Government consolidation has long been a hot topic in politics, and in 2023, Iowa made a bold move that could serve as a guide for President-elect Donald Trump’s newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This department, led by businessmen Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, aims to streamline federal bureaucracy, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Iowa’s recent government overhaul is a prime example of how such efforts can be successful—offering key lessons for Musk’s DOGE initiative.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Iowa model, its successes, and how it could inform the approach of Ramaswamy and Musk as they tackle the federal government’s inefficiencies.
Iowa’s Groundbreaking Government Overhaul: A Success Story
In April 2023, Iowa made waves by signing a 1,500-page bill aimed at restructuring its government. Governor Kim Reynolds led the charge with a plan to reduce the number of state agencies from 37 to 16. The goal was simple: make government operations more efficient and save taxpayer dollars.
Through the new structure, Iowa’s government anticipated savings of $215 million over four years, as well as the elimination of 500 unfilled positions. This was no easy task—government consolidation requires significant planning, coordination, and a deep understanding of the existing bureaucratic ecosystem.
By July 1, 2023, just three months after the bill passed, agencies had been merged, and the restructuring took effect. Governor Reynolds later reported that not only had 21 agencies been eliminated, but her administration exceeded expectations by cutting 620 open positions. Additionally, more than 2,600 state employees were reassigned to new departments.
This approach proved effective, demonstrating that government consolidation doesn’t always mean simply cutting jobs or slashing budgets. It’s about strategic realignment—reorganising operations to maximise efficiency without sacrificing service quality.
Key Lessons for DOGE: Realignment Over Simple Cuts
For the leaders of DOGE—Ramaswamy and Musk—the Iowa model offers valuable insights into what successful government restructuring looks like. The most important lesson? Consolidation isn’t just about reducing headcount; it’s about realigning resources to ensure that government functions more smoothly and effectively.
Here are some of the key strategies from Iowa’s success that could help shape DOGE’s efforts:
1. Comprehensive Agency Mapping to Identify Overlaps
One of the first steps in any successful consolidation plan is to conduct a thorough analysis of existing agencies and their functions. Iowa’s reforms involved detailed mapping of state departments to identify overlapping duties and responsibilities. This process helped ensure that similar functions were merged, avoiding unnecessary duplication.
For DOGE, a similar approach could involve reviewing federal agencies and identifying areas of redundancy. With over 400 agencies currently operating in the United States, there is undoubtedly significant overlap in many departments. By mapping these out and consolidating where appropriate, DOGE can streamline operations and improve efficiency across the board.
2. Cross-Agency Collaboration Frameworks
The Iowa reform bill didn’t just focus on cutting jobs—it also created a framework for increased cross-agency collaboration. By merging departments, the state encouraged employees to work together more effectively, share resources, and break down silos between previously independent agencies.
For DOGE, fostering collaboration between federal agencies could result in a more integrated and cooperative government, better equipped to address the nation’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s tackling healthcare, education, or infrastructure, agencies that communicate and collaborate effectively can create a more efficient and impactful government.
3. Performance Metrics That Reward Efficiency
Iowa’s reforms also introduced performance metrics that helped monitor the effectiveness of the newly structured government. By tracking outcomes and holding agencies accountable for their performance, Iowa ensured that the benefits of consolidation weren’t short-lived.
Similarly, DOGE could implement performance-based metrics for federal agencies, ensuring that government departments are not only efficient but also delivering results. Such measures would incentivise agencies to optimise their operations, reduce waste, and focus on delivering value to the American people.
4. Technology Integration to Reduce Redundancy
Technology played a pivotal role in Iowa’s government overhaul. By integrating new systems and platforms, Iowa was able to streamline processes and eliminate administrative redundancy. For example, new IT systems were introduced to automate paperwork, reduce manual processes, and improve data sharing between agencies.
For DOGE, the use of technology could play a transformative role in reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. By investing in digital infrastructure, creating centralised databases, and introducing e-government services, the federal government can drastically reduce paperwork, cut costs, and offer better services to citizens.
Iowa’s Board and Commission Cuts: A Model for Federal Efficiency
Another noteworthy aspect of Iowa’s overhaul was the elimination or merger of state boards and commissions. In May 2023, Governor Reynolds signed a bill that reduced the number of state boards and commissions by 43%. This move freed up valuable resources that could be better utilised elsewhere, providing a blueprint for federal reforms.
DOGE could take a similar approach by assessing federal commissions and boards, many of which are outdated or redundant. Eliminating unnecessary bodies and consolidating others could save significant taxpayer money while improving the overall functioning of the government.
Eliminating Redundant or Obsolete Boards and Commissions
In her 2024 Condition of the State address, Governor Reynolds highlighted the ongoing effort to review and streamline these boards. For DOGE, evaluating the efficacy of boards such as the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Reserve could be an essential step in reducing bureaucracy at the national level.
Mandating Regular Reviews for Long-Term Efficiency
Governor Reynolds proposed that all remaining boards and commissions undergo a review every five years to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the state. This principle of regular evaluations could be applied to federal agencies as well, helping to identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement before they become entrenched problems.
Why DOGE’s Success Depends on Strategic Alignment
The lessons from Iowa’s reforms are clear: a successful government overhaul requires more than just cutting jobs and slashing budgets. It demands strategic realignment of resources, improved inter-agency collaboration, and the use of modern technology to streamline operations.
For DOGE to succeed, Ramaswamy and Musk must approach this challenge with the same level of thoughtfulness and precision that Governor Reynolds demonstrated in Iowa. By focusing on long-term efficiency, improving collaboration, and leveraging technology, they can create a more agile, responsive government that better serves the needs of the American people.
Conclusion: The Future of Government Efficiency
Iowa’s bold government reorganisation offers valuable lessons for the ambitious goals of DOGE. By focusing on strategic realignment, rather than simple cuts, government leaders can reduce waste, streamline operations, and create a more efficient system. With Musk and Ramaswamy at the helm, the federal government may be on the verge of a similar transformation—one that prioritises efficiency and better service for citizens.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Iowa Government Reorganization Bill Details
- Vivek Ramaswamy’s Proposal for Government Efficiency
- Elon Musk and Twitter’s Workforce Reduction
- Arnold Kling’s Ideas on Bureaucratic Efficiency
- Performance Metrics in Government
Photo credit: Yahoo
