About Summit
As we gear up for Summit 2026, we’re thinking about how the future we build can be better when we work together. The civic tech community is maturing, and our methods and ideas along with it. We’re building, improving, and proving what’s possible in government.
Summit is our annual moment to reconnect with purpose. It’s where technologists, public servants, and innovators come together to share what’s working, tackle what’s not, and move the work forward. We’ve designed this year’s gathering to help you dig into the critical work that makes systems change possible—whether that’s through sessions that get into the weeds, stories that inspire action, or spaces to connect and collaborate.
This year feels particularly special because we’ll be in a new city. Civic tech doesn’t just exist on the coasts, and we want to be more intentional about nurturing our community in all the places it exists. Chicago embodies so many qualities that we see reflected in the civic tech movement: a strong culture of innovation, a spirit of resilience, and a deep sense of identity. We’re excited to convene in the center of the country and watch what ideas spring up in a new setting.
Behind the scenes, our content committee has put careful thought into what the civic tech community needs most right now. The result is programming that’s timely and practical—designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just discovering civic tech for the first time, there’s a place for you here.
We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on—and we can’t wait to see you there.
Summit is where technologists, public servants, and innovators come together to share what’s working, tackle what’s not, and move the work forward.
Conference tracks
Service Design + Delivery
This track focuses on the end-to-end design and delivery of government services, which are at the core of what matters most—where people experience government. Delivery of services, technical or non-technical, was once viewed as an afterthought to policy decisions. Today, we know that a ready, responsive, and resilient government must get implementation right.
Policy + Administration
In many ways, policy and technology are two sides of the same government coin. Policy is how the government creates the guardrails for our society, and technological implementation is how those policies are brought to life. But there’s often a disconnect between the intention of a policy and its impact when implemented. This track focuses on bringing policy and administrative decisions closer to their desired real-world outcomes.
Emerging Technology + Innovation
It’s critical we leverage the latest advancements to build more effective and efficient public services. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence have the power to transform government services, but we must ensure that they are deployed thoughtfully and ethically. This track showcases the latest technologies and forward-thinking strategies that are driving positive change and reshaping the future of civic technology.
People Power + Community
Code for America was founded over 15 years ago on the belief that government can work for the people, by the people, in the digital age. This track is for anyone who believes that our best creative problem solving comes from bringing people together. It spotlights change agents and innovators who influence government to better serve all people.
Meet your content committee
Partners
Thank you to our partners who help amplify Code for America Summit 2026 to their communities.