Jennifer Pahlka

Local governments today must bridge strategic plans with budgets to reclaim public trust and support. The key lies in mastering the "Three C’s": Capacity, Competence, and Collaboration, with the aid of purpose-built technologies to optimize community outcomes.   Download our recent eBook, "The Way Forward: 5 Essential Steps for Strategic Planning" to discover actionable insights into how you can transform your strategic planning approach: https://bit.ly/3zkFB3A #StrategicPlanning #BudgetBetter

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What are the latest accessibility requirements for state and local governments? Take a look at UsableNet’s Title II resource center to see important dates, guidelines, and what you can do to get accessible now: https://lnkd.in/gmsQS4kM #WebAccessibility #ADA #Government

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Thanks for joining our latest webinar from our Participation in Action series, this month focused on Civic Tech!  What we discussed? 🔄 GovTech vs. Civic Tech: GovTech improves government processes, while Civic Tech empowers citizens.  🛠 Tools: Surveys, voting platforms, feedback systems, map-based solutions, informing tools, and co-creation platforms.  🌍 Applications: Urban planning, budgeting, specific demographic programs, agenda setting, strategic plans. 🛒 European market, trends, how to choose the right tool, case studies and more. ➡️ Want to learn more? Stay tuned for our upcoming Civic Tech Market Report 2025 featuring 80 tools, case studies, and expert interviews. Sign up now for updates and early bird discounts here: https://lnkd.in/gc95TDjt See you at our next webinar on July 3 (CZ July 4). We will talk about role of participation in the process of discussing the construction of renewable energy sources. The event with the registration link is already on our profile, so don't miss it and sign-up. #CivicTech #GovTech #DigitalParticipation

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It can be really difficult for government agencies to communicate with citizens, even when they dedicate time and energy to constituent engagement. But why can it be so difficult for local governments to improve constituent engagement? Getting around this communication roadblock doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. We all know that constituent engagement is necessary in order for governments to deliver effective services and have a positive impact in the community. If you don’t know what your constituents need, how can you serve them? Keep reading to learn about how GovPilot can help local governments get ahead of communication silos by adopting our engagement strategies and innovative technology solutions. https://lnkd.in/es68WxzQ – Follow GovPilot for the latest in government trends and technology and learn more about government management software at govpilot.com #civictech #govtech #government #governments #govpilot #govcloud #localgovernment #cloudstorage #citizenengagement #localcommunity #constituents #constituentengagement

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Blind Advocate Exposes Glaring Accessibility Gaps in Gov Tech When Chancey Fleet tried using a state website for unemployment benefits, she encountered several barriers. Her experience highlights the systemic accessibility issues many government websites and digital services have, excluding citizens with disabilities. As Fleet powerfully states: "Separate but equal is inherently unequal. We're not looking for a separate experience - we're looking for an equitable one." In this must-read interview, the accessibility advocate offers insights and advice for public agencies to remediate accessibility gaps and ensure digital inclusion for all. Read Fleet's full interview on govtech accessibility: https://lnkd.in/escxkWqK #DigitalInclusion #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

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Local government leaders face a persistent challenge in enhancing democracy at the grassroots level. But with AI, we stand on the brink of a new era where engagement transcends barriers. Learn how AI can amplify community voices. https://lnkd.in/evaW5XFf

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We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with public sector communications. With experience working alongside cities and first responders, we specialize in creating clear, impactful strategies that inform, engage, and build trust with the public. Whether it’s crisis communication, community engagement, or sharing your organization’s story, we’re here to help you connect with the people you serve. Let’s strengthen your communications and elevate your impact. #PublicSector #StrategicCommunications #CommunityEngagement #CrisisCommunication #TrustedMessaging

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📣 RFP Announcement 📣 The Council recently published the RFP IHEA 2024000324 for Intentional Communities Research. This proposal is due June 3rd. Presentation slides about this opportunity are available here: https://lnkd.in/gtuZkA3S. The purpose of this solicitation is to provide funding to an individual or an organization in order to conduct a landscape analysis on intentional communities for people with disabilities in Colorado. The Council seeks to support policies and systems changes that both increase access to affordable, integrated, and inclusive housing and support self-advocates and families. Members of the Council need authoritative information and analysis about these communities in a Colorado context in order to understand the issue(s). To view the solicitation, please visit the Colorado VSS site located here:  https://lnkd.in/gR9PyX5x. If this direct link doesn't work, this is the site informational home page: https://lnkd.in/gMuMYSdx. Once on the Colorado VSS page, you do not need to be registered to view the documents. Go to the "View Published Solicitations" tab and when redirected to the details page, click attachments on the menu bar just below the solicitation. This will bring up the solicitation and associated documents available to download. Additionally, the solicitation will be available on https://lnkd.in/gh2AnGU4 within 1 business day of publishing on Colorado VSS. 

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By leveraging AI tools, agencies are discovering new efficiencies and funding opportunities that align resources with community priorities and save money. Learn how budgeting driven by AI helps government leaders find efficiencies and fund priority programs: https://lnkd.in/eEPZZDy6

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Missed our workshop on transforming public service delivery? You’re in luck! We helped Oregon State agencies streamline processes and create customer-centric services. Download our ‘10 Facets of Great UX’ guide and get quick, actionable tips to start improving your services today. https://lnkd.in/eT-uBq2U #HumanCenteredDesign #Innovation #UX #PublicServices

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NCAPA's 2024 policy platform highlights policy recommendations for critical issues facing AA & NHPI communities. Read the 2024 Policy Platform here: bit.ly/2024NCAPAPlatform #NCAPAPlatform24

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Stoked to share the U.S. Department of Commerce Equitable Data Playbook! This playbook is for all federal leaders looking to improve their capacity to better deliver for the American people. The playbook helps answer questions like: > How to identify communities most in need of federal investments? > How to design a "fit-for-purpose" data system for delivering on program goals? > How to involve communities in your program data decisions? Plus - you can check out innovative DOC programs that demonstrate "the art of the possible" with improved data capabilities. Get the playbook here: https://lnkd.in/eGMid89d Special shout out to our DOC Chief Data Officer Oliver Wise for catalyzing this important effort. Also - a special thanks to the DOC leaders and bureaus featured in the playbook, including those at the U.S. Economic Development Administration, NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, USPTO, U.S. Census Bureau, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), as well as to our inter-agency friends at the Office of Evaluation Sciences and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

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📢 Want to help shape the future of citizen experience in the public sector? As part of LocalGov Drupal Week, we're hosting a collaborative session to shape Citizen eXperience Data standards! 🗓 Date: Tuesday, November 12 ⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM GMT 📍 Location: Online 🔗 Register now: https://lu.ma/wypv1r0m Together with participants, we’ll look at how we could create an open framework on which councils, housing associations, and software suppliers could make data more open to improve Citizen eXperience Management (CXM) in public services. Here’s what to expect: 💡 What is CXM and how does it bring value to Councils - Edinburgh City Council will walk us through how they use the data today to drive improved experiences and reduced failure demand. 🔍 We'll dive into qualitative, quantitative, and derived data and how best to make it available to the systems and people that can benefit most from it. 🗳️ Interactive Engagement: it will be an interactive session for you to help influence which data sets should be prioritised. 📈 Real-World Application: see how councils can use these insights to boost citizen satisfaction. Ideal for those working in digital / service transformation, digital professionals, data strategists, and service designers in local government. Let’s co-create the future of citizen insights!

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As Election Day passes, local governments should reflect on their vital role of providing clear, timely information to voters. Transparent communication builds trust and strengthens democracy. Gear Up To Consider The Voters Engagement Strategies For The Next Election Cycle: -Digital Channels: Use social media, emails, and texts for quick, targeted updates. -Real-Time Alerts: Ensure voters are informed of any last-minute changes. -Clarity and Consistency: Make key details like voting locations and requirements easy to access. By adopting these strategies and leveraging tools like GovPilot, local governments can help make voting accessible and straightforward. https://lnkd.in/eRub-YtP – Follow GovPilot for the latest in government trends and technology and learn more at govpilot.com #Elections #CivicEngagement #Govtech

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Civic engagement has become a cornerstone of governance. Government agencies and public institutions are constantly seeking ways to involve citizens in decision-making processes, but traditional methods of public outreach—such as town hall meetings and physical surveys—often fall short. This is where smart technology steps in to revolutionize citizen participation. To learn more about advanced tools designed to streamline the management of public commentary click here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gg5EKs_U

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The USGSA put out a press release about a “toolkit” for public engagement from OMB, which The White House unilaterally submitted to the Open Government Partnership‘a the #OpenGovChallenge: https://lnkd.in/e4iqabaG …as opposed to saying the U.S. government would, say, rejoin EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) which would actually be meaningful. I’m old enough to remember when it was a flagship US commitment, & when the Trump White House withdrew and wiped an SEC rule that had been years in the making: https://lnkd.in/e3y6CkNS Ever since December 2022, U.S. officials have continually claimed at public meetings that the U.S. government would not add new commitments to the 5th U.S. National Action Plan for Open Government that reflected civil society priorities, as expressed in coalition letters, public statements, reports submitted to the presidential transition, and comment to requests for self-assessment. After refusing to revise the pre-baked commitments this White House chose in 2022 after a weak public consultation that violated the OGP co-creation guideline — as the OGP IRM recommended — US officials went up to New York and touted a new “challenge” commitment that was *already in development* that OGP accepted & then unfortunately promoted as “ambitious,” as evidence of progress. https://lnkd.in/eBgHFkgE What is missing is evidence of domestic impact or the validation of civil society organizations who worked on co-creating commitments or implementing them, as there is little of either to share. A toolkit for public engagement is not public engagement. In fact, the challenge.gov page linked from this release notes that the challenge to build the public engagement “toolkit” in question had been ongoing since this spring and states that the winner of a $150,000 prize is the Improve Group, https://lnkd.in/ehgeFQ_Y The “toolkit” in question is still not public, much less being promulgated and being applied at agencies: https://lnkd.in/esHmAsZk This communications kabuki will further undermine the trust the Open Government Secretariat has been working hard to rebuild within domestic civil society groups this past year since the summit in Estonia, and should be met with pushback from international peers. I’d like to hear publicly from civil society leaders of the Steering Committee about whether there was any skepticism expressed at the roundtable in question regarding the U.S. government’s past or present commitments to open government — including why the U.S. isn’t under review after acting contrary to process.

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🔍 Dive into the future of government with GSA's White House Presidential Innovation Fellows' pioneering AI-focused cohort. Discover how they're leading the charge for responsible & effective AI utilization in federal agencies. ➡️ https://ow.ly/CM8k50Sk7bl

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The National League of Cities and Google Public Sector released a report evaluating local government artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and offering a toolkit for responsible use to prevent an "AI divide" in improving city services. #AI #Technology https://loom.ly/pN8tybA

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