As governments across the country prepare for significant changes in 2025, we've been listening closely to our partners about the challenges they face in delivering critical services to their communities. Through recent conversations with over 30 state and local government and ecosystem partners nationwide, we're hearing consistent themes about maintaining effective service delivery amid evolving circumstances.
These challenges aren't new—governments have long needed to adapt while optimizing limited resources. As we work through a federal transition, the scope and pace of expected changes have many of our partners seeking additional support to ensure they can continue meeting their communities' needs effectively.
Here's what we're hearing from government partners and how U.S. Digital Response (USDR) is prepared to help:
Doing more with less: Optimizing resources for maximum impact
Government leaders are preparing for significant adjustments to federally-funded programs while looking for proactive ways to maintain service quality. From benefits administration to emergency response, program executives are seeking ways to optimize their resources and processes. Many are eager to collaborate with peers facing similar challenges, recognizing that shared solutions and lessons learned can help everyone do more with their existing resources.
“Benefits leaders are craving the ability to work together.” - Government partner
We're seeing innovative approaches emerge. In New Jersey, for instance, the Department of Labor, with support from Google.org, partnered with USDR to implement generative AI-assisted translation services. Developed in collaboration with bilingual staff and policy experts, these Large Language Model translation training materials ensure that unemployment insurance translations are accurate and readable for the vast majority of workers in the State. New Jersey’s own AI translation assistant has already tripled translation speed and is creating translations that are nearly on par with those of an expert human translator.
These training materials are now available to any government for free - providing a faster, more affordable, and customizable alternative to traditional translation vendors.
“Feels like there is an opportunity to unlock philanthropic and private sector collaborations.” - Government partner
Another example comes from our work with government benefits programs, where user research revealed opportunities to optimize service delivery while improving resident experiences. By understanding how families navigate complex systems like Medicaid renewal, agencies can identify and remove friction points that create unnecessary administrative burden.
Through shared learning and collaboration, agencies are discovering that strategic investments in technology and user research can help them do more with existing capacity – creating a foundation for implementing new requirements effectively.
Implementing new requirements while maintaining service quality
Agencies are preparing for a range of new policy requirements that will affect how they serve their communities. Many are concerned about implementation timelines, resource constraints, and maintaining service during transitions. Some are anticipating changes to voting requirements, others are preparing for shifts in benefits eligibility verification, and many are planning for evolving digital service standards. The key to success is being proactive rather than reactive—something we've seen succeed in jurisdictions like Stevens County, Washington, where election officials worked ahead to strengthen ballot box security protocols.
“New governors know they have to be fast and bold about getting started - they cannot be too timid.” - Government partner
We're also seeing this play out in cities like Long Beach, California, where user research helped multiple departments prepare for and implement changes while keeping resident needs at the center. By understanding community perspectives early, agencies can design implementation plans that work better for everyone.
“We would not have been able to support an important system modernization without USDR. USDR provided critical capacity at a time when we needed it most.” Government partner
These successes demonstrate that focusing on resident needs while implementing new requirements isn't just possible – it's essential for building public trust and ensuring program effectiveness. This user-centered approach becomes even more critical as agencies prepare for ongoing changes in their communities.
Building resilience for ongoing change
Perhaps the most consistent theme we're hearing is the need for flexible, adaptable solutions that can evolve with changing circumstances. Partners are preparing for complex scenarios: the need to quickly launch new assistance programs, increased demand for multilingual services, and requirements to strengthen emergency response capabilities—often all at once. They're looking for ways to build resilient systems that can adapt quickly while maintaining consistent service delivery.
“The user stories are our north star - they will keep us focused as we work on modernizing our...system.” - Government partner
This is where USDR's rapid response model, built during the COVID-19 crisis, proves uniquely valuable. When wildfires recently ripped through Los Angeles, USDR reached out to multiple city agencies to help. Within days, our teams were partnering with cities impacted by the fire and spinning up projects to help those in need.
“The depth of expertise is DEEP! Also, I really appreciate how lean USDR volunteer teams are and how we were able to stand up a project and complete it within 3 weeks.” - Government partner
Across hundreds of projects, we've seen that investing in flexible, scalable solutions helps governments respond more effectively to both planned changes and unexpected challenges. This foundation of adaptable systems and processes, combined with rapid response capabilities, enables partners to maintain service continuity even as circumstances evolve.
How USDR can help
As a nonpartisan nonprofit that has completed nearly 600 projects across 50+ states, territories, and tribal nations, USDR is uniquely positioned to support governments through complex transitions. Our approach focuses on:
- Rapid deployment of expert support within days
- Pro-bono and affordable service options
- Building sustainable internal capacity
- Sharing and implementing proven solutions across jurisdictions
Whether you need help with user research, technology implementation, genAI, or other challenges, our network of 10,000+ technical experts stands ready to help you deliver for your community.
Looking ahead
While 2025 will bring new challenges, we're encouraged by the innovative spirit we see in government partners across the country. Public servants continue to find creative ways to serve their communities effectively, and USDR remains committed to supporting these efforts.
If you're facing similar challenges or would like to discuss how we can support your team, please reach out. Together, we can ensure your community continues receiving the services they depend on—no matter what changes lie ahead.
Ready to explore how USDR can support your team? Contact us today.
Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash
