A group of former leaders from the United States Digital Service (USDS) have launched a new project, Tech Viaduct, aimed at overhauling how the U.S. government delivers services to its citizens. The initiative seeks to address what they view as the destructive impact of the Trump administration's rebranding of the USDS as DOGE, and its subsequent efforts to dismantle government agencies.

The Tech Viaduct team, comprised of experienced federal technology officials, intends to develop a comprehensive plan for rebooting government services, with the goal of deploying it during the next Democratic administration. This plan will focus on leveraging the decisiveness and clout demonstrated by the previous administration, but directing it towards serving the public good rather than pursuing specific agendas.

The USDS, initially established to bring private sector technology expertise into government, suffered significant setbacks under the Trump administration. The rebranding as DOGE led to the departure of many volunteer tech specialists, including coders, designers, and UX experts, who were replaced by a team of younger engineers tasked with eliminating fraud within government agencies. While the effort exposed vulnerabilities, critics argue that it lacked a strategic vision and ultimately disrupted essential services.

Tech Viaduct aims to correct this course by developing a detailed roadmap for modernizing government technology infrastructure and improving citizen access to services. The project will likely involve identifying outdated systems, streamlining processes, and implementing user-friendly interfaces. It will also address concerns about data security and privacy, ensuring that citizen information is protected.

The initiative comes at a time when the need for effective government technology is increasingly apparent. From healthcare to education to social security, citizens rely on government services for essential support. By leveraging technology effectively, the government can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall citizen experience.

The Tech Viaduct team is currently working on developing its initial plan, which is expected to be released in the coming months. The team hopes to engage with government officials, technology experts, and the public to gather input and refine its approach. The success of the project will depend on its ability to build consensus and secure the necessary resources to implement its recommendations.