Emerging Tech
After passing a few AI laws in 2024, this state's legislature might have more in store next session
Idaho's Artificial Intelligence Working Group heard from experts on generative-AI about its promises, and challenges.
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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.
Report details how states can implement reliable, effective generative AI
For generative AI initiatives to be successful, a new report suggests a slow and steady approach to the technology.
Charm City bets on blockchain to reduce vacant properties
Baltimore officials are leveraging blockchain to streamline property title recordation to make real estate transactions more efficient.
In one state, residents vote to invest in science, tech research
A bond question in Maine looks to increase funding to public and private entities for research on biomedical sciences, renewable energy and other environmental technology, or agriculture, forestry and marine technology.
A top state official used AI to draft public policy. The AI hallucinated.
False citations in a policy document from Alaska's education commissioner show how AI misinformation can influence state policy.
What other states can learn from Indiana’s investment in quantum technology
COMMENTARY | The emerging technology holds the promise of transforming public services at the state and local levels. Indiana’s collaborative model is a blueprint for states seeking to cash in on quantum.
Letter from Congress warns county against Chinese drone use
Arguing that the drones put privacy and national security at risk, a U.S. House committee is asking the country to stop buying them. The letter hints its efforts could expand to localities nationwide.
One year ago, New York City introduced a sweeping AI plan. Here’s how it’s going.
In a Q&A with Route Fifty, one of the architects of the city’s ambitious AI Action Plan discusses the process and challenges for ensuring the technology is used responsibly and ethically.
States still on a ‘learning curve’ amid generative AI’s promise
Leaders acknowledged the technology’s promise at the recent National Association of State Chief Information Officers conference, but said data management is a major obstacle preventing widespread use in government.
For rural transit agencies, a rocky road to zero emissions
Rural public transit agencies are up against limited choices and resources as they work to decarbonize their fleets.
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Why people aren’t buying heat pumps—and what states can do about it
COMMENTARY | New research from the coldest part of the country finds we need to tell people what heat pumps are before telling them why they should buy them.
AI fatigue
COMMENTARY | It's true, workers are already experiencing AI burnout. Here's how leaders can recognize and manage it.
Water-challenged state uses AI, satellites to find leaks
New Mexico will use artificial intelligence to monitor satellite images to identify leaks before they become major problems.
As wildfires burn throughout the West, officials are turning to AI
In California, fire officials began using artificial intelligence last year to scan cameras for smoke.
Two years later, money from the CHIPS Act is moving
Now that more than half of the almost $53 billion federal investment has been spoken for, the real work has begun as state and local governments look to cash in. Here’s what experts say officials need to do.
A new solution for flood-prone cities? Concrete made from shellfish waste.
Researchers have developed a type of concrete that uses discarded shells to trap water. It's now combating floods and food waste in urban gardens and along cycling paths.
Oakland’s new school buses don’t just reduce pollution—they double as giant batteries
A new fleet of buses can send power back to the grid, stabilizing it instead of straining it.
The right to repair electronics is now law in 3 states. Is Big Tech complying?
You're legally entitled to fix your own gadgets in California, Minnesota, and New York — but not all tech companies have gotten the memo.
States move to protect recording artists from AI-generated likenesses
After Tennessee passed the ELVIS Act this past winter to protect an artist’s name, image and likeness from being used by digital replicas, other states are considering similar legislation.
Does California's AI bill go too far or fall short? It depends who you ask.
The legislation requires developers of large AI systems to test if they can be used in various extreme scenarios. It has support as well as plenty of detractors in the state’s large tech community.
