Abhi Nemani, Senior VP of Product Strategy
Abhi is a government technology entrepreneur, scholar and public servant with over 15 years of experience building and leading public and private sector organizations driving innovation. Currently, Abhi Nemani is the Senior Vice President of product strategy at Euna Solutions, a leading provider of purpose-built, cloud-based solutions for the public sector.
Rebuilding trust in government is more critical than ever, and human-centered design (HCD) is emerging as a powerful solution. By focusing on user experience in digital services, governments can create processes that are more accessible, efficient, and transparent. States like New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Montana are already seeing the benefits of HCD in improving service accessibility and public trust, as discussed in Government Technology.
However, building effective HCD teams at the local level presents unique challenges, primarily due to workforce issues. Attracting and retaining skilled talent in the public sector is increasingly difficult. Local governments often struggle with outdated talent management strategies and cannot compete with the private sector’s compensation packages, making it challenging to assemble the right talent for digital transformation projects. According to the National League of Cities, recruitment and retention are critical challenges for cities, but jurisdictions are innovating around engaging the public and their employees to build a talented workforce.
Additionally, an article from Governing highlights that the biggest challenge in public finance may not be money, but rather the ability to recruit and retain the necessary talent to manage these finances effectively. This underscores the critical importance of innovative hiring practices and modernizing talent management strategies in the public sector. As I discuss in my LinkedIn post, supporting today’s public sector workforce requires new approaches and strategies to meet these evolving challenges.
At Euna Solutions, we are at the forefront of this transformation. Our tools, such as Euna Procurement and Euna Budget Professional, are designed to enhance operational efficiency while prioritizing user needs. This approach ensures that public servants can deliver better services, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.
For counties and cities looking to adopt these best practices, several key principles can guide the way:
- Ensure Accessibility: Make digital services accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Euna Solutions’ Budget Book Studio, for example, is fully ADA compliant, ensuring that everyone can access and understand budget information.
- Focus on User Experience: Prioritize understanding user needs, simplifying processes, and designing intuitive interfaces. A user-centered approach is essential for building public trust and making government services more accessible and efficient. Our Strategic Planning Playbook, co-produced with Funkhouser & Associates, provides detailed guidance on implementing these strategies effectively.
- Leverage Data and Analytics: Use data effectively to drive informed decision-making and enhance transparency. Integrated data platforms can significantly improve public services by providing valuable insights and fostering better coordination, as highlighted by McKinsey’s guidance on government digital transformations.
States like North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah have demonstrated these principles in action. North Carolina’s digital equity initiatives, Ohio’s integrated data platform, and Utah’s agile pandemic response highlight the tangible benefits of a user-centered, data-driven approach to public service. My post on Shaping Tomorrow’s Government Workforce further dives into these strategies in fostering a resilient and efficient public sector.
To specifically address workforce issues in local government, Euna Solutions offers valuable resources such as Supporting Today’s Public Sector Workforce. This resource provides insights and practical strategies to navigate mass retirements, fill staffing gaps, and manage higher pressures on staff, ensuring a more sustainable and effective workforce.
Counties and cities can learn from these examples to enhance their digital services, address workforce challenges, and rebuild public trust. At Euna Solutions, we are dedicated to supporting this transformation. All of our tools are purpose-built for the humans at the center of governance: the public servants and the people they serve. By adopting these best practices, public sector organizations can meet today’s challenges with confidence and efficiency, paving the way for a more transparent and user-friendly future in government operations.