Author Archive
Chris Teale
Artificial Intelligence
House budget bill would put 10-year pause on state AI regulation
The bill before the House Energy and Commerce Committee under the budget reconciliation process would prevent states from enforcing “any law or regulation” for AI models. It may run afoul of Senate rules.
Digital Government
BEAD uncertainty swirls, joined by Trump’s threats to the Digital Equity Act
State leaders want more guidance from the federal government amid a 90-day delay in their final plans. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he will kill a related digital equity program.
Cybersecurity
Encryption needs balance between privacy and transparency, Virginia tech leader says
The recent “Signalgate” incident highlighted reliance on encrypted messaging apps and tools, even as state and local officials must be cautious to preserve the public’s right to see their communications.
Digital Government
Senate votes to repeal rule allowing Wi-Fi hotspot loans
Senators passed a resolution overturning an FCC rule that allows schools and libraries to use E-Rate funds to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots. Opponents said the effort would only widen the digital divide.
Digital Government
Data centers defend environmental record amid AI push
Several states are worried about the power and water impacts of the centers needed to power the technology. But the industry moved to assure those concerned that they have it under control.
Workforce
Building a pipeline of state and local tech workers
States continue to fret about the brain drain from a generation of retirees. But some are thinking hard about how to get the next generation in, whether they be early-career employees or existing ones in need of new skills.
Digital Government
REAL ID enforcement deadline looms for states
In just two days, domestic travelers must use the new ID after years of implementation delays. To prepare, some states have opened DMV offices longer, while others have asked for loosened rules or another extension.
Customer Experience
Minneapolis automates food permitting, removes ‘two-feet high’ paper stack
Having previously relied on handwritten permit applications and taking payment by phone, the city now uses cloud-based software to automate much of the process and make it more efficient.
Artificial Intelligence
Nevada turns to AI to speed up unemployment appeals
The state partnered with Google Public Sector on a system that analyzes appeals hearings against state and federal law to help adjudicators reach a decision. They say it’s made the process four times quicker.
Cybersecurity
States used cyber grants for ‘hundreds’ of key projects, report finds
The Government Accountability Office found that the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program was wildly popular, but state leaders are worried about sustained funding.
Emerging Tech
Chattanooga to establish nation’s first quantum tech center
The center, backed by the EPB public utility and others, will serve as a quantum networking and computing hub and help develop applications for the technology.
Featured eBooks
Digital Government
How Maryland’s social media team responded to Baltimore bridge collapse
The Key Bridge collapsed a little over a year ago after a container ship collided with a supporting pier. Communications staff had the mammoth task of keeping the public informed and dispelling misinformation.
Cybersecurity
Cyber info-sharing looks to ‘weather this storm’ of lost federal funding
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center faces an uncertain future amid cuts in its federal funding. But for now, those involved pledged to keep the work going.
Artificial Intelligence
States explore uneven approaches to AI regulations
New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli warned his state is unprepared to use the technology and needs more guardrails, while Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill implementing guardrails in his state.
Cybersecurity
‘Living off the land’ a major cyber threat to critical infrastructure, report finds
A recent report found that 62% of critical infrastructure operators have been attacked, and more than half have had their operations disrupted.
Artificial Intelligence
‘Water is complicated’: Utah looks to data-driven future for natural resources
The state is embarking on a management refresh for its Great Salt Lake amid competing oversight and the ever-present threat of drought. Tech and AI could help make that revamp easier.
Digital Government
State-level DOGE work gathers speed
Oklahoma’s new government efficiency unit issued a report on what it has found to cut, while Iowa’s first-in-the-nation effort held its inaugural meeting. But experts say efficiency isn’t just about cutting spending.
Artificial Intelligence
States turn to tech in push for safer roads
California wants to use artificial intelligence to work out where its road deaths are and how to prevent them. And New York has turned to the tech to try and prevent over-height vehicles hitting bridges.
Artificial Intelligence
How cities are making data-driven decisions in the age of AI
For almost a decade, What Works Cities has helped cities understand how to use the data they collect to improve outcomes. The advent of AI has accelerated much of that mission.
Artificial Intelligence
‘Hard, unglamorous work’ now can mean AI success later, city leaders say
Use cases for the technology are multiplying and now include areas like storm and wildfire prediction. But first, cities must make sure their data is clean and employees are on board.
