Civic Technology
Technology that makes 'public' actually mean public
The Problem
Citizens have legal rights to government information they can't practically exercise. Finding the right agency takes hours. Requests disappear without acknowledgment. Responses arrive months late—or never. The transparency laws exist, but the infrastructure to use them doesn't. Government data that should inform public debate sits locked in filing cabinets and legacy databases.
Gavin Rozzi builds civic technology that closes this gap—platforms that automate what used to be manual, track what used to be invisible, and publish what used to be buried. His work spans public records access, housing program transparency like the NJ Eviction Guide, and open data systems that turn legal rights into practical realities.
OPRAmachine
New Jersey's first statewide freedom of information platform, processing over 75,000 public records requests and releasing 250GB of government data.
Civic Tech Projects
NJ Civil Service Navigator
Web platform making 5,128+ NJ Civil Service job specifications searchable and accessible for job seekers, HR professionals, and hiring managers.
NJ HOMES Choice Tool
Interactive planning tool implementing A4/S50 affordable housing calculations for all 564 municipalities, supporting NJ HOMES grantmaking and municipal compliance.
Winter Termination Program Digital Transformation
Digital transformation of New Jersey's utility shutoff protection self-certification process, replacing a manual PDF with an accessible electronic form.
Operation Right Answer: Housing Services Modernization
Led development of a data-driven service framework to modernize how New Jersey housing programs serve residents, partnering with the New Jersey Innovation Authority to implement AI-assisted contact center technology.
NJ Eviction Guide
Interactive self-help tool connecting New Jersey's most vulnerable residents directly to housing assistance and legal resources.
Bringing Veterans Home Digital Infrastructure
Statewide digital infrastructure supporting New Jersey's initiative to end veteran homelessness—data systems, electronic referrals, and public website development.
Municipal Lead Reporting Portal
Statewide compliance platform capturing residential lead-paint inspection data for all 564 New Jersey municipalities.
TrentonTracker
A modern Progressive Web App making New Jersey legislative data accessible and searchable, with ZIP code-based legislator lookup.
OPRAmachine
New Jersey's first statewide freedom of information platform, processing over 75,000 public records requests and releasing 250GB of government data.
Articles & Insights
React and TypeScript Best Practices for Government Applications
Lessons learned building production React applications with TypeScript for government clients who demand reliability, accessibility, and security
Feb 15, 2024Digital Transformation in Government: Lessons from the Trenches
Practical insights on modernizing government technology infrastructure and processes from years of hands-on experience
May 12, 2023Why Open Data Matters for Government Transparency
Exploring how open data initiatives improve government services and enable citizen engagement in the digital age
Aug 20, 2022Speaking & Media
Frequently Asked Questions
What is civic technology?
Civic technology (civic tech) refers to technology that enables citizen engagement with government, enhances government transparency, and improves public services. Examples include public records request platforms, open data portals, citizen feedback systems, and tools that make government information more accessible to the public.
What is OPRAmachine and how does it work?
OPRAmachine is New Jersey's first statewide freedom of information platform, founded by Gavin Rozzi. It allows citizens to submit public records requests under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) to over 565 government agencies. The platform has processed over 75,000 requests and released 250GB of government data.
What is OPRA (Open Public Records Act)?
OPRA is New Jersey's Open Public Records Act, enacted in 2002, which gives citizens the right to access government records. It requires public agencies to respond to records requests within 7 business days and provides a framework for transparency in government operations.
How can civic tech improve government transparency?
OPRAmachine transformed how 75,000+ public records requests reach government agencies in New Jersey. The platform automates what used to require certified mail, tracking, and manual follow-up. When one user requests a document, everyone benefits from the release. That's the model: technology that makes transparency the default rather than the exception.
What makes Gavin Rozzi an expert in civic technology?
Gavin Rozzi has over a decade of experience building civic technology platforms. He founded OPRAmachine, which has become New Jersey's largest public records portal. He has spoken at civic tech conferences, testified before government bodies, and published research on government data access.
About the Author
