Across the country, state and tribal agencies are navigating unprecedented changes while new opportunities emerge on the horizon.
Significant shifts in the federal funding landscape are increasing pressure on state and local budgets, pushing governments into a period of having to do more with less. Health and Human Services agencies are navigating new administrative mandates on tight timelines, while still contending with aging technology, outdated processes, and limited internal capacity.
At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are changing the landscape. What once felt theoretical is now on agency doorsteps. With the right support, these tools can help tackle challenges that have made progress hard for decades—from rigid procurement rules to outdated hiring practices to siloed service delivery.
We believe this is a moment of possibility. But possibility doesn’t mean inevitability. Thoughtful progress takes more than new tools. It takes the right support, tools, and partnerships.
That’s why we’re stepping into a new chapter together.
First, we are evolving our leadership. Our founder, Justin Brown, has passed the baton to Cass Madison, who will now lead the work and community. Justin will continue to deeply support the organization as senior advisor and chair of the Public Sector Advisory Board. Cass has been a driving force behind this work from the start, bringing a combination of systems savvy, public-sector fluency, and strategic vision.
Second, the Center for Public Sector AI (CPSAI) and the Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF) are joining forces under a new umbrella: the Center for Civic Futures, which will operate as a fiscally sponsored project of the Digital Harbor Foundation.
As Executive Director of the Center, and with the support of leading partner organizations like Renaissance Philanthropy, Cass will be able to direct more than $20 million toward the development and deployment of AI-enabled technologies that improve access to public benefits—while continuing to invest in community building, shared learning, and implementation support that helps those tools stick.
Together, we’re building on everything we’ve learned and accelerating what comes next.
Next steps in this new chapter for the Center for Civic Futures include:
- Launching a call for proposals through the Public Benefit Innovation Fund to support AI-enabled solutions that help agencies implement recent federal policy changes and protect access to critical benefits. Grants are anticipated to range from $500,000 to $2 million, with an emphasis on real-world deployment and measurable impact. Stay tuned by signing up for updates here.
- Expanding our Project Clearinghouse through a partnership with the Families and Workers Fund and Bloom Works, to offer hands-on technical assistance to support public sector teams in improving the lives of children, families, and workers through more effective, efficient delivery of public services—and launching a new resource hub to share lessons learned across states and territories.
- Rolling out an AI training series in partnership with InnovateUS, designed for Health and Human Services Secretaries, Directors, Commissioners, and their teams. These sessions will focus on building practical readiness for evaluating and experimenting with new technologies.
These efforts build on a strong foundation. Since our start, CPSAI’s mission has been clear: to help government leaders make informed, thoughtful decisions about emerging technology. And over the past year, that mission has taken off—thanks to the insights and leadership of so many of you.
Our network now spans 40 states. We’ve supported leaders through convenings, working sessions, research, and one-on-one support. And through it all, we’ve stayed grounded in what we hear from the field:
- Leaders want to move forward—but they need time, space, and help navigating the complexity of AI’s application in public systems.
- Pilots aren’t enough—lasting change requires real capacity and long-term support.
- And real progress doesn’t happen in silos—it takes collaboration across sectors, agencies, and disciplines.
Looking ahead
We know the road ahead isn’t simple. But we also know what’s possible when governments are equipped with the tools, relationships, and clarity they need to lead with confidence.
To everyone who has supported this journey and will support our journey—thank you.
And to those we haven’t yet met—we’re excited to build with you.
Let’s keep going.
—Cass & Justin