Born from crisis, built for lasting change
In March 2020, unemployment systems crashed. Vaccine distribution needed coordinating. Small businesses desperately awaited relief funds. Government technology, already strained, buckled under unprecedented demand.
Within days, a message that asked who was available to help governments respond to the COVID-19 pandemic became a movement. Tech professionals across America raised their hands to help. When governments told us the challenges they faced, USDR matched them with people who could solve them—fast.
Our founding ethos remains unchanged:
- Serve at the "speed of need"
- No tech saviorism
- Deliver "demos, not memos"
Today, that same volunteer spirit powers a new kind of partnership. Since our inception, our skilled volunteers have contributed the equivalent of 90 full-time employees, bringing years of collective expertise to strengthen government capacity from the inside out.
We're not consultants or vendors. We're partners who roll up our sleeves, work alongside your teams, and ensure the solutions we build together and the lessons learned last long after our engagement ends.
Meet the people
Our team combines deep government experience with world-class technical expertise. From former City leaders who helped shape digital strategy to tech company leaders who have built products and services for millions, from public servants who understand government's challenges firsthand to volunteers who became staff after seeing our impact—we bring diverse perspectives united by a common purpose: helping government deliver services that strengthen communities and build trust.
We envision a future where communities trust governments to deliver.
USDR partners with governments to modernize how they serve communities by providing expert talent, proven methodologies and tools, and unbiased guidance to ensure that people get services that actually work for them, when they need them.
Guided by leaders who transcend partisan divides
Our board was thoughtfully designed to reflect the nonpartisan nature of effective government service. These leaders have served across federal administrations on both sides of the aisle, led major technology companies, and pioneered digital transformation in government. Some helped launch USDR in those critical early days, while others joined as we grew, bringing fresh perspectives and expanded networks. Together, they ensure we remain focused on what matters: helping governments serve all people effectively.
Our promise to serve with humility and integrity
Every USDR staff member and volunteer commits to our Community Oath—a pledge to lead with humility, respect public servants as the true heroes, and serve all communities with nonpartisan dedication. This isn't just words on paper. It's how we ensure that our expertise strengthens government capacity while honoring those who serve their communities every day, regardless of political affiliation.
"USDR is helping us change the foundation of how we operate in looking at the needs of our residents and how to incorporate them into all our digital products and building overall trust in government."
- Ryan Curl, project manager for the Department of Digital Experience of Hennepin County
Explore how we've helped local, state, and tribal governments better serve their communities through human-centered solutions. Discover how our partnerships create lasting change from deploying generative Al to break down language barriers, to building high-performing digital teams through strategic talent design, to creating modern tools that help election officials manage complex operations.