Changing up Local Government
The City of Austin’s Design, Technology, and Innovation Fellows program provides an opportunity for Austin’s passionate and civic-minded designers and developers to bring the principles, values, and practices of the technology sector into government.
Inspired by the success of programs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 18F, Code for America, and the U.S. Digital Service, we partner with departments throughout the city to tackle some of their biggest challenges.
Keep Up-to-Date with Our Projects
A few of our current partner projects with City departments.
By the People, for the People
Government is not an abstract institution or a concept. Our government is us. Meet a few of the newest Design, Technology, & Innovation Fellows who have signed on for tours of duty:
Ben Weatherman
Software Developer
I love being a fellow because I get to work with brilliant people, open source software, and help Austinites stay weird. Sloths rule everything around me.
Tori Breitling
Experience Design
I’m a huge fan of technology, but have been increasingly less enthusiastic about how it’s impacting us collectively. As a fellow I can still work in technology while making positive contribution to a City in which I have lived for more than 30 years.
Simi Damani
Software Developer
After a 10 year vision quest through the start-up landscape of Austin, I came across a band of research, content and design experts dedicated to delivering modern and empathic solutions to residents. FINAAALLLY!!! The Innovation office marries my "professional" software experience with my desire to give back to the community that I've been a resident of for 25 years. And just check out the folks I get to work with, y'all. They're pretty rad.
Ainee Athar
Engagement Strategist
Technology and design are critical to make sure we have a responsive, equitable, and transparent city government. I joined the Office because as our city faces escalating challenges, a culture of innovation is essential to find meaningful solutions.
Where We'll Be
Catch up with us at some local civic tech events.
Designing for the 100%
Nov. 10th, 8:30am - 10:00am
WeWork
600 Congress Ave, 15th floor,
Austin, TX, 78701
Join Austin’s Senior Advisor for Design and Technology, Ben Guhin, for a conversation about how user-centered research, design standards, and technology strategy can make services more useful, usable, and accessible for all of us.
City of Austin Project Tour: Content Strategy
Nov. 10th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
African American Cultural & Heritage Facility
912 E 11th St.,
Austin, TX 78702
Learn how Design, Technology, and Innovation Fellows Celine Thibault and Laura Trujillo and Public Information Specialist Ashlee Harris are introducing people-oriented language to connect residents and services.
Follow Us on Medium
Civiqueso is our Medium publication—stories of design, technology, and innovation in the civic melting pot of Austin, Texas.
What People are Saying about Us
Press and interviews about the program and projects.
Austin Innovation Design, Technology, & Innovation Fellows Launch Party
Tech in Translation
September 4, 2016