Emerging Tech

Government runs on a 64-year-old language. Could AI help change that?

COBOL is still relied on for many essential services. But as experts in the language retire, states are looking at new technologies and ways to change workplace culture to help ease the transition away from it.

  • By Chris Teale

How to use generative AI to improve operations while protecting sensitive data

COMMENTARY | Large language models like ChatGPT offer state and local agencies exciting new capabilities, but they also introduce new security risks.

  • By Mike Morper

Generative AI has ‘significant, beneficial’ uses for state government

A report from California on the technology found that it could improve performance and make services more accessible to residents, but risks must be mitigated.

  • By Chris Teale

Forget dystopian scenarios–AI is pervasive today, and the risks are often hidden

The explosion of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and fears about where the technology might be headed distract from the many ways AI affects people every day—for better and worse.

  • By Anjana Susarla, The Conversation

‘Early days’ for state-level response to Biden’s AI executive order

Experts urged state and local governments to be patient as it plays out at the federal level, pointing to an executive order from a decade ago that offers a cautionary tale.

  • By Chris Teale
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  • Presented by SAP Concur

As industry struggles, federal, state offshore wind goals could get tougher to meet

Supply and labor costs are standing in the way of some states' offshore wind development goals.

  • By Robert Zullo, States Newsroom

As e-bikes grow in popularity, so do calls for safety certification

Last month, New York City became the first in the nation to require e-bikes to be tested and certified for safety.

  • By Tik Root, Grist

AI-driven 911 translation saves first responders time, money

A Louisiana parish has turned to the technology to help translate emergency calls from a growing number of non-English speakers and amid a staffing shortfall.

  • By Chris Teale

California suspends Cruise robotaxis, and questions mount

The state Department of Motor Vehicles halted operation of the self-driving cars in San Francisco because of concerns over how the company handled a crash with a pedestrian.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

AI-ready New York City focuses on workforce, procurement

The plan’s emphasis on building employee skills and updating its byzantine contracting lays the foundation for a unified city government ready to face new challenges.

  • By Chris Teale

County tests feasibility of 3D-printed affordable housing

Santa Barbara County is using a state grant to 3D-print an affordable home in what it hopes will be a demonstration project other communities can learn from.

  • By Molly Bolan

31 communities tapped as innovation hub finalists

The Biden administration expects the innovation hubs to spur scientific and technological innovation in communities across the country, including small and rural areas and those with historically underserved populations.

  • By Kery Murakami
Featured eBooks
The Digital Transformation of State and Local Government
Generative AI in State and Local Government
The Transformation of Government Services

Ending the deepfake threat to elections before it starts

Officials try to get ahead of misinformation created by AI before the 2024 elections.

  • By Harrison Cann

New York City unveils AI action plan

The first of its kind for a major U.S. city, the strategy sets a framework for the responsible roll out of artificial intelligence by agencies.

  • By Chris Teale

States wrestle with AI-driven future

While artificial intelligence and generative AI offer exciting applications for government, state IT leaders remain concerned about the technology, its ethical uses and potential impacts.

  • By Chris Teale

What transportation officials need to consider when using AI

Artificial intelligence tools are proliferating in transportation. Two tech experts offer advice on how to approach the emerging technology.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

What is artificial intelligence? Legislators are still looking for a definition.

States grapple with understanding the technology so they can put rules in place.

  • By Madyson Fitzgerald, Stateline

Printing a place to live: In Central Texas, homes are being built with emerging 3D technology

3D homes can eventually help lessen the housing crisis, and do it in a climate-friendly way.

  • By Noah Alcala Bach, The Texas Tribune

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.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

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.

  • By Chris Teale

AI will bring dramatic change in the next three years, say local government IT execs

But better training on the emerging technology is needed and should be mandatory, according to a new survey.

  • By Chris Teale