Center for Civic Futures: AI and Tech Guide for Government
Center for Civic FuturesServiceMay 6, 2026
The Center for Civic Futures helps government leaders navigate artificial intelligence and emerging technology through trusted learning spaces and responsible implementation. This national organization provides training, funding, and support to help public officials make smart decisions about new technology. They operate a $20 million Public Benefit Innovation Fund that brings AI tools from ideas to real impact, improving how people access vital public benefits. Their AI Readiness Project connects government leaders across the country to share lessons and build tools for the future. The Center focuses on human services, helping leaders understand how technology changes affect the public systems they oversee. For Houston residents, this matters because our city and county leaders need guidance on using AI responsibly in public services. When government uses technology well, we get better access to benefits, faster service delivery, and more efficient city operations. This could mean shorter wait times at city offices, better online services, or smarter traffic management systems. The Center's work helps ensure that when Houston adopts new technology, it serves everyone fairly and safely. To learn more about their resources or connect Houston leaders with their programs, visit their website or contact them directly about their government training opportunities.
Emerging technologies are changing the world. We help government meet the moment—and shape what comes next.
Across every level of government, leaders are being asked to do more with less. Outdated systems, shrinking budgets, and shifting policies make it hard to plan ahead, even as new technologies demand faster decisions. The result is a daily balancing act between ambition and capacity, risk and responsibility.
Celebrating the everyday ways government is shaping what’s next
Submissions are due May 1, 2026
We provide trusted spaces for government leaders to learn, test, and act. Through pilots, partnerships, and shared insight, we help decision-makers move ideas from exploration to evidence, and evidence into practice.
Our $20M Public Benefit Innovation Fund helps bring AI tools from idea to impact, improving access to vital public benefits. We fund real-world experimentation and share what works so governments can adopt emerging technology responsibly. Learn how our fund supports human-centered service delivery innovation.
We connect the government leaders who are defining what AI means for public service. Our AI Readiness Project enables leaders to share lessons, build tools, and prepare for what’s ahead, from workforce impacts to the rise of agentic systems. See how leaders are working together to guide AI responsibly.
As emerging technology reshapes the public systems they oversee, we help health and human services leaders make sense of change. By delivering peer learning and technical support, we help them build confidence to explore AI responsibly. Discover how we support human services leaders in practice.
“Trusted spaces like Center for Civic Futures are essential for public leaders to navigate the complexities of AI, allowing them to move beyond the hype and focus on developing safe, effective, and equitable solutions for our communities."
Tracy Gruber
Executive Director, Department of Health & Human Services, State of Utah
“The Center for Civic Futures provides a trusted space for government leaders to explore the rapid emergence of AI technologies while fostering interagency collaboration and shared learning to improve the quality of services we deliver.”
Gary Wilson
Assistant Commissioner, Quality Improvement and Strategic Solutions, State of Tennessee
"In a time where emerging technologies and AI opportunities are prevalent, the space to connect with other state leaders and engage with the expertise and educational support that The Center for Civic Futures brings to the table is invaluable. I’m better equipped with resources, knowledge, and tools to support the needs of my agency."
Tikki Brown
Commissioner, Department of Children, Youth, and Families
“As HHS leaders, we’re facing a perfect storm of increasing demands, outdated systems, and the rapid emergence of AI. The expertise and resources Center for Civic Futures provide are not just helpful—they’re essential. Without this support, we risk falling even further behind. This is a critical moment. We can’t afford to wait."
Fariborz Pakseresht
Former Director, Department of Human Services, State of Oregon
"Working with Center for Civic Futures gave our team the confidence to navigate the unknowns of emerging technology. Their solid expertise reassured us we were on the right track and, where we needed help, all of their suggested adjustments were clear and actionable. As we focus on upskilling our employees in-house, CCF has been a calming and invaluable guide."
Stephanie Bloch
Innovation & Change Management, Deputy Administrator, Innovation & Change Management, DC Department of Human Services
Center for Civic Futures is a non-partisan, non-profit, fiscally sponsored project of Digital Harbor Foundation, created to align government leaders and partners around transformative opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies.
We are policy, tech, and operations leaders with deep government experience.
We envision a future where governments are able to both effectively harness emerging technologies to meet the needs of a changing world, and stand at the forefront of responsible AI driving positive change for everyday people.
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