Local governments across the United States are under increasing pressure. Two decades ago, most public agencies relied on paper-based processes, fragmented software, and disconnected data systems. Permitting, disaster reporting, and compliance workflows were slow, manual, and siloed.

Today, expectations have shifted dramatically. Residents expect fast, digital-first services. Federal programs require more detailed and timely reporting. Climate-driven risks such as flooding, wildfires, and infrastructure stress are escalating in both frequency and cost. Yet many of the core systems that governments depend on have not evolved at the same pace, leaving agencies stretched as they are asked to deliver more with fewer resources.

This widening gap between expectations and capacity has exposed structural weaknesses in how local governments operate.

A Unified Digital Platform for Public Agencies

Forerunner was founded to address this challenge by rethinking the technology foundations of local government. The company’s approach centers on replacing fragmented point solutions with a single, unified platform designed to function as a modern operating system for public agencies.

Instead of managing separate tools for geospatial data, permitting, inspections, compliance, and grants, agencies using Forerunner operate from a shared system of record. This consolidation is intended to reduce technical complexity, lower IT overhead, and standardize workflows across departments. By automating manual processes and centralizing data, the platform enables staff to focus more time on decision-making, planning, and service delivery.

The system is also designed to improve resilience. Centralized data allows agencies to respond more quickly during disasters and to access federal funding programs with greater speed and accuracy. At the same time, residents benefit from more transparent and consistent digital interfaces when interacting with local government services.

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New Capital to Expand Scope and Scale

Forerunner has now raised a total of $39 million to accelerate its growth. This includes a recently closed $26.3 million Series B round led by Wellington Management, alongside a previously undisclosed $12.7 million Series A led by Union Square Ventures. Additional participants across both rounds include Gutter Capital, Bright Ventures, SE Ventures, and Citi Impact Fund, with existing investors returning to support the company’s continued expansion.

The new funding marks a shift from Forerunner’s initial focus on floodplain management toward a broader set of government workflows. The company plans to expand further into emergency management, hazard mitigation, code enforcement, infrastructure oversight, permitting, and grants administration. These functions collectively affect millions of residents and represent some of the most operationally complex areas of public administration.

Adoption Across States and Agencies

Forerunner’s platform is already in use by more than 180 government agencies across 26 U.S. states. Its customer base includes state-level and regional organizations such as the California Department of Water Resources, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

With the new capital, the company aims to deepen these partnerships while extending its reach to additional governments nationwide. Investment will be directed toward expanding product capabilities, strengthening integrations, and supporting agencies as they modernize legacy systems.

Technology for a More Volatile Operating Environment

The timing of the funding reflects a broader shift in public sector needs. Disasters are becoming more complex, response timelines are tightening, and the cost of inaction continues to rise. At the same time, residents expect clear information, fast service, and reliable communication from public agencies.

Forerunner’s platform is designed to support these demands by enabling real-time geospatial visibility, automating compliance and mitigation workflows, and providing mobile tools for inspections and field operations. Public-facing portals are intended to improve transparency and build trust by making government processes easier to understand and access.

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Long-Term Resilience as a Public Infrastructure Priority

The company frames its growth not simply as a technology expansion, but as an investment in public resilience. By giving governments access to modern digital infrastructure, Forerunner aims to help agencies operate more effectively regardless of size, budget, or geography.

As climate risks, regulatory requirements, and public expectations continue to converge, the need for integrated and adaptable government systems is becoming increasingly urgent. Forerunner’s latest funding positions it to play a larger role in how local governments respond to these pressures and deliver essential services.

Looking Ahead

Forerunner’s leadership emphasizes that modernizing government operations is ultimately about community outcomes. Faster permitting, clearer communication during emergencies, and more efficient access to funding all translate into safer, more resilient communities.

With fresh capital and a growing national footprint, the company is focused on helping public agencies modernize their operations, strengthen trust with residents, and prepare for an increasingly complex operating environment. The underlying premise is straightforward: when government systems function better, communities are better equipped to thrive.

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