Giving AI direct control over anything is a bad idea—here’s how it could do us real harm
COMMENTARY | For executive decision-making, artificial intelligence is still no match for emotional intelligence. The latter, one expert says, is crucial for a holistic approach to project management.
HUD offers $85M to communities actively eliminating housing barriers
Through the competitive grant program, state and local governments can address some of the obstacles to expanding affordable housing.
Regional partnerships can bring a refreshing solution to aging water infrastructure
When legacy water systems lack adequate data collection and monitoring capabilities, communities face an uphill battle delivering clean, safe water to residents.
An underused approach to fighting cyberattacks
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center offers free services to help localities with cybersecurity. Why aren’t more governments using them?
How agency employees can help improve user experience
COMMENTARY | By leveraging nontechnical staff for automated testing, agencies can improve user experience and help residents gain the greatest benefit from digital government services.
Cities boost wages, embrace ‘culture change’ to beat lifeguard shortage
This summer, some major cities are fully staffing their pools for the first time in years.
IRS seeks states’ input on its direct file pilot
States have until Sept. 4 to tell the IRS if they’re interested in participating.
As temperatures spike, states act to protect residents and workers
Governments geared up protective measures against the dangerously hot weather baking nearly every part of the country this past week. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Survey: More than three-fourths of 911 centers face staffing crisis
While not enough research has been done to identify and address issues dispatchers are facing, a recent poll shows 911 centers are understaffed and overwhelmed by calls.
Helping young people make a quantum leap
By engaging high schoolers, public and private universities are looking to jumpstart efforts to build the future quantum workforce.
Rural Texas may lose out on billions in broadband infrastructure funding due to federal regulations
Grant applicants are required to have a line of credit from a major bank and put up 25% of the project cost ahead of time. That will likely disqualify many small internet service providers in rural areas.
How to buy ed tech that isn't evil
As schools look to educational technology to enhance student learning, administrators must first consider the safety and effectiveness of any product before bringing it in the classroom.
How local leaders are getting one hot county to cool down
From emissions reductions to cool roofs, Miami-Dade County is exploring how building efficiency plays a role in the growing heat crisis.
State child tax credits can reduce poverty, but only if families apply
Since the federal child tax credit expired at the end of 2021, 11 states have enacted their own fully refundable versions. But for them to be as successful as the federal credit, states have to get the word out.
States could use federal money to add Tesla chargers
Kentucky, Texas and Washington might add extra plugs for the popular EVs, as several automakers indicated they would make cars with the same connections in coming years.
What needs to change at Rikers? Everything.
We asked more than a dozen criminal justice experts. They urged staying the course on borough-based jails—and many called for a federal takeover of Rikers in the meantime.
Why computer security guidelines are so unclear
COMMENTARY | Cybersecurity guidelines are often riddled with excessive or confusing information, spurring a need for clearer instructions from trustworthy sources to better mitigate system vulnerabilities.
States put buying power to work for local governments
When states drive cooperative procurements, local agencies can take advantage of volume discounts, experienced contracting officers and a streamlined process.
Pandemic spending exposes weaknesses in how governments handle data
A federal report found huge differences in how states and localities collected and shared data. Better collaboration could help prevent money going unaccounted for.
Is HR the solution to many transit agencies' woes?
Understaffed and underfunded, public transit is struggling to keep up with demand. A new report suggests that investing in human resources could be the solution.
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