Constance Cummings
Jul 28, 2017 · 1 min read

Anna, Thank you for writing this article. I went to work for a state agency last year. I’m an older worker, but worked most of my career in Silicon Valley. The agency’s systems are right out of the 1980’s. A young co worker and I are working to get them to implement basic modern IT systems and practices. We face huge resistance. Most of the workers here have no formal education, are older, and just waiting for retirement.

How did you even get them to listen to you explain why you need design standards? How did you get buy-in? Is their management interested in change, or is this being mandated by some regulations or legislation? Mostly I wonder how the USDS works and could our state implement a similar program at the state level?

I agree that this is a brave thing to do. I hope your work inspires others and will help precipitate much needed changes in government in general.