Iowa will explore how AI and emerging technologies can shrink government with a newly formed state-level Department of Government Efficiency.
The task force, created by executive order, will explore how these tools can streamline operations, reduce costs and potentially enable further tax cuts.
Iowa DOGE is being created because, according to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, the state government “has become too big.”
According to the executive order, the Iowa DOGE task force will be “analyzing ways to reduce the cost of government at all levels (state, local and federal) to allow for a greater return on taxpayer investments.” That includes evaluating opportunities for using artificial intelligence, automation and advanced technology.
Will the new focus on AI lead to state job losses in Iowa? The governor’s office did not respond to Government Technology’s questions about the DOGE task force’s consideration of technology’s impact on state employment numbers by the time of publication on Feb. 11.
The executive order details that the state’s DOGE taskforce will focus on enhancing performance indicator reviews, evaluating boundary maps, assessing services deemed to be outside of the government’s core function and should be eliminated, and looking for ways to consolidate federal awards and grants.
The task force will be made up of 15 members appointed by the governor, some with expertise in technology. Sukup Manufacturing Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Emily Schmitt will be the leader.
“In manufacturing, we continuously review and improve every day — moving layouts, switching machines for pieces to be made and integrating technology — all which lead to better employee engagement,” Schmitt said in a press release. “Establishing the Iowa DOGE taskforce is a natural next step in the continuation of all these principles. I trust that the outcomes of this taskforce will be felt by all Iowans.”
The governor is engaging the public in the process, ordering the state’s Division of Information Technology to establish a public portal, although the order didn’t detail what data would be collected. Additionally, an Iowa DOGE account has been created on X (formerly Twitter) to provide feedback and recommendations.
The order states that “public participation helps support efficiency and reduce bureaucracy, overregulation and red tape.”
The Iowa DOGE Task Force will hold its first meeting within 60 days and submit its report and recommendations within 180 days of that initial meeting.
