Introduction

As 2023 comes to a close, Civic Tech DC reflects on a year of significant transformation and growth. Our journey through the year has been marked by accomplishments, challenges, and learning experiences that have reshaped our collective and positioned us for an exciting future.

1. Accomplishments and Financial Utilization

The year 2023 was a landmark year for us at Civic Tech DC. We began by taking over leadership for the former Code for DC, initiating a new chapter in our story. A significant step was the rebranding to Civic Tech DC, marking a fresh start post-pandemic. This transition wasn't just in name; we rebooted our social media marketing efforts to establish our new identity in the community.

Financially, our resources were strategically utilized to boost our presence and engagement. We invested in creating new swag, an essential tool in building our brand identity and fostering a sense of community. Our offboarding from Code for America involved acquiring a new domain, signifying our move towards greater autonomy.

Event-wise, we increased the frequency, securing new venue partnerships that allowed us to expand our reach. External collaborations and new food sponsorships enabled us to enrich our event offerings, making them more engaging and inclusive.

2023 also marked our 11th anniversary, a milestone we celebrated with pride. Our team grew with the addition of new organizers, Alma and Yulia, who brought fresh perspectives and energy. The highlight was our organizational hackathon, which not only bolstered our technical capabilities but also realigned our collective's focus and strategy.

2. Challenges, Learnings, and Growth

Every journey has its hurdles, and ours was no exception. The transition from Code for America presented both logistical and identity challenges. Establishing ourselves as an independent entity, especially in the competitive landscape of civic technology, required meticulous planning and execution.

Our learning curve was steep. We delved into the intricacies of rebranding, understanding the importance of consistent and engaging communication with our community. The monthly updates were a testament to our commitment to transparency and engagement.

The hackathon we hosted was not just a technical exercise; it was a profound learning experience. It provided insights into the evolving needs of our community and the broader civic tech landscape. This event catalyzed our growth, compelling us to rethink our approach and strategies.

3. Looking Ahead to 2024

As we step into 2024, our sights are set on further expanding our impact. The groundwork laid in 2023 has paved the way for exciting new initiatives. We plan to deepen our engagement with local city government and non-profit organizations, fostering collaborations that can lead to meaningful societal impact.

Our outreach campaign is poised to be more robust, aiming to bring more diverse voices and talents into our fold. We believe that the collective wisdom and skills of our community can drive significant change in the civic tech space.

Conclusion

In sum, 2023 was a year of rebirth, learning, and growth for Civic Tech DC. We navigated challenges, celebrated milestones, and set the stage for an impactful future. As we look forward to 2024, we are filled with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose to drive positive change in our community and beyond.