automation
Generative AI steps up as a ‘facilitator’
The Texas Department of Public Safety now uses a generative AI-powered chatbot to streamline procurement. And Polco is rolling out a tool to connect city leaders with survey data so they can see how they stack up against others.
FCC makes AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal
The move gives states new authority to crack down on AI-generated voice-cloning schemes.
Unwinding the public health emergency: Medicaid agencies should slow down to speed up
COMMENTARY | States that take the time to strategically adjust their staffing, processes and technology could ultimately speed up the Medicaid redetermination process.
Expungement backlogs swamp courts
Thousands of new expungement applications are causing months-long backlogs in jurisdictions with manual and paper-based processing. Automation can help.
Addressing the shortage of government accountants: 2 paths to efficiency
COMMENTARY | The dwindling number of qualified, government-savvy accounting professionals makes it imperative municipalities find new efficiencies sooner rather than later.
High fees, long waits cast shadow over new criminal expungement laws
A clear record helps people seeking employment, housing and education.
Forget dystopian scenarios–AI is pervasive today, and the risks are often hidden
The explosion of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and fears about where the technology might be headed distract from the many ways AI affects people every day—for better and worse.
AI could ease the ‘administrative muck’ delaying SNAP and other benefits
President Biden’s recent executive order specifically called for guidance in the emerging technology’s use in assistance programs. But experts warn that AI isn’t a silver bullet.
Number of uninsured drivers in one state plummets with new verification system, automatic fines
Arkansas’ enforcement mechanism is one of the strictest in the U.S., constantly checking insurance status in real time. Many other states only check once a month.
State CIOs look ahead to a collaborative, automated future
A survey of state technology leaders found that the CIO role has evolved from one concerned with building a state’s own tech infrastructure to one focused on acting as a broker of services. The change comes amid increasing automation, use of AI and cybersecurity challenges.
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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.
Why agencies should care about no-code workflow automation
COMMENTARY | When government staff can quickly create their own digital applications, they can improve customer experience and meet operational needs.
How agency employees can help improve user experience
COMMENTARY | By leveraging nontechnical staff for automated testing, agencies can improve user experience and help residents gain the greatest benefit from digital government services.
In-house tools sped up tax refunds in this county
The Travis County, Texas, Auditor’s Office has reduced the time it takes to process property tax audits by 91%.
State expands streamlined, automated licensing
Wisconsin’s successful migration of its occupational licensing system to the cloud now includes business licenses.
How will AI affect workers? Tech waves of the past show how unpredictable the path can be
COMMENTARY | New digital technologies have been a constant for workers over the past few decades, with a mixed record on the economy and individuals’ daily lives. AI’s effect will likely be just as unpredictable.
AI could shore up democracy—Here’s one way
COMMENTARY | Public comment could soon swamp government officials and representatives, thanks to AI, but AI could also help spot compelling stories from constituents.
Automation Risks Creating a Two-Tier Workforce of Haves and Have-Nots
COMMENTARY | As workplaces welcome more automated processes, staff members must adapt to modern skills to thrive in a tech-centric environment.
How Agencies Can Automate Data Extraction at Scale
COMMENTARY | Data is embedded in formats that are hard to search and process. Think emails, PDFs, spreadsheets, images, driver’s licenses. Here's how to extract that data and improve efficiency, reduce backlogs and solve operational challenges.
Officials Say They've Fixed a 'Sorting' Breakdown in Virginia Booze Raffle
The error allowed some entrants to win multiple bottles of rare bourbon despite steep odds. Authorities say they’ve worked to limit the future possibility of human error and Excel mistakes.
