Author Archive

Stephanie Kanowitz

Stephanie Kanowitz is a freelance writer based in northern Virginia.
Digital Government

How one state strives to reduce the burden of benefits application for residents

Maryland residents have a new resource to digitally apply for multiple benefits programs, which one official says helps streamline the process and reduces in-person transactions.

Digital Government

Cities turn to tech to make curb ramps ADA-accessible

Localities must install or regrade their curb ramps when roads are changed, and they are using aerial photography, geospatial data and AI to help.

Cybersecurity

Tampa, Florida looks to become national cyber hub

The city will host the CyberBay summit later this year, and is looking to use its military background as well as the University of South Florida to become a leader on cybersecurity.

Artificial Intelligence

911 looks to AI to filter out non-emergency calls

The technology is helping answer non-emergency calls and otherwise free up dispatchers to focus on true emergencies that they otherwise would have needed to forward along.

Artificial Intelligence

How one school system is turning to AI to boost safety

Loudoun County, Virginia Public Schools will start using the tech to monitor footage from security cameras for anything that appears to be out of the norm.

Digital Government

Amid fiscal uncertainty, evidence-based budgeting comes to the fore

A good-government nonprofit will host a virtual event designed to help counties determine whether budgetary decisions will, or did, produce the intended outcomes.

Digital Government

Police department turns to new data tool to boost performance

The Rochester, New York, Police Department started using a tool known as Commons in April. It provides frequently updated criminal justice data and can help set policy goals.

Cybersecurity

The ‘mutual benefit’ of student-run cyber centers on campus

A number of universities are opening security operations centers to deal with cybersecurity incidents and monitoring, and have students help run them alongside full-time staff.

Emerging Tech

AI-backed stop sign cameras help slow down drivers

States and localities are experimenting with the technology to catch scofflaws, but are still verifying suspected violations using human officers.

Digital Government

Mapping vulnerability in Arlington County, Virginia

Local leaders last month released the Community Vulnerability Index Map, which uses various data points to find vulnerable populations and inform where resources should be allocated.

Digital Government

How LA is using tech to get wildfire victims financial help

The Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity selected a solution from AidKit, which uses mapping, fraud detection and real-time reporting and analytics to vet applications for relief.

Public Safety

How emerging tech is shaping law enforcement

Sensors and analytics are helping under-resourced departments be more effective. But agencies must do their due diligence when adopting these new systems.

Emerging Tech

Digital twin helps Texas port track operations, plan ahead

The Port of Corpus Christi deployed its Overall Port Tactical Information Computer System to provide a “single pane of glass” to law enforcement and other authorities who monitor it.

Digital Government

App offers city’s youth a safe space to report concerns, challenges

Denver’s Power of One app allows young people in a section of the city to get help. It’s part of a wider push for reporting systems to get assistance to juveniles who need it.

Digital Government

A new initiative looks to makes courts more accessible to the public

About 30 million people in the U.S. navigate often complex court cases without lawyers. Illinois is leveraging tech and libraries to change that.

Emerging Tech

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.

Cybersecurity

What is ‘reasonable cybersecurity’?

The term is used in policy after policy. But with no standard definition, networks are often left unprotected and open to lawsuits. That is changing.

Emerging Tech

It’s time to take a serious look at esports gaming

The growing popularity of competitive video games is creating opportunities for governments at all levels. It builds skills, fosters community at local rec centers and schools and even boosts tourism.

Digital Government

School's out for summer, but virtual learning is in

Momentum for virtual learning has been building for years, and come fall, it will be offered in hundreds of more schools.

Emerging Tech

To drive revenue, cities turn to tech to fix their parking problems

Parking brings in $3 billion a year for state and local governments. That's why they are using new technologies to help push parking reforms aimed at streamlining enforcement and increasing revenues and environmental friendliness.