If you run in tech circles, I’m sure you’re already well aware of the Department of Government Efficiency’s sudden shuttering of 18F, an innovative digital services agency at the federal level that helped other government agencies — wait for it — improve public service and efficiency through technology. Yes. As stupid as that is, luckily, we have some of those amazing 18F folks right here in our own Portlandy midst. And now, they’ve found a new outlet for their expertise. Meet the Portland Digital Corps.
Portland Digital Corps was founded in 2025 by Ron Bronson, former Head of Design at 18F, the U.S. government’s digital services agency. Ron has deep roots in public interest tech and has worked at all levels of government to improve how services are designed and delivered.
He’s built and led teams inside public agencies, advised on digital strategy and infrastructure modernization, and worked with mission-driven orgs across the country. He also serves as President of AIGA Portland, where he helped launch PDX Design Month and recently taught service design at the University of Michigan.
This project reflects the kind of work he’s most drawn to: practical, collaborative, and focused on getting useful things into the hands of people doing good work.
It might just be nostalgia talking but this, in many ways, feels like it hearkens back to a previous era in the Portland startup community. One where open source and open data were used as creative inspiration to solve real problems with real technology. I, for one, would absolutely love to see us get back to some of that ethos. Especially with all of the challenges — and innumerable opportunities — our community currently faces.
Portland Digital Corps is looking for both volunteers and projects.
I’m really really looking forward to seeing where this goes.
For more information, visit Portland Digital Corps.
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