In just over a year, CODE PA has launched new digital services that are earning national recognition for improving user experience and helping government move at the speed of business.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) was honored at the 2024 Code for America Innovator Awards for groups and individuals that are working to deliver products and services advancing the civic tech community, recognized for its work to improve community access and quality life for Pennsylvanians. The awards were presented at the Code for America Summit in Oakland, California.
CODE PA has developed a new website for an external review process that allows Pennsylvanians to appeal denied health plan services, as well as an online tool that helps older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities find in-person assistance with their applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program, and PAyback.pa.gov, the online money-back guarantee system that allows residents, businesses, charities, and schools to check their eligibility for a refund of their permit, license, or certification application fee and request a refund if they believe they are eligible.
"CODE PA has built a top-notch team that is dedicated to creating digital solutions to make government services easier to access and obtain for Pennsylvanians," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. "The team's accomplishments over its first year are numerous and impressive, and we're proud that they are being recognized for the work they are doing to serve Pennsylvanians, and to ultimately transform how government serves our residents and does business."
"CODE PA's goal since day one has been to make Pennsylvania's digital service experiences easier to use and more accessible," said Bry Pardoe, Executive Director of CODE PA. "It is an honor to be recognized by Code for America for our work to modernize how Pennsylvanians interact with the Commonwealth online – and we look forward to continuing to innovate with Commonwealth agencies to serve Pennsylvanians."
The Code for America Innovator Awards honor groups or individuals that are shaping the path forward in the civic tech community. The Government Changemaker Award goes to an individual or group that applied a digital solution to a government system that improved their community access that used Code for America's human-centered government principles to deliver a solution that improved quality of life for their community while increasing equity.
"Through its innovative use of technology and commitment to advancing human-centered government, the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience is changing lives in Pennsylvania," said Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America. "Code for America is pleased to honor CODE PA with this year's Government Changemaker Award in recognition of all it has done to make government services more accessible to more people."
In its first year, CODE PA has made
significant strides to improve and modernize Commonwealth websites and digital services and help Pennsylvanians connect with the resources the Commonwealth provides. Learn more about CODE PA's work to make Pennsylvania's digital services more human-centered, user-friendly, and accessible at
CODE.pa.gov.
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