Emerging Tech
The hazards of facial recognition in schools
New York has banned the emerging technology in its schools, arguing that the concerns surrounding it “are not outweighed by the claimed benefits.” Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Management
A Richmond program to reduce gun violence has had rare success. Now it’s expanding.
Research shows that 76% of its nearly 2,000 participants were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for gun violence.
Finance
Why this shutdown could be even more significant for states and localities
Not all states, cities and counties are the same when it comes to shutdowns, but some places will feel it more acutely than others.
Sponsor Content
Data Is the Key to Thwarting Ransomware
State, local and education networks face rising phishing and ransomware attacks, in which criminals steal a trove of personal identifiable data.
Infrastructure
Disaster recovery projects stall nationwide as FEMA runs out of money
The agency has paused $2.8 billion in spending as it braces for a looming government shutdown.
Workforce
Amid a youth mental health crisis, teachers get schooled
Educators, who are on the front lines of the issue, are increasingly being trained in how to recognize signs of mental distress in their students.
Management
Cities turn to GIS mapping to find housing for the homeless
As a nationwide housing shortage continues to push people into homelessness, cities like Denver and Los Angeles are turning to data to help locate public land to put housing on.
Infrastructure
In unique approach, one county utilizes a P3 to build public schools
Instead of it taking six years to build six schools, it took three. The first-of-its-kind project saved Prince George’s County, Maryland, millions of dollars—and includes 30 years of maintenance.
Management
Juries often struggle to understand forensic science. A short training video could help.
COMMENTARY | One out of every five wrongful convictions cataloged through September 2023 involved improper forensic evidence. Studies indicate that just a little training could help jurors avoid sending innocent people to prison.
Finance
FEMA is being sued for making flood insurance too expensive—and too cheap
The price isn't right, according to two lawsuits against the federal agency. The suits, one of which was brought by Louisiana and Republican state AGs, claim that high insurance rates could put residents at risk of economic ruin, but low rates do little to stop developments on at-risk land.
Finance
Cannabis banking bill closer to a vote in the U.S. Senate
The bill would address a problem that has led to half of the nation’s cannabis dispensaries being robbed or burglarized.
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Infrastructure
Biden administration warns of risks to air and rail safety if government shuts down
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also said that a shutdown and proposed GOP cuts could affect efforts to fight the fentanyl epidemic, as well as disaster relief operations.
Sponsor Content
2023 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report
Read the complexity report to learn what successful public record request management looks like in 2023.
Digital Government
One city’s ‘data conversations’ help confront pressing challenges
Faced with water shortages, Henderson, Nevada, has turned to a data-driven approach to solve it. It’s now rolling out its approach to other departments citywide.
Finance
With the farm bill set to expire, Congress is still months away from a new version
A looming government shutdown has slowed the process even more. Among the key areas of disagreement is the SNAP program, a huge spending portion of the bill that helps low-income families buy food.
Workforce
Fossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transition
COMMENTARY | In a greener future, what becomes of current fossil fuel workers? Despite possessing skills applicable to green industries, their geographical locations will limit their opportunities.
Finance
Can pensions help address growing wealth inequality?
A new report finds that pensions have significant impacts on household wealth, increasing net worth across race, gender and educational attainment.
Management
Rethinking engagement to support a rapidly growing older adult population
COMMENTARY | Having a reliable, evidence-based planning process can significantly impact how state governments address the immediate needs of their aging residents while planning for the future.
Emerging Tech
Augmented, not artificial, intelligence should be government leaders’ priority
AI should be seen as a “co-pilot, not an autopilot,” said local officials at an event this week, adding that it could be crucial amidst a government workforce shortage.
Infrastructure
For rural communities, broadband expansion is no single thing
Small communities trying to take advantage of massive federal funding now available for broadband expansion deal with multiple hurdles. Resistance from major providers is just one of them.
Management