Who we are

We are pioneering the next era of local government

GovEmpower was founded because we believe in the power of design to transform American democracy. We are building a world of engaged citizens, collaborative leadership, and vibrant communities.

GovEmpower was founded because we believe in the power of design to transform American democracy. We are building a world of engaged citizens, collaborative leadership, and vibrant communities.

Our mission is to help small to medium-sized municipalities build better, more inclusive and more citizen-friendly products and services.​

Our mission is to help small to medium-sized municipalities build better, more inclusive and more citizen-friendly products and services.​

For decades, large governments and wealthy corporations have been using design tools to increase the amount of value they deliver to those they serve. It’s time for these approaches to reach the rest of America so we can restore our communities.

From ensuring housing access to streamlining permitting to diversifying the police force, design can shift the way we think about the public sector.

For decades, large governments and wealthy corporations have been using design tools to increase the amount of value they deliver to those they serve. It’s time for these approaches to reach the rest of America so we can restore our communities.

From ensuring housing access to streamlining permitting to diversifying the police force, design can shift the way we think about the public sector.

Our Philosophy

We are thoughtfully pragmatic, focused on building relationships across difference while meeting needs

1. Collaboration and citizen engagement are necessary, not optional.

The health and stability of American democracy requires that government leaders learn how to solve problems and build products and services with the people they serve. Designing with instead of for builds trust and capacity and ensures a better final result.

2. People are people, not just users, customers, or even citizens.

We practice human-centered design, which means our work is not merely guided by optimization based on a set of fixed plans or ideas, but instead prioritizes building empathy for the full spectrum of human experiences: physical, cognitive, and emotional.

3. Whenever possible, involve those that have been historically marginalized.

Too often public sector products and services prioritize the wants and needs of either the “average” citizen or the most advantaged among us. Responsible governance means giving those that have been historically excluded a voice in the policy process.

Government innovation, for everyone

Innovation teams have been perfecting innovation through design. We’re making it accessible. 

Welcome to the future of government

Journey Maps

Through in-depth interviews with users and stakeholders, we map the full experience to expose pain points, inefficiencies, and moments of opportunity—giving you a clear picture of what to fix and where to innovate.

usability tests

We observe real users as they interact with your digital solution to uncover friction points and recommend targeted improvements.

heuristic audits

Leaning on industry best practices and deep UX expertise, we review your product to highlight areas where usability and accessibility can be strengthened.

Service Blueprints

Planning a new service or redesigning a current one? We work with you to outline each layer—frontstage and backstage—so your offering runs smoothly from the inside out.

Co-Design Workshops

From 2-hour sprints to 2-week design labs, we facilitate collaborative workshops—whether you’re refining a roadmap, rethinking a service, or launching a new community initiative.

Interviews

We lead one-on-one interviews with users and stakeholders to surface insights, build trust, and ensure any changes are informed by those most affected.

Community Surveys

We design and deploy surveys that surface actionable insights from your community—helping you prioritize what matters most.