Google is teaming with Code for America to help transition the most promising ideas from the civic tech group's fellows into viable businesses.
Rebecca Grant reports on the incubator program announced last week that will see a deepening of the relationship between the web giants and Gov 2.0 leader. "Code for America and Google for Entrepreneurs are partnering to form an incubator that will support Code for America fellows as they try to turn their ideas into companies."
"This new 'no-nonsense, highly focused experience' will last for six months and help transition early-stage civic entrepreneurs into startup mode as they develop business strategies, improve their products, and acquire customers," explains Grant. "The first companies to participate are LocalData, BlightStatus, and Textizen."
“Google’s been with us from the start, and we’re excited about their continued interest in transforming government by investing in a new generation of disruptive entrepreneurs,” said CfA’s founder Jennifer Pahlka in a blog post. “These startups are developing light-weight, flexible, affordable tools that help cities work better and are becoming the foundation of a new market for civic innovation. Google’s support in this effort is invaluable.”
FULL STORY: Code for America and Google form incubator to ‘turbocharge’ civic-minded startups
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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