States advance data privacy laws as issue evades Congress
In the absence of federal action on data privacy standards, several states have stepped up. But some warned that could create a patchwork of laws and result in a compliance nightmare for businesses.
Nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alert system could test people’s patience–or help rebuild public trust in the system
COMMENTARY | The Oct. 4 text message is supposed to reach all compatible devices in the U.S. It could shed light on how government agencies can improve their emergency communications.
Survey: Residents want local governments to be more transparent
The vast majority of respondents want an accessible website with easy to access information and mobile tech to make it easier to engage with local agencies, according to a government technology company.
Predictive policing software terrible at predicting crimes
A software company sold a New Jersey police department an algorithm that was right less than 1% of the time.
Should public officials be allowed to block constituents on social media?
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to answer that question as a new term gets underway. The justices will hear two cases on the issue out of California and Michigan in which lower courts ruled differently.
One city’s ‘data conversations’ help confront pressing challenges
Faced with water shortages, Henderson, Nevada, has turned to a data-driven approach to solve it. It’s now rolling out its approach to other departments citywide.
Augmented, not artificial, intelligence should be government leaders’ priority
AI should be seen as a “co-pilot, not an autopilot,” said local officials at an event this week, adding that it could be crucial amidst a government workforce shortage.
AI will bring dramatic change in the next three years, say local government IT execs
But better training on the emerging technology is needed and should be mandatory, according to a new survey.
County’s advanced mapping tool supports development decisions
Henry County, Georgia, used it to decide where freight facilities should go. But the computer-based tool could be repurposed to help other communities address their hot-button issues.
GOP states announce new voter roll systems. Are they as secure as ERIC?
An expert in elections administration and one of the founders of ERIC says the new systems could suffer from low data quality, high costs and inadequate security.
Smart cities need a new mindset, not just new technology
A smart city is more than just a buzzword these days. It’s a mindset and skill set that employees must have to navigate today’s challenges, one expert says.
New voter roll system unveiled after ERIC withdrawal
Alabama debuted a new system to manage the state’s registered voter rolls, completing a goal to replace the Electronic Registration Information Center system. Observers said the state seemed to simply be creating a newer version of the system it left behind.
Gov. Josh Shapiro wants you to text him
The Pennsylvania governor joins New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy as trailblazers exploring direct text communications with constituents.
How to unlock a better user experience for constituents
COMMENTARY | People today expect smarter, simpler customer service thanks to the likes of Apple, Amazon and Microsoft. States can deliver on that expectation by creating a single data source spanning all systems of record.
How generative AI is being used to put the humanity back into government
Non-English speaking residents of Minnesota can more easily access driver and vehicle services thanks to a new generative AI-based virtual assistant that automatically translates English into Hmong, Spanish and Somali.
Strained juvenile justice systems get relief from mobile behavioral health programs
Community-based crisis intervention services are diverting adolescents with mental and behavioral health issues from the criminal justice system, which is unequipped to meet their needs.
California looks to preserve its role as ‘global hub’ for generative AI
An executive order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom looks to create replicable guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of generative AI in state government.
Hawaii’s wildfires led to fast tracking federal identity tools for unemployment claims
Unemployment is on the rise in Maui due in part to the drastic drop in tourism after the devastating wildfires. But the state's rapid deployment of an underutilized federal identity verification tool will help it get benefits to the people who really need it.
How one state’s data office improves government services
Indiana is connecting data from different agencies and training front-line workers to tackle tough problems.
Robot police dogs are on patrol, but who’s holding the leash?
Numerous cities have acquired dog-like robots for policing. Researchers say the lack of transparency is worrying.
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