Coding to make a difference in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Some people call it the "Peace Corps for Geeks."

It's real name is Code for America and it's happening in Austin.

The program is happening this year in eight cities including Austin.  Technology developers will devote a year to identify challenges and creative solutions to provide top quality services in each city.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Austin City Council Member Laura Morrison announced the program Wednesday.

They introduced Joe Merante, Emily Wright Moore, and Aurelio Tinio, three developers who will look to make a difference here in Austin.

"In our time here, we want to make sure that what we develop is something that is useful and sustainable for the community," said Tinio.

Last year, Code for America developers in Boston helped create an app that let parents track school bus routes in real time.  The app not only provided information to parents, it also helped free up city staff who routinely handle a large number of calls about delayed school buses during winter weather events in Boston.

"But it's not just about the apps," Tinio emphasized. "It's about a new way of thinking and a new way of doing.  So that City Hall can create technology that is accessible to all and not just to people with smart phones."

The Code for America team is holding a Day of Civic Engagement on February 25th.   They're encouraging designers and community members to join a brainstorming session to develop ideas that can turn into technological solutions.

You can share your ideas and find more information on the Code for America website .