Sometimes, the answer to a nation's questions can be found in an unlikely place. My favorite untapped resource is in the minds and fingers of the tech industry. Working in digital media, I've long known about the value of the creative minds of our nation's leaders in technology. Now Code for America is bringing a new initiative that offers them the means to realize a greater contribution to our nation's future.

With the understanding that cities across America are struggling with budget cuts and outdated technology, and under greater pressure than ever to deliver more with ever more limited resources, Code for America was founded "to help the brightest minds of the Web 2.0 generation transform city governments."

The video below, from the organization's founders and industry leaders, asks questions like, "What if everybody had the same level of access to information as city hall?" and, "What if city hall talked to citizens the same way citizens talk to each other?"

The Character Approved group seeks to answer these through web applications, programs, and resources that fundamentally help American cities use web technology to do a better job of providing services to citizens. Their fellowship program allows individuals to dedicate time and resources toward working with citizens, civic, and industry leaders toward re-inventing the way cities operate for the better.

As the program continues, the group plans to create means to scale the applications developed to cities across the country and around the world. Welcome to the new American Dream.

[Image: Code for America]