HARRISBURG, PA — When Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) in April 2023, it marked the beginning of a bold vision to modernize Pennsylvania’s online services. Fast forward less than two years, and CODE PA has emerged as a national leader in digital innovation, earning accolades for improving accessibility, saving millions in taxpayer dollars, and reshaping how residents interact with their government.
“CODE PA is revolutionizing how the Commonwealth designs and builds digital services with human-centered approaches that prioritize the needs of people who actually use the service,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “Everywhere I go, I hear from Pennsylvanians who appreciate that we are listening to what they have to say and incorporating their insights into the digital services we provide.”
At a time when people expect fast, seamless, and secure digital services, CODE PA’s work reflects a dramatic cultural shift within state government, making technology a centerpiece of public policy.
Innovation in Action
CODE PA’s mission was clear from the start—make Pennsylvania’s digital services user-friendly, accessible, and cost-effective. And the results have been staggering. By building high-quality digital tools in-house, the office has saved the Commonwealth at least $8 million in less than two years, achieving results for 70% less than traditional vendor contracts.
One of CODE PA’s banner successes was the November 2023 launch of PAyback.pa.gov, a groundbreaking online platform offering a money-back guarantee for residents, businesses, schools, and charities navigating state licensing, permitting, and certification processes. The system not only reduces delays but drives accountability among state agencies. It’s already cut down processing times and resolved bureaucratic backlogs at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of State, giving applicants greater predictability and confidence.
Collaboration remains central to CODE PA’s ethos. Executive Director Bry Pardoe attributes the office’s rapid progress to working closely with state agencies and listening to residents and businesses. “Collaboration is at the heart of CODE PA’s work to improve online experiences for Pennsylvanians,” Pardoe said. “We’ve grown CODE PA from an idea into a vision and team to transform the Commonwealth’s digital services.”
Breaking Barriers and Elevating Access
From simpler forms to smarter websites, CODE PA has tackled systemic inefficiencies head-on. Key initiatives in 2024 included the launch of:
- Healthcare Claim Appeals: A website allowing residents to appeal denied health insurance claims, helping hundreds access the care they deserve at a fraction of the cost of outsourcing the project.
- Property Tax/Rent Rebate Lookup Tool: An easy-to-use resource that connected over 100,000 first-time applicants to rebates for older adults and people with disabilities.
- PA.gov Overhaul: Transforming 64 siloed agency websites into a seamless, user-friendly hub—launched a month ahead of schedule.
These projects reflect CODE PA’s core principle of human-centered design. By engaging directly with users, including people with disabilities and nonprofit leaders, the office has ensured that Pennsylvania’s digital offerings meet a diverse range of needs.
CODE PA is modernizing Pennsylvania’s public websites to be more responsive, intuitive, and inclusive, earning praise during accessibility-focused sessions led by First Lady Lori Shapiro.
A National Model for Digital Governance
CODE PA’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Its achievements have been recognized with multiple national awards, including the State IT Innovation of the Year award from StateScoop and the NASCA Innovation in State Government Award for Transformation. The program has become a blueprint for other states grappling with outdated systems and service delays.
But for Pennsylvania officials, this is just the beginning. Governor Shapiro has doubled down on CODE PA’s importance in shaping a forward-thinking government. Now one of the largest digital services teams in the nation, CODE PA recently unveiled the PA Permit Fast Track Dashboard, which tracks high-impact economic development permits in real time, and an enhanced DEP permit transparency tool designed to improve communication with applicants.
CODE PA demonstrates that digital service modernization can be both fast and cost-effective without burdening taxpayers, according to Pardoe.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Digital Leadership
2025 is set to be another landmark year for CODE PA. The team plans to expand its “no wrong door” approach, enabling Pennsylvanians to access essential services through a single, secure login. Initiatives like the revamped grants search tool and improvements to the state’s Electronic Single Application platform will simplify navigation across hundreds of programs for businesses, nonprofits, and residents alike.
While the feats of CODE PA over the last two years represent a massive leap forward, they also underscore the importance of adaptive, forward-thinking governance. With climate change, economic shifts, and evolving technological needs reshaping the nation, state governments must adapt or risk falling behind. CODE PA is leading by example, preparing Pennsylvania for future challenges while delivering clear, measurable results.
Secretary Weaver emphasized that CODE PA’s mission goes beyond repairing systems—it’s about creating systems that earn the trust and respect of Pennsylvanians.
A Digital Renaissance
For a Commonwealth as historically rich as Pennsylvania, the achievements of CODE PA signal a digital renaissance. Governor Shapiro’s administration has shown that investing in innovation can not only save money but also elevate the daily experiences of millions of residents.
From educators finalizing certifications through faster processes to seniors receiving benefits in record time, CODE PA’s efforts extend well beyond the screen. They’re a testament to what government can achieve when it prioritizes its people—making essential services not just functional, but transformational.
And as CODE PA looks to expand even further, Pennsylvanians can rest assured that their digital future is in capable hands.
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