but not everyone benefits equally. This piece explores how long-standing power patterns reappear in AI—and what public leaders can do to ensure innovation strengthens, rather than erodes, public trust.
Building alignment after an election
Post-election periods can create pressure to act fast, but urgency alone rarely leads to better outcomes. What public-sector teams need most in this moment is alignment—clarity on priorities, roles, workflows, and the public experience they aim to protect. This piece explores how governments can move from reaction to coordinated, people-centered action in the early months after an election.
Timely interventions for public services
Timely interventions provide public services at the moment they’re most needed. Anchored in public health but extending to education, social support, and civic engagement, these approaches help governments design systems that are adaptive, equitable, and trusted.
When private tech meets public service
Private-sector tech brings speed, scale, and efficiency—but in government, those priorities can clash with democratic values like accountability and inclusion. Leaders must navigate these contradictions with care, designing systems that deliver innovation without compromising trust.
Designing policy that doesn’t break delivery
Policy is the promise; delivery is the proof. Too often, ambitious policies leave delivery teams scrambling and residents underserved. For CIOs, CTOs, and municipal leaders, designing policy that doesn’t break delivery means aligning technical priorities with equity and care—turning bold goals into systems people can trust.
PDM meets HCD
Learn how government teams can break down silos between product management and design. This post explores common friction points and offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and driving better outcomes in public service.