HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order from a year ago, creating the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA), has changed the online interaction between the residents of Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth. The initiative, aimed at transforming digital services, is now celebrating its first anniversary.
The accomplishments of CODE PA over the past year have been remarkable. From assembling an experienced leadership team to launching several online services and programs, the dedicated team continues to reimagine Pennsylvania’s digital service delivery, in turn revolutionizing how state agencies build, manager, and procure technology. The office’s fervent efforts have earned them the affectionate tagline of “There’s truly no wrong door to access state government”.
The past year has seen CODE PA roll out several notable projects. To highlight a few, the “PAyback” initiative is an online money-back guarantee system that has increased accountability and transparency for the Commonwealth’s permitting, licensing, and certification processes. A new process and accompanying website have also been introduced for Pennsylvanians to appeal denied health insurance claims. CODE PA has even launched an online tool for applicants of the Property Tax/Rent rebate program to locate in-person assistance.
An added feather in CODE PA’s cap is the launch of their new website, CODE.PA.gov, which showcases the major projects completed by the office. It’s a platform where Pennsylvanians can send in their queries to the CODE PA team, and in the future be called upon to participate in user testing for upcoming digital services.
In an interesting development, CODE PA has announced a summer internship program to attract undergraduates interested in user experience (UX) design. The move indicates the government’s effort to bridge the gap between the younger generation and the civil service, thereby fostering innovation and fresh perspectives.
As we look to the future, CODE PA has a vision of making Pennsylvania’s online services the best in the country. We can look forward to more impressive projects from CODE PA, including a streamlined and user-friendly version of PA.gov, a secure single login system and a new and improved online permitting process for the Department of Environmental Protection.
Through its accomplishments, CODE PA has shown that a proactive investment in digital services can lead to a more efficient, user-friendly, and accessible government. It is a perfect example of how to best serve the public’s digital needs while also harnessing the power of modern technology.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.