In this CitizenLab webinar, Milzy Carrasco, Director of Community Engagement for Lancaster, PA and Rebecca Woodbury, who runs Department of Civic Things, discuss how local governments can combine online and offline community engagement to reach more people, build trust, and make more strategic and equitable decisions. From survey design to pop-up workshops, we discussed the … Continued
ICYMI explores the latest ideas, trends, and movements in GovTech every Friday. Join Joe Morris, Dustin Haisler, and Jed Pressgrove as they explore the future of government technology services with ProudCity and Department of Civic Things. Watch
Originally published May 2021 in GovTech Magazine: The company, which offers technology to help local governments set up and run their websites, is using certified partners so that agencies can use different firms for things like implementation and content development. The company provides open source technology for local government websites, but to actually own a … Continued
A critical breakdown with how local governments launch and maintain managed web services is that they typically rely on one company to do everything — from services (content and digital) to software (product development and technical support). Through our new ProudCity Certified Service Partners program, local governments can now partner with content and digital delivery … Continued
In this episode, Voices of the Community features the voices of the cofounder of CivicMakers Judi Brown, Assistant Director of Human Resources at the City of San Jose Kelli Parmley, and former Director of Digital Services and Open Government for the City of San Rafael, Rebecca Woodbury. We focus on the impact that the COVID-19 … Continued
The under-resourced nature of local government often leads to de-prioritization of workplace culture. At the same time, it adds pressure to increase efficiency. The “do more with less” mantra sounds like tired nails on a chalkboard to most public servants. Work culture is made up of several elements including: Purpose (this inspires and motivates us … Continued
Originally published March 2021 in StateScoop: To help small cities and towns go digital, the former digital service director of San Rafael, California, recently announced that she’s launching her own civic technology consultancy. The business, called the Department of Civic Things, is Rebecca Woodbury’s first venture since departing San Rafael in January after 12 years with … Continued
Originally published March 2021 in Government Technology Magazine: Rebecca Woodbury, the digital services chief for the city of San Rafael, Calif., who made a name for herself as an outspoken advocate for innovation in local government, has started her own company. The startup, called Department of Civic Things, is a consultancy Woodbury has created to carry on her … Continued
Early in my career, my best friend was working as a social worker. She helped LGBTQ foster youth navigate trauma. She supported them in relationships with foster and birth parents, as well as other kids. At the end of her shift, she had to document the happenings of the day, sometimes traumatic, into their case … Continued
A product owner ensures that a government service or program is effective and meets people’s needs. This role is different from a project manager, who’s job is to make sure a project gets done on time and on budget. The product owner is accountable for whether the service is any good. This mindset helps to … Continued
