The National League of Cities takes a look at how municipalities can expand broadband even when state authority may limit their ability to do so. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: How…
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6 steps to securing operational technology in critical infrastructure
COMMENTARY | Securing the hardware and software systems in power plants, water treatment facilities, transportation systems and other critical infrastructure calls for network visibility, vulnerability assessment and holistic strategic and incident response plans. This article has been indexed from GCN…
Hackers already infiltrate EV chargers. It could only get worse.
Most intrusions have been innocuous, but a nefarious plot could bring down the grid. Experts have suggestions for improving security. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Hackers already infiltrate EV chargers. It…
Cities extract mobility insights from ride-hailing company data
With access to real-time mobility data from a variety of sources, cities can improve transit efficiency and meet sustainability, accessibility and equity goals. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Cities extract mobility…
Creating a framework for secure-by-design software development
COMMENTARY | State and local IT leaders can proactively address potential threats by prioritizing throughout the development process, regularly evaluating data security policies and keeping an inventory of software components. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content…
Handprints for IDs? State liquor board discusses biometrics for alcohol sales
Tech from Amazon and other companies makes the age verification option possible. Privacy advocates have concerns. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Handprints for IDs? State liquor board discusses biometrics for alcohol…
High turnover is disrupting efforts to fix the workforce crisis, a survey finds
The poll of state and local HR managers finds that hiring has increased, but so has the number of people quitting. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: High turnover is disrupting efforts…
Governor calls for more speed cameras to curb deadly traffic crashes
“We can’t allow this carnage to continue,” the governor says after 251 people died last year in wrecks involving a speeding driver. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Governor calls for more…
In-house automation, analytics tools speed audit processing
The Travis County, Texas, Auditor’s Office has reduced the time it takes to process property tax audits by 91%. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: In-house automation, analytics tools speed audit processing
The digital tools cities and states need to meet their environmental commitments
COMMENTARY | Data collection, analysis and reporting solutions must manage huge amounts of emission data and provide a single source of truth to inform decision-making. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: The…
How one city opened access to cross-department data
Tacoma, Washington, is using Snowflake’s Data Cloud to bridge information silos across its 25 departments and improve reporting. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: How one city opened access to cross-department data
States scramble for solutions to curb rising wrong-way crashes
All over the country, states are looking for ways to reverse the trend, often relying on new technology to do so. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: States scramble for solutions to…
Researchers demo geotargeted wildfire alerts sent to vehicles
The Department of Homeland Security is testing how remote sensors and public warning systems can deliver timely, actionable wildfire alerts to the public. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Researchers demo geotargeted…
US agencies buy vast quantities of personal information on the open market
The government faces legal restrictions on how much personal information it can gather on citizens, but the law is largely silent on agencies purchasing the data from commercial brokers. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read…
Don’t fear AI, but prepare for its wider use
Governments should help build a talent pipeline for artificial intelligence jobs, one expert advises. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Don’t fear AI, but prepare for its wider use
What happened to the Idaho Health Data Exchange, and can other states learn from it?
The exchange ran into financial troubles after its leadership made funding deals that fell through, leading to bitter feud over a contract. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: What happened to the…
Drones enlisted for real-time monitoring of public events
As Illinois residents enjoy outdoor summer events, a new law allows public safety agencies to use drones to protect the public from potential threats. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Drones enlisted…
State expands streamlined, automated licensing
Wisconsin’s successful migration of its occupational licensing system to the cloud now includes business licenses. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: State expands streamlined, automated licensing
Public safety relies on behind-the-scenes technology
COMMENTARY | Reliable and scalable emergency response, citation management and crime analysis technologies give responders the data they need quickly and accurately. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Public safety relies on…
Chatbots can be used to create manipulative content
Artificial intelligence could be used to generate content intended to manipulate people. Addressing this problem means understanding how communication works to influence people. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Chatbots can be…
Lawmakers concerned White House will let TikTok stay in the US
Key Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country. This article has been indexed from GCN…
6 takeaways for the government workforce crisis
COMMENTARY | Public servants from coast to coast share their advice on how to successfully hire and retain government talent. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: 6 takeaways for the government workforce…
Digital literacy, not bans, should shape social media guardrails
Protecting children from harmful content is important, but states should help young people understand the platforms’ risks and make informed decisions about what to view, experts say. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original…
Outdated flood data could drown out actual infrastructure needs
Historical data fails to capture current flooding conditions, which could steer communities in the wrong direction when trying to plan and recover from weather events. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Outdated…
A balancing act: Adding humor to government communications
COMMENTARY | Local and state agencies walk a fine line between showing their personality through humor and remaining factual. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: A balancing act: Adding humor to government…
More than $42 billion in broadband funding allocations announced
President Joe Biden released how much each state will receive in funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law to expand access to high speed internet in America’s under- and unserved communities. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content…
Boston looks to boost employee productivity with generative AI guidance
The city’s chief information officer said the effort, among the first in the nation, is designed to encourage workers to “experiment responsibly” with the technology. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Boston…
The government has a controversial idea to track mental health crisis calls
The national 988 hotline may start pinpointing callers, a move opponents say could lead to forced intervention and violate caller trust. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: The government has a controversial…
Public transit systems remain vulnerable to cyber threats
Despite repeated warnings, a report on Washington, D.C.’s transit authority finds it is still at risk of a cyberattack. Its issues aren’t unique, though, and experts warn that public transportation at-large is vulnerable unless leaders act. This article has been…
Most government software stinks. Here’s what you can do about it.
COMMENTARY | When IT systems align to their end users’ day-to-day processes, tasks and needs, agencies can increase productivity while more than making up for any marginal cost differences. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read…
Air taxis are taking off. Cities should start planning now
A simple geographic information system-based framework can help cities weigh safety, access and equity considerations when deciding where to locate air taxi hubs. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Air taxis are…
Another state signals its intent to leave the voter data system
Now that nearly a quarter of the Electronic Registration Information Center’s members have left or are planning to leave the group, Kentucky’s secretary of state says the state could be paying more for less information. This article has been indexed…
NIST wants to help prevent cyberattacks on the water sector
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking input on guidelines for mitigating the risks of cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: NIST wants to…
Dangerous driving, poorly designed roadways accelerate pedestrian traffic deaths
Despite just over half of states seeing a decrease in pedestrian traffic deaths in 2022, the number of fatalities nationwide continues to creep up, a new report finds. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the…
Legacy tech could undermine zero trust push
As agencies move toward more secure infrastructures, managing legacy systems that are unprepared for today’s cybersecurity challenges could slow their progress. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Legacy tech could undermine zero…
Louisiana bans TikTok on state networks and devices. Will it make any difference?
The law does little to protect state-owned devices and personal data, cybersecurity experts say. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Louisiana bans TikTok on state networks and devices. Will it make any…
How will AI affect workers? Tech waves of the past show how unpredictable the path can be
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. This article has been indexed from GCN…
How a data-centric approach can lift agencies above the cybersecurity poverty line
COMMENTARY | By focusing protection where it’s most needed, agencies can more easily share data and create targeted, efficient and effective cybersecurity. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: How a data-centric approach…
Bias, privacy among governments’ generative AI headaches
While ChatGPT presents big opportunities for efficiency, agencies must ensure they use it—and regulate it—properly, an expert advises. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Bias, privacy among governments’ generative AI headaches
Hiding in plain site: Women are part of ‘invisible’ labor market building Maine’s fiber networks
Ambitious broadband expansion is creating demand for more workers to hang fiber. Women are increasingly responding to the opportunity. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Hiding in plain site: Women are part…
When homes flood, who retreats and to where?
COMMENTARY | Two disaster response experts mapped thousands of FEMA buyouts and found distance and race play a role. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: When homes flood, who retreats and to…
AI could shore up democracy—Here’s one way
Public comment could soon swamp government officials and representatives, thanks to AI, but AI could also help spot compelling stories from constituents. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: AI could shore up…
Mayors: There’s a mental health crisis in every city
It is causing drug overdoses and homelessness in cities across America. But with the debt deal to freeze spending, it is uncertain whether federal help is coming. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original…
Passwordless security gains ground for authentication
Government mandates on passwords and shifting authentication policy could accelerate the adoption of smartphone-enabled passkeys. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Passwordless security gains ground for authentication
FEMA’s buyout program reduces flood risk. But does it deepen segregation?
A new study shows how federal money for managed retreat may also fuel white flight. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: FEMA’s buyout program reduces flood risk. But does it deepen segregation?
Animal movement powers new GPS wildlife tracker
Instead of batteries, the device is powered by an animal’s movements and can provide long-term location and health data for researchers. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Animal movement powers new GPS…
How one state tracks down cartographic ‘phantoms’
To improve the accuracy of its maps, the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office is using data to weed out small rural communities that no longer exist. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: How…
Louisiana driver’s licenses, auto registrations targeted in massive data breach
The attack targeted a vulnerability in the popular MOVEit file transfer tool. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Louisiana driver’s licenses, auto registrations targeted in massive data breach
3 simple steps to improve digital government
COMMENTARY | A customer-centric approach to digital government can help agencies connect more individuals and families with critical services and strengthen the bonds of trust between government and those they serve. This article has been indexed from GCN – All…
Opioid settlement payouts to localities made public for first time
KFF Health News obtained documents showing the exact dollar amounts — down to the cent — that local governments have been allocated in 2022 and 2023 to battle the ongoing opioid crisis. This article has been indexed from GCN –…
States need better tech, training to keep repeat drunk drivers off the roads
Lacking adequate resources, states are often unable to provide complete criminal histories to the FBI’s databases, which are critical resources for reducing impaired driving by repeat offenders, according to a new GAO report. This article has been indexed from GCN…
Virginia transit agencies get access to planning software
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation now provides all transit agencies across the commonwealth access to Via’s Remix transportation mapping and scheduling software. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Virginia…
With $1.4 billion investment, Texas hopes to sprint to the front of the microchip manufacturing race
Texas is pumping money into microchip research and manufacturing in an effort to attract new investments, secure lucrative federal grants and create thousands of high-paying jobs. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article:…
Government has a policy-over-people problem, civic tech leader argues
In a new book, Code for America founder Jennifer Pahlka argues that government implementers need more authority to avoid becoming risk-averse compliance agents. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Government has a…
State preps for digital ID rollout
By the end of this summer, California could introduce its digital ID to a limited number of residents who will be able to use them in airports and convenience stores to prove age and identity. This article has been indexed…
Lawmakers take bipartisan swing at deepfake regulation
The New Jersey bill would add false depiction through manipulated media to the state’s identity theft statutes. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Lawmakers take bipartisan swing at deepfake regulation
Feds give states more flexibility in Medicaid redeterminations
But, according to federal data, states already aren’t using all the latitude given to them to keep eligible people on the low-income health care program. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Feds…
Lawmakers push for expanded cyber training, education
The Cybersecurity Awareness Act would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to launch a new public-private campaign promoting cyber best practices across state and local governments, small businesses and underserved communities. This article has been indexed from GCN –…
How targeted emails help one agency fill critical jobs
Data from an integrated communications platform helps the Oregon Department of Transportation target recruitment emails to potential job candidates. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: How targeted emails help one agency fill…
Governor signs bill paving the way for state-level AI bill of rights
The Connecticut legislation requires an inventory of the technology’s use in government and establishes an artificial intelligence working group to make recommendations. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Governor signs bill paving…
As Kentucky’s largest coal producer mines bitcoin, its power discounts draw scrutiny
A dispute before the state’s utility regulator will determine whether electrical utilities should have given bitcoin miners in eastern Kentucky economic development incentives to locate in their service territories. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read…
Debt deal casts doubt on CHIPS Act innovation hubs
Some experts are questioning whether the CHIPS Act vision of 20 innovation hubs will be fully met after Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to freeze spending as part of a deal to keep the nation from defaulting…
Modern grants management requires data fabric agility and low-code simplicity
COMMENTARY | As grants management grows increasingly complex, an automated, agile grantmaking ecosystem can give agencies relief from tedious and time-consuming work and improve their ability to easily track and report performance and outcomes. This article has been indexed from…
Better data sharing begins with dispelling staff mistrust
Ensuring that employees understand data-sharing agreements and are comfortable with the terminology will build the trust they need to learn to use data effectively, experts say. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article:…
Efforts to get data equity-ready will also support AI
Following best practices to harmonize artificial intelligence systems and public data will help mitigate bias and support equity, a federal official says. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Efforts to get data…
Latest broadband map could mean less money for some states
The revised map that shows where there is little to no internet service in the U.S. comes as the feds are about to distribute nearly $42.5 in broadband funding. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read…
Why address confidentiality programs are broken and how we can fix them
COMMENTARY | To protect the privacy of at-risk people requires better regulations limiting data collection, stronger consumer rights and scalable solutions for removing personal information from the internet. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the…
Officials tout data centers’ economic benefits
Amazon said its facilities in Virginia paid more than $300 million in taxes last year alone, and local leaders said the campuses contribute to economic development. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article:…
Is generative AI bad for the environment?
A computer scientist explains the carbon footprint of ChatGPT and its cousins. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Is generative AI bad for the environment?
Digital atlas could reveal zoning’s social impact
An initiative to map and digitize states’ zoning codes could help policymakers and citizens address urgent challenges in their communities. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Digital atlas could reveal zoning’s social…
Virtual innovation center tackles health interoperability challenges
The Interoperability Institute will leverage AWS cloud services to accelerate health data sharing. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Virtual innovation center tackles health interoperability challenges
How gamification can improve employee learning
COMMENTARY | Game-based learning is a more effective way to train employees on the skills and processes they need to know for their current positions and to encourage them to upskill for their next jobs. This article has been indexed…
Data for safely routing carbon-capture pipelines
The National Energy Technology Laboratory is developing data tools for state and local agencies making pipeline routing decisions for carbon capture and storage projects. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Data for…
State scales up cloud workforce with free training for agency employees
Any employee at a Georgia state agency making the transition to cloud can now take an eight-week course through the Technical College System of Georgia and improve their cloud skills. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content…
Withheld: The potentially life-saving map that most can’t see
First responders, law enforcement and some health care professionals can access ODMAP—if they know about it. Most policy makers and members of the public cannot. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Withheld:…
Nebraska Farm Bureau, FBI partner for Agriculture Threats Symposium
The two-day event highlights rising technology matched with rising threats. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Nebraska Farm Bureau, FBI partner for Agriculture Threats Symposium
Mayors oppose a GOP bill to speed up broadband permitting
The proposal would put a “shot clock” on permit approvals in an effort to streamline the process to build broadband around the country. But mayors say it preempts their ability to make crucial construction decisions. This article has been indexed…
How local leaders can make complex data understandable
As governments strive for data-driven decisions, one expert breaks down how data stewards can make complex issues understandable and impactful for nonexperts. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: How local leaders can…
6 pillars of an effective real-time crime center
COMMENTARY | Skilled staff at real-time crime centers sift through massive amounts of data, relying on advanced analytics and a central intelligence platform to help develop leads and share actionable information. This article has been indexed from GCN – All…
Next-gen emergency vehicle offers zero-emission power generation
A prototype of a next-generation emergency response vehicle can travel up to 1,500 miles on a single fueling and power up to 20 average-sized homes. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Next-gen…
Blockchain is a key technology—a computer scientist explains why the post-crypto-crash future is bright
Blockchain systems can improve data storage and security for state and local governments managing electronic medical records, property records, voting systems and other applications. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Blockchain is…
City builds a future-facing tech foundation
Coral Gables, Florida, wants its applications to be state-of-the-art, evergreen, user-centric, cloud-based, mobile-accessible and horizontally integrated. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: City builds a future-facing tech foundation
Researchers envision a citywide testbed for future mobility
Chattanooga is expanding connected infrastructure on its gigabit fiber network to support autonomous vehicle and quantum computing research. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Researchers envision a citywide testbed for future mobility
AI is used widely, but lawmakers have set few rules
Connecticut is the latest state to legislate new guardrails for artificial intelligence. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: AI is used widely, but lawmakers have set few rules
AI in the workplace: Local officials explore responsible use
As more governments experiment with artificial intelligence, local leaders are considering how to leverage AI’s benefits safely and responsibly. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: AI in the workplace: Local officials explore…
Cybersecurity standards gain ground in counties
More counties are embracing voluntary cybersecurity frameworks to evaluate their risk and better protect their assets, a recent report shows. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Cybersecurity standards gain ground in counties
How AI could take over elections – and undermine democracy
An AI-driven political campaign could have grave implications for election outcomes as algorithms manipulate the messages and advertisements individuals see to ultimately sway their voting behavior, experts warn. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the…
Senate passes debt ceiling bill, approves new work requirements for benefits
States will have to meet stricter rules for those receiving food stamps and welfare assistance. Some worry it will actually hamper states’ ability to help people get back to work. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content…
Early funding allows states to explore broadband options
Vermont is using its share of the federal Capital Projects Fund for last-mile connections to underserved rural areas and boosting digital equity among disadvantaged residents. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Early…
Digital driver’s license available for Google Wallet
Maryland is the first state to offer digital licenses and IDs for both Apple and Android devices. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Digital driver’s license available for Google Wallet
Damage assessment tool streamlines data collection for disaster prep, response, recovery
The latest version of Accela’s damage assessment cloud service automates reporting and permitting workflow processes and uses external data to help municipalities identify the areas and structures most at risk. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content…
What state unemployment modernization pilots get right
Pilot programs in two states focusing on identity verification and modular infrastructure for unemployment systems could set the stage for nationwide modernization. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: What state unemployment modernization…
Automation risks creating a two-tier workforce of haves and have-nots
As workplaces welcome more automated processes, staff members must learn modern skills to thrive in a tech-centric environment. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Automation risks creating a two-tier workforce of haves…
A closer look at ID verification across state benefits applications
The Digital Benefits Network’s open dataset details the identity proofing requirements of 158 applications for benefits programs. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: A closer look at ID verification across state benefits…
Phishing defense, one simulated email at a time
With a platform that trains staff not to click on links in seemingly relevant emails, San Francisco cut the click rate on test emails by 50% in the first 18 months. This article has been indexed from GCN – All…
How agencies can automate data extraction at scale
COMMENTARY | By combining optical character recognition technology with machine learning, agencies can leverage their unstructured data more easily to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs and solve operational challenges. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the…
New Mexico trying to build and train new workforce for broadband expansion
Officials anticipate a need for mechanical skills to set up internet services and educators to teach people how to use the technology. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: New Mexico trying to…
Virginia ABC officials say they’ve ‘automated’ liquor lotteries to prevent future errors
Authorities say they’ve worked to limit possibility of human error and Excel mistakes. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: Virginia ABC officials say they’ve ‘automated’ liquor lotteries to prevent future errors
The pros and cons of the debt deal for states and localities
The deal doesn’t claw back billions of dollars promised under the infrastructure and climate laws, but it does keep federal spending flat and adds work requirements for food stamp recipients. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content…
State looks to better assess vendor security
Michigan wants a “security rating snapshot” of contractors as well as a public portal that details their financial risk. This article has been indexed from GCN – All Content Read the original article: State looks to better assess vendor security