About Civic OS
In a Nutshell
Civic OS is a low/no-code platform that allows government agencies and non-profit organizations to build custom information systems without writing code. We’re open source, mission-aligned, and built on principles of transparency and democratic participation.
Civic OS is a Low-profit LLC which allows us to stay focused on our mission of empowering municipalities and mission-driven non-profits to serve their communities effectively.
How We Think About Software
Raise the Bar
Build systems without writing code. Our platform automatically translates concepts into concrete structures that handle definition, input, and display.
Tools, Not Products
No two agencies are identical. Civic OS adapts to your unique mission, whether you’re managing permits or coordinating charitable programs.
Runs Anywhere
Set up and administer your own instance. You own the data and the software—complete control and independence.
Who We Serve
Two sectors united by a common commitment to community benefit:
Government Agencies
From small townships to metro areas, we help municipalities improve transparency, streamline operations, and engage citizens.
Focus: Open-by-default information systems for democratic governance.
Non-Profit Organizations
Mission-driven organizations working in community development, social services, environmental advocacy, faith-based outreach, education, and grant-making.
Focus: Tools that align with your values and stewardship responsibilities.
Why open source matters: Our approach ensures that technology investments serve the public good rather than enriching private corporations—whether you’re accountable to citizens or donors.
Our Core Values
Three principles that unite our work across both sectors:
Open Government
Transparency and accountability are foundational. Whether you’re accountable to citizens or donors, Civic OS is designed for openness.
Citizens and stakeholders need ready access to information to make good decisions. We adopt an open-by-default stance—unless there’s a good reason (like protecting personal information), data is accessible, browsable, and aggregatable.
Open Data
Structured, accessible data serves the public interest. We follow the Open Data Charter’s 6 principles: Open by Default, Timely, Accessible, Comparable, Good Governance, and Inclusive Innovation.
Civic OS enforces structured data and automatically creates APIs to provide appropriate access—empowering both municipalities and charitable organizations to share information effectively.
Open Source
When code is shared freely, everyone benefits. We use the Free Software Foundation’s definition of open source.
Benefits: Democratic development (anyone can contribute), lower cost of entry ($0 licensing fees), and shared community investment.
Software serving communities should itself be built on principles of openness. We use AGPL licensing to ensure development benefits the public rather than private shareholders.
Serving the Public Good
Technology serving communities—whether through public services or charitable mission—should itself be built on principles of openness and shared benefit. That’s our conviction and our commitment.
Ready to learn more?