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Code for America Comes to Austin

Code for America brings its drive for computer programming to create more transparent government to Austin tonight.
Photo by Jessie Wang for KUT News
Code for America brings its drive for computer programming to create more transparent government to Austin tonight.

A group that wants to create web applications and programs for more transparent government holds their first "meet up" tonight.

Austin is one of the top ten finalists for the next wave of Code for America, a nationwide push to help staffers within a city's government identify issues that can be answered through the use of computer technology.

“We’re writing web apps. We’re writing iPhone apps, pretty much any type kind of interface people use.  But a big piece of isn’t actually the code," said Abhi Nemani, Director of Strategy and Communications. "A big part is finding the right solution to the problem so in Austin were trying to find a way to engage the citizens and the right way to make the government, more transparent,”

Starting this year Code for America will be accepting applications for its fellowship program in San Francisco. Accepted applicants will be trained to create a program specific to Austin but also usable around the country. So if you have any interest in web development or design there is a Meet and Greet Happy Hour today from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at La Condesa restaurant, West 2nd Street and Guadalupe Street.

Jessie Wang is a news intern at KUT. She is studying International Relations, Chinese and Community Health at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.