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.

Ideas & Essays Lauren Sinreich Ideas & Essays Lauren Sinreich

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.

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Ideas & Essays Public Servants Team Ideas & Essays Public Servants Team

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.

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Civic Glossary Public Servants Team Civic Glossary Public Servants Team

Interoperability in civic tech

Interoperability means more than systems “talking” to each other—it’s about reducing silos, saving time, and respecting dignity. In civic tech, interoperability helps government, nonprofits, and tribal nations work together to deliver public services that meet people’s real needs.

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