Digital Government

How Nebraska's new tech chief is moving the state out of the era of mainframes and landlines

Nebraska’s technology infrastructure is outdated and its data is largely neglected. Matthew McCarville, the state’s new CIO, has big plans to change that, and it starts with the state’s employees.

Cybersecurity

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Month should be every month

COMMENTARY | Cybercrime costs have surpassed $10 trillion globally, illustrating the relentless threat and why state CISOs say they want the spotlight on cybersecurity year-round.

Exclusive Digital Government

Slow progress towards more secure EBT cards highlights the challenges ahead for states

The U.S. Agriculture Department doesn’t have a timeline for fully moving food assistance accounts to industry-standard chip cards, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to digital theft.

Sponsor Content

Embracing predictive data for enhanced population health

Today, the integration of predictive, patient-level data presents a defining opportunity to elevate population health management.

Workforce

1 million+ patients lose coverage as insurers, hospitals drop Medicare Advantage

For retired state employees in 13 states, Medicare Advantage plans are the only option.

Emerging Tech

What other states can learn from Indiana’s investment in quantum technology

COMMENTARY | The emerging technology holds the promise of transforming public services at the state and local levels. Indiana’s collaborative model is a blueprint for states seeking to cash in on quantum.

Finance

More states are planning for the coming retirement surge

Increasingly, states are turning to automated savings programs to help their constituents—and budgets.

Management

Will Washington voters buy into Inslee’s vision on climate policy?

Voters are set to weigh in on the governor’s “proudest accomplishment.” The state’s cap-and-trade law that some say is key to the third-term Democrat’s legacy is on the ballot this fall.

Management

Resurgence of congenital syphilis signals ‘urgent need’ for testing, treatment

Congenital syphilis cases have increased significantly nationwide. They're highest are highest in parts of the Southwest, the Midwest and the South.

Infrastructure

More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products

In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.

Management

Don’t rush into marijuana legalization, experts say

Americans are eager to legalize marijuana through ballot measures. But experts urge state lawmakers to exercise caution when implementing those laws.

Emerging Tech

Letter from Congress warns county against Chinese drone use

Arguing that the drones put privacy and national security at risk, a U.S. House committee is asking the country to stop buying them. The letter hints its efforts could expand to localities nationwide.

Sponsor Content

Launch for Government: A new approach for local governments to gain affordable access to top-tier technology

Cloud environments offer a way to leverage leading tech, streamline business processes, and deliver constituent services.

Infrastructure

We know widening highways leads to more traffic. Why do we do it anyway?

More lanes, more pain—a researcher unravels the persistent myth of easier commutes.

Management

Incumbent San Francisco mayor faces uphill battle

Crime, homelessness and a lack of affordable housing could doom London Breed’s bid for a second term.

Infrastructure

Biden administration doles out $4.2 billion for big-ticket infrastructure projects

A new Boston rail bridge, a California high-speed rail station, electric dock equipment in Miami and a safer highway interchange in Iowa are among the 44 projects selected for funding.

Finance

How tougher regulations on short-term rentals can boost revenue for state, local govs

Some short-term rental properties go undetected by authorities, but a new report offers tips on how officials can crack down on unregulated rental units to boost revenue and reduce their negative impacts on communities.

Management

School choice questions dominate November ballot propositions

Measures in Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska are among 11 ed-related issues on the ballot. Others address facility upgrades, school board partisanship.

Infrastructure

Coastal cities have a hidden vulnerability to storm-surge and tidal flooding—entirely caused by humans

COMMENTARY | Dredging to deepen shipping channels has made coastlines more vulnerable to extreme storms and sea-level rise.

Finance

Going into 2025, cities plan for leaner budgets

A survey of city finance officials found that at least half are wary of the coming year and are forecasting more conservative revenue estimates.