Digital Government
A central Texas Library closing the digital divide
On the edges of a booming metro area, the Martindale Community Library brings mobile hotspots, new technology, and digital skills to an older community.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s overhaul of SAVE database
Several states have used the revamped database to verify voters’ citizenship, but the judge said this threatened their privacy and voting rights.
Governor’s call for school cellphone ban has a familiar ring to it in Olympia
Washington state lawmakers have proposed similiar bills in recent years, and state Superintendent Chris Reykdal has previously pushed schools to adopt phone restrictions.
Feds praise BEAD’s progress, but others aren’t convinced
The NTIA touted the program’s first-ever connections and said more is to follow. Some Democrats in Congress said the agency is being evasive about what happens to leftover funds.
Attacks on telecom infrastructure are growing, report says
Industry groups found that over 18,000 incidents were reported last year, which represented a 59% jump from 2024. Better enforcement and regulation could prevent it, the groups said.
More states restrict 3D-printed firearms
At least six states this year have outlawed or imposed regulations on such guns.
Michigan city launches digital hub for budget transparency and planning
A new engagement platform aims to help officials in Rochester Hills better invest public dollars into what taxpayers want, one official says.
HHS wants states to use more predictive analytics in child welfare
The artificial intelligence push is part of the Trump administration’s agenda to modernize the child welfare system and address the shortage of foster homes across the U.S.
Colorado bill to ban surveillance prices, wages vetoed by Gov. Polis
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed a bill that would have prohibited corporations from using someone's personal data to set individual wages and prices.
Policies to close digital divide must pass ‘kitchen table test,’ nonprofits say
Several groups said communities that lack connectivity must be the ones to shape policies to benefit them, and they urged the federal government to step up with money and training.
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Maine enlists AI to help combat rising home insurance rates
The state is administering a grant program for residents to retrofit their homes with climate resilient roofs, and an artificial intelligence-enabled platform looks to enhance program speed and efficiency.
Texas’ app age verification law allowed to go into effect for now
A federal appeals court allowed Texas to require app stores to verify users’ ages and seek parental consent before a minor can download apps.
Denver launches AI platform to boost permitting efficiency and housing development
Using AI, the Denver Permitting Office hopes to simplify the application process for customers and thereby streamline staff reviews.
From chaos to coordination: What true payment alignment looks like for cities in 2026
COMMENTARY | Staff currently spend hours reconciling payments from disparate systems. Having operational unity helps departments get on the same page.
Missouri Department of Social Services uses ServiceNow to boost citizen experience
A “very ugly” buildup of technical debt was getting in the way of the agency adequately serving citizens.
You can't manage what you can't see
COMMENTARY | Technology stacks don’t enable the inter-department collaboration needed to incorporate policy changes, serve constituents better.
How data integration could help maternal health outcomes
Breaking down data silos among government agencies and community organizations can be critical for connecting new mothers to crucial benefits programs, according to a new policy brief.
California’s ‘digital democracy’ initiative invites residents to help shape AI policy
State leaders will use the public’s input to develop an AI action plan to inform policies and regulations of the tech, one official said.
4 questions to ask before turning to AI for translation services
Minnesota officials developed a framework to help users determine when and how to use large language models and artificial intelligence for language translation.
How Boston modernized its hiring infrastructure to attract talent
By reviewing user feedback and existing hiring requirements, the city was able to design a more streamlined and cost-effective hiring and onboarding system, local officials say.
