Code for America began as an experiment. It started, really, with a question: will people stand up? We saw everywhere in the private sector tremendous innovation and change -- even market disruptions -- through technology.
Whether defined in terms of software, data, or overall transparency, it's clear that Austin, Texas has embraced citizens' expectations of open government.
Given the economic pressures and challenges that confront hundreds of millions of Americans, the need for a killer civic "app for that" may never have been greater.
In February, Detroit will welcome three visitors who will spend an entire year developing web-based solutions to confront city issues head on -- not f...