Infrastructure
Data center backlash playing out in Arkansas’ local races, not statewide or federal campaigns
The concern over data centers has prompted a local backlash in Arkansas, with several communities enacting measures to block their construction or impose new restrictions.
Artificial Intelligence
Rural charms drew residents to Taylor, Texas. Then came the data centers
A local family sold an 87-acre tract to a parks foundation for $10 “to be held in trust for future use as a parkland.” Later, the city’s Economic Development Corporation sold the land to a data center developer for $10 million.
Digital Government
Extended ADA Title II deadline demands a focus on procurement
COMMENTARY | What may first appear to have been a respite now is a tight timeline for getting accessibility right and meeting compliance requirements.
Sponsor Content
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Digital Government
Equity must be considered when building resident 311 services, expert says
While tools aimed at increasing the public’s engagement with local officials sound like a straightforward solution, policymakers should consider unintended negative impacts they can have on certain populations, according to new research.
Digital Government
Suburban Houston voters will be the first in Texas to decide the fate of Flock cameras
Tuesday’s election will determine if League City can keep its 55 cameras operating along city roads.
Emerging Tech
Pa. AG Dave Sunday launches effort to prevent cryptocurrency scams at Bitcoin ATMs
Business owners with kiosks have been asked to voluntarily place signage warning about popular tactics used to trick victims.
Public Safety
Cities can't predict every emergency, but they can be better prepared to respond
COMMENTARY | With sensors, video, drones and more, leaders have lots of data at their fingertips. Putting it to good use is just as important as collecting it.
Emerging Tech
Virginia high school to install quantum computer
Skyview High School in Fairfax County, Virginia is expected to allow students to start using the machine, which is the size of a small refrigerator, in the spring.
Management
Utah files criminal charges against Kalshi over operations within the state
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission also filed a lawsuit against Utah, adding to a now long list of legal fights between the state and prediction market platforms.
Cybersecurity
DHS secretary plans post-election security review
Markwayne Mullin told CISA employees he wants to assess election systems after the vote, as the agency faces scrutiny over cuts to its support for states.
Artificial Intelligence
State and local AI needs a capacity-dividend rule
COMMENTARY | If an agency saves 1,000 staff hours by automating routine preparation, it should deliberately reinvest some of those hours in supervised work that builds judgment.
Sponsor Content
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Digital Government
Pilot programs need permanence, not just an initial ‘bang,’ officials say
Tech-driven partnerships can help ease various urban issues, speakers at ICMA’s annual conference said, but successful pilots that end without a long-term plan can create resident anger.
Infrastructure
Fiber, broadband projects by Oregon highways on hold after Kotek data center order
The Oregon Department of Transportation is evaluating at least 20 permits for such projects to investigate the extent to which they involve supporting data center operations.
Cybersecurity
White House takes Texas water cybersecurity model to rural hospitals
Project Lifeline 250 will provide free cybersecurity assistance to South Carolina hospitals, extending the administration’s effort to connect vulnerable infrastructure operators with industry support.
Artificial Intelligence
AI moves at breakneck speed, government operating models don’t. Here’s how to close the gap.
COMMENTARY | Most say they are in the piloting or deployment phase of AI adoption, but many projects stall as they navigate unclear responsibilities and decision making.
Workforce
New York aims to train up to 40,000 residents for AI-ready jobs
A new AI workforce training and upskilling center in the state builds upon Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent efforts to prepare residents for tech of the future.
Emerging Tech
How one city made drones a ‘resource’
Fort Collins, Colorado’s public safety agencies initially used drones to help with its first response. Now, other agencies are getting in on the act and using them for other needs.
Artificial Intelligence
New Hampshire lawmakers say push from public, governor behind new batch of proposed data center guardrails
A former coal power plant in Bow is one site under preliminary consideration for a potential data center development, according to town officials.
Management
Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bell-to-bell school cell phone ban into law
The new law requires schools to develop policies that prohibit cell phone use during the school day.
