Code for America featured in USA TODAY’s America 250 docuseries

Code for America appears in a new USA TODAY documentary series debuting tonight, spotlighting the nonprofit’s work helping people access public benefits, tax refunds and record-sealing services. The feature comes as the organization says its tools have helped more than 40 million eligible people secure $41 billion in benefits across all 50 states.

Why it matters: - Code for America says its technology has helped more than 40 million eligible people access $41 billion in benefits. - The feature spotlights how civic tech can make government services easier to use at a time when more public programs are moving online. - The nonprofit is also positioning responsible AI as part of the next phase of government service delivery.

What happened: - Code for America is featured in a new USA TODAY documentary series, America 250, which premieres tonight. - The series marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and highlights organizations changing lives across the country. - An episode focused on Code for America airs tonight at TIME and will also be available to stream at the full episode. - The episode includes interviews with Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria and partners in civic tech and public service delivery.

The details: - Code for America says it has worked with more than 500 partners across government and community organizations in all 50 states. - The nonprofit’s work includes strengthening the social safety net, expanding access to free tax filing and advancing criminal record sealing. - For programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, Code for America helps build digital enrollment systems designed to be easier to use. - The organization says those updates reduce states’ administrative inefficiencies. - In one state, reduced caseworker processing time translated to more than $4 million in annual savings. - Code for America created GetYourRefund, a free virtual tax filing service. - The service has helped tax filers claim more than $612 million in refunds and save nearly $39 million in filing fees. - The nonprofit’s multi-state record-sealing work is aimed at improving access to employment, education and housing.

Between the lines: - The documentary appearance gives Code for America a national platform at a moment when governments are under pressure to deliver services faster and with less friction. - The organization’s pitch is that better digital tools can improve access for residents while also lowering costs for states. - The AI effort suggests Code for America wants to shape how states adopt automation without losing focus on public service delivery.

What’s next: - Code for America says it will continue working with states to use responsible AI in government services. - The nonprofit is likely to keep expanding tools that simplify access to benefits, tax help and record sealing. - The America 250 episode will remain available to stream after its television debut.

The bottom line: - Code for America is using a high-profile documentary feature to underscore a simple case: better technology can make government easier to navigate and more effective for millions of people.