Modernizing State & Local Government in 2025: A CTO’s Perspective from Civix
HEATHROW, FL – As we embark on a new year, the spotlight on government technology has never been brighter. Record turnout in recent elections underscored one clear reality: governments need modern, secure, and user-friendly solutions to manage ever-evolving demands. As the new CTO at Civix, I’m excited to share how we’re helping state and local agencies rise to these challenges—and why we believe 2025 will be a defining moment for public-sector digital transformation.
A Shifting Landscape for States & Localities
Across the U.S., election platforms and government services are under heightened scrutiny. Citizens expect the same level of digital convenience and personalization from their government that they get from leading commercial platforms. Meanwhile, agencies are often constrained by tight budgets, legacy infrastructure, and complex regulations that can stall meaningful innovation.
At Civix, we understand that a full “rip and replace” approach simply isn’t feasible for many governments. Instead, we focus on interoperability—leveraging APIs, modular design, and cloud-native architectures to seamlessly bridge older solutions with our new, secure, and scalable SaaS platforms. This strategy lets agencies adopt modern, user-centric systems at their own pace, preserving existing investments while gaining the benefits of forward-looking technology tailored to the public sector.
Security as a Cornerstone
In the realm of election software, ethics oversight, and government services, security is not just a checkbox—it’s a core differentiator that underpins public trust. At Civix, we prioritize FedRAMP, SOC II, and NIST-based compliance to meet the highest standards for safeguarding sensitive data. Each platform we build is rooted in a security-first mindset, incorporating encryption, continuous monitoring, and agile patch management. Our commitment goes beyond certifications: we integrate best practices at every stage of development, proactively defending against emerging threats so agencies—and the communities they serve—can have peace of mind.
Building with Adaptability in Mind
State and local governments often juggle sprawling technology ecosystems, with older legacy systems operating alongside newer cloud-based tools. To address this, Civix designs solutions that adapt—reducing costs, accelerating rollouts, and minimizing service disruptions. Whether we’re streamlining voter registration or automating campaign finance tracking, our user-centric platforms adapt seamlessly as regulations change and constituent expectations rise. Recognizing that every jurisdiction has unique needs, we invest heavily in configurability and customization, offering flexible forms and workflows so you remain in the driver’s seat.
Why 2025 Is a Tipping Point
- Election Integrity – Recent election cycles have spotlighted the need for transparent, secure systems capable of managing record voter turnout. As scrutiny intensifies, Civix is refining our election technology to handle surges while safeguarding every ballot and piece of voter data. We’re integrating robust audit trails and real-time monitoring so election officials can quickly detect anomalies and bolster public confidence.
- Ethics & Compliance – Evolving regulations are raising the bar for public accountability—demanding software that automates disclosure, flags suspicious activity, and streamlines oversight. At Civix, we’re enhancing our platforms to simplify filings and provide intuitive dashboards for auditors, ensuring red flags don’t go unnoticed. By embedding intelligent analytics, we enable governments to adapt rapidly without drowning in manual processes.
- Digital-First Mindsets – Citizens now expect government services to be as seamless as online shopping, pushing agencies to upgrade legacy systems and adopt mobile-friendly, data-driven platforms. In response, Civix is focusing on user-centric design—combining intuitive workflows with real-time data insights—so agencies can meet constituents wherever they are. Our goal is to reduce friction and deliver a modern experience that rivals private-sector standards.
At Civix, we see 2025 as the year public services fully step into the digital era. Our team is dedicated to pioneering technology that’s agile, secure, and built around real human needs, helping governments shift from legacy processes to modern, intuitive, and transparent solutions.
Innovation for Tomorrow, Today
What inspires me most about joining Civix is our culture of continuous innovation. We’re exploring AI-assisted data validation, real-time dashboards for ballot tracking, and mobile-first user experiences—all designed to meet the evolving demands of voters, businesses, and government employees. By working hand-in-hand with election officials, clerks, auditors, and IT leaders, we ensure our solutions address tangible, real-world problems—not just check boxes.
Collaboration for the Common Good
Our philosophy at Civix centers on partnership. We believe innovation flourishes when we collaborate closely with government stakeholders, technology partners, and industry peers who share our commitment to secure, transparent, and efficient public services. This approach keeps us agile amid rapid regulatory changes and enables us to deliver solutions that truly empower democracy.
About the Author: Brandon Fargis, Chief Technology Officer
Brandon Fargis joined Civix as its first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO), bringing expertise in transforming legacy systems, leading high-performing teams, and aligning technology with strategic goals. He’s the driving force behind Civix’s product innovation, harnessing technology to achieve the ambitious goal of delivering sustainable government software – to both address the unique challenges of government agencies and set a new benchmark for modernization and efficiency in the public sector. Learn more here.