Making government work better and cost less through outcome-based approaches and modern technology.
Government efficiency frees resources for priority investments. By focusing on outcomes rather than inputs, modernizing outdated regulations, and embracing radical transparency, we can build a government that actually works for citizens.
Government traditionally budgets based on INPUTS (how much spent, how many hired). Outcome-based government asks: Did it actually WORK? Did test scores improve? Did crime decline?
Regulations accumulate but rarely get removed. Over 1,200 separate zoning districts across Long Island create complexity that burdens small businesses and homeowners alike.
Estonia has built the world's most advanced digital government with 100% of services online. Every data access is logged; citizens can see who accessed their information.
Government traditionally budgets and evaluates programs based on INPUTS:
This tells us nothing about whether programs actually WORK. Outcome-based government asks different questions:
Outcome metric: Nitrogen levels in groundwater and bays (measured in mg/L)
Track: Number of septic systems upgraded, but ALSO actual water quality improvement
Shift resources: To interventions showing greatest nitrogen reduction per dollar
| Area | Current Problem | Reform Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Housing permits | Multiple sequential approvals from different agencies | Single application reviewed simultaneously; automatic approval if no response within 60 days |
| Septic upgrades | Custom engineering required for each property | Pre-approved system designs; same-day permits for conforming installations |
| Small business licensing | Separate licenses from county, town, state | Single business portal; combined inspections; 3-year license duration |
| Agricultural operations | Complex overlapping regulations | Farming-specific navigator; safe harbors for common practices |
| Coastal construction | Multiple agency reviews (Army Corps, DEC, local) | Joint review process; single environmental assessment accepted by all agencies |