What will the Federal government look like a decade from now? A recent unscientific survey of federal innovators by Federal Radio News found wishful prognostications for increased inclusiveness, greater flexibility and greater use of technology.

With the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Federal Government was supposed to become the model employer for those with disabilities. Jason Olsen, a Labor Department employee, noted that great strides have been made in areas such as physical accessibility but more work is needed. He feels the focus should be turning to making jobs in accessible buildings available.

Say Bye-Bye to Silos

David Bray, the chief information officer of the Federal Communications Commission, talked about “cross-pollination.” He foresees a time when Federal employees work where needed without being tied to one department or agency. No more silos for Mr. Bray.

No more running from door-to-door with a problem is the goal of Leslie Hamm, Montgomery County, Maryland’s MC311 customer service center director. She believes that the government ought to be doing the searching for resources and answers and not the consumer. It’s all about customer service.

Nagesh Rao, Chief Technologist for the SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation naturally sees increased use of small business for solutions in the Federal Government’s future. He would like to see the SBA’s programs made government-wide so that the benefits from them can be realized government-wide.

A new look and feel for the federal workforce

Ben Kohlmann is a Navy officer and Chairman, Defense Entrepreneurs Foundation. He noted that there are thousands of small groups of volunteers across the country that are in position to help the government in a critical situation. Specifically, he points to the military veterans of Team Rubicon who have been very active in disaster situations in the United States and around the globe. He looks for a change in government policy from “take over” to “work with” in situations where volunteer groups are ready and able to assist.

Lastly, Mika Cross of the Consumer Protection Bureau, talked about telework, and the need to bring Federal employment options to all Americans. She notes that the locations of brick and mortar agencies naturally discourage job applicants from rural areas. The current technologies and tasks performed by Federal employees ought to allow more offsite and work-from-home employees to be hired.

The views of people like the those interviewed by Federal News Radio are important because these are the same people who will make policy at Federal agencies and departments in the next decade. The potential for change exists with the new generation being recruited or promoted into policy-level positions. See you in 2025!

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Charles Simmins brings thirty years of accounting and management experience to his coverage of the news. An upstate New Yorker, he is a freelance journalist, former volunteer firefighter and EMT, and is owned by a wife and four cats.