People

State CIOs are more change leaders than techies, report says

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found its members are being asked to simultaneously keep systems running and innovate, with tech expertise far less important.

New report aims to help states define the chief data officer role

The findings are intended to provide state leaders with the successes and limitations learned from other states’ efforts to establish the position.

Chattanooga’s ‘tech guy’ mayor reflects on embrace of AI, quantum

The Tennessee city has long been a leader in innovation, and Tim Kelly said there is more to come in the Gig City as it looks to “level up.”

Government efficiency initiative hits Arizona

Amy Edwards Holmes, who will lead the state’s Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, said the effort will look to leverage tech and empower employees to save $100 million in three years.

Connecting learners and employers requires more than just good technology. It needs real leadership.

COMMENTARY | Talent marketplaces help support skills-based hiring, but states need to do more than turn to tech platforms and merge data if they are to be successful.

State privacy officers persist despite limited resources, report finds

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found the role exists in more than 30 states and plays a crucial role, but it too often lacks funding or clear authority.

The overlooked reentry tool for veterans: Prison tablets

COMMENTARY | How state and local corrections leaders can turn existing devices into a digital lifeline.

Trump’s goal to create state-by-state citizenship lists isn’t feasible, experts say

A Tuesday executive order mandating that DHS create state-by-state citizenship lists is Trump’s latest effort to exert some control over state-run elections.

What governors said about tech in their state of the state addresses

AI, data centers and cell phone use in schools dominated state leaders’ speeches as legislative sessions kicked off in state houses across the country.

Former FEMA administrator reflects on tumultuous time for ‘people-first’ agency

Deanne Criswell, who led the agency under former President Joe Biden, said critics who want to shift responsibility to states and localities use a “lazy way” to characterize its mission.

E-Verify requirements draw business pushback in some Republican states

Sweeping legal work verification bills have fared poorly in many places.

Transit agencies look to ‘rewire’ tech infrastructure

Speakers during last week’s Adobe Government Forum said they want to rely less on contractors and more on unified systems, while making the rider experience more efficient.

Maine secretary of state reflects on a tumultuous period

Shenna Bellows has lived through federal demands for voter data, ICE raids, doxing and more. But with this year’s midterm elections fast approaching, there’s more to do.

I was mayor when self-driving cars came to Austin. Here’s what New York should know.

COMMENTARY | The key question is whether autonomous vehicle companies view government as a partner or an enemy.

‘Cowards’: State leaders condemn Trump admin election actions

A raid in Georgia and continued government legal action for voter data prompted a furious response, especially after administration officials abruptly withdrew from a hastily scheduled conference appearance.

‘We’re basically pushers:’ How a battle over kids on social media is unfolding in two California courtrooms

Lawsuits in California federal and state court are unearthing documents embarrassing to tech companies — and may be a tipping point into federal regulation.

What Minnesota reveals about the future of fraud prevention

COMMENTARY | States must act early to invest in modern identity and fraud controls and clearly explain how they are protecting taxpayer dollars. Doing nothing is not an option.

Expert warns of the ‘digitally invisible’ population amid yawning digital divide

It’s not just infrastructure that keeps people offline, but also a lack of digital skills and trust, warned Nicol Turner Lee of the Brookings Institution during this week’s CX Workshop.

Reddit briefly blocked on university network

Catholic University in Washington, D.C. said an automated system flagged the platform during a routine scan, and it was quickly reversed after pushback. Some worry it sets a dangerous precedent for the future.

Still early days for state chief AI officers

The role is still being defined by its earliest incumbents, as states remain uncertain about the future of the technology and how to deal with its impacts.