Observing the private sector provides McDonough with inspiration as to what is possible, she said. In government, though, a return on investment is not always measurable in dollars, but in the impact on service delivery. McDonough, while not a programmer, started using vibe coding — leaning on generative AI to write code — to make Lebanon’s strategic plan more accessible. Using public data, she created a prototype that provided something tangible that city leaders could understand: “How do I prove the ROI? They’re seeing it.”
If McDonough can create a solution that is effective enough to scale, the city may then look for vendors to help it grow. This more informed approach to procurement is possible now that leaders like McDonough can bring knowledge of what is needed and what a solution may look like.
A solution-focused approach is the best strategy for city government, according to McDonough. She recommends finding other government officials with a shared interest in innovation and security and starting with a minimal budget — even if only $500.
“You’d be surprised what you can innovate with a very small amount of money,” she said.
