National Civic Day of Hacking
National Day of Civic Hacking is a nationwide event that brings together civic leaders, developers, designers, and citizens to collaborate on innovative solutions for community challenges using technology and public data.
Quick Facts
When is it: September 18 annually
Tagged as: Largest civic hackathon in the United States
What’s the hashtag: #HackForChange
When was it founded: 2013
Who founded it: Code for America, U.S. Small Business Administration, and SecondMuse
History
The initiative began as a collaborative effort to leverage technology for public good. What started as a tech-focused event has evolved into an inclusive platform where people of all backgrounds can contribute to solving civic problems. The event now attracts thousands of participants across the United States, working on projects ranging from emergency response systems to public transportation solutions.
Timeline
- 2013: First National Day of Civic Hacking launched with over 11,000 participants
- 2014: Expanded to become the largest hackathon in history with 123 events
- 2016: Shifted focus to coordinated nationwide themes
- 2021: Transformed to include virtual participation options
- 2024: Continues as annual celebration of civic innovation
Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 18 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 18 | Monday |
| 2029 | September 18 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | September 18 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
Communities across the nation organize local events where participants work on civic projects. Activities include coding sessions, workshops, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Many cities host their own hackathons, while others participate in virtual events coordinated by Code for America.
Fun Facts About
- It’s the largest civic hackathon in the United States
- Participants don’t need coding skills to contribute
- Projects have led to real-world implementations in cities
- The White House has hosted civic hacking events
- Solutions developed during the event often continue as long-term projects
Quiz
- When is National Day of Civic Hacking celebrated?
- Who can participate in civic hacking events?
- What year was the first National Day of Civic Hacking?
(Answers: 1. September 18, 2. Anyone interested in improving their community, 3. 2013)
FAQs
- Do I need to know how to code?
No, the event welcomes all skills and backgrounds. - How can I participate?
Join local events or virtual sessions through Code for America. - What kinds of projects are worked on?
Projects range from emergency response systems to public transportation solutions.
Related
- Code for America Brigade Network
- Open Data Day
- Government Digital Service
- Smart Cities Initiative
- Civic Tech Movement