Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states
The free service that allowed taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS was used by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in 2024 and 2025, who gave it high marks — although tax prep companies and Republicans have sought its end.
Baltimore is innovating its permitting system to revitalize housing
The city recently launched a service that automatically issues a permit for certain construction projects to help expedite the housing development process and reduce staff workloads.
Kansas looks to tech to modernize agency rulemaking
The state will use a cloud-based platform to draft, publish and take comments on regulations, having relied on paper since 1965.
Inside the Secret Service hunt for skimmers as outdated SNAP cards let thieves steal millions
The government still uses 1970s-era technology to deliver SNAP, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to transnational crime rings that have taken hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits in recent years.
Philadelphia turns to virtual calls to optimize building inspections
Through the camera lens of a mobile device, city staff can evaluate building conditions more closely and efficiently, one official says.
Nonprofit offers alternative funding for school, library Wi-Fi programs
Mission Telecom said it would match any discounts those institutions received under the FCC’s E-Rate program for loaning out Wi-Fi hotspots and providing service on school buses.
From flashlight fixes to future-ready innovation: Why we must stop patching and start building anew
Real innovation isn’t about fixing old switches. It’s about recognizing when it’s time to stop patching and start fresh.
Human knowledge and feedback are key for building trustworthy digital services, experts say
By building public assistance systems around the human experience, agencies are more likely to save time and resources, experts say.
Alleging ‘secrecy,’ ACLU and Eugene resident sue city for Flock camera records
Other cities with cameras have released similar records, complaint alleges.
Broadband’s broken promise: How federal failures and funding fights keep Native and Black farmers offline
Across the US, Indigenous and Black farmers face ‘digital redlining,’ a web of barriers to affordable broadband even as billions in federal dollars flow to internet providers. Rooted in high costs, policy failures and historic exclusion, the connectivity gap endures — but communities are fighting back with local solutions.
Maryland officials approve 'tap and go' EBT cards for public benefits
The electronic benefit transfer cards aim to reduce theft from programs that serve almost 1 million in the state.
Use it or lose it: NV lawmakers urge state to hit federal housing, broadband funding deadlines
Nearly a third of Nevada’s $2.7 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding has not yet been spent, and legislators want to spend it by next year.
Boston invests in curb management tech to improve resident satisfaction
A new digital payment infrastructure for curb management is helping the city better meet residents’ needs.
States’ IT modernization dreams run into budget realities
Federal funds have largely dried up, meaning state tech leaders are worried about how they will be able to afford to execute their strategies and wondering where more money can come from.
Accessibility funding inconsistent despite growing importance, report finds
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ annual survey found that, while nearly all states are ploughing ahead to comply with a federal accessibility rule, they need more money to help them get there.
‘Contactless’ fares quickly grow popular among T riders
A year into the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's adoption of a contactless payment option, one in four taps are now made using credit card or mobile wallet.
Improving communications ahead of the next wildfire emergency
The Tubbs Fire in California in 2017 highlighted various shortcomings around communicating. Since then, agencies have embraced tech to more effectively plan their response.
How centralized design systems help build trust in digital services
A new resource from the Beeck Center highlights how states can improve online experiences for residents by creating a standard design system for agencies to follow.
Planning for mega-events: How governments can prepare for the World Cup
COMMENTARY | Infrastructure could be overwhelmed next year as millions of visitors descend on the nation’s cities. Preparing now and embracing digital tools can help mitigate the worst scenarios.
A Florida ‘library without books’ looks to expand one county’s tech workforce
In Osceola County, a tech library will offer residents services and tools to develop their digital skills, improving accessibility and equity in the community, one official says.
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