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Beeck Center leader reflects on ‘bipartisan opportunity’ for government efficiency
Efforts at the federal level generated a lot of headlines, but at the state level, where the goal is delivery, a lot more progress can be made, said the head of the Georgetown University-based center.
Trump empties out election commission leadership just months before midterms
The shake-up raises questions about voting system certification, federal election security coordination, and the commission’s ability to approve key policy decisions.
Libraries lament ‘cascading effects’ of E-Rate’s potential demise
Advocates warned the FCC’s vote to review the program could blow massive holes in their budgets and force service reductions or even closures if new funding sources aren’t found.
A new kind of bet on sports gambling
COMMENTARY | The Online Problem Gambling Act, while far from perfect, will reshape sports betting in Colorado and could provide more insight into how to curb harms.
Digital tools connect rural Texans to mental health care
In Bastrop County, Texas, the public health department is implementing a new digital platform to deliver mental health support to rural residents.
More homes, safe neighborhoods, lower costs: The mayors’ agenda
COMMENTARY | City leaders are in a unique position to solve their communities’ problems and manage crises. With numerous challenges ahead, they are ready to get to work.
The workforce cliff: What happens when the last IBM i engineer retires from government
COMMENTARY | Many agencies still rely on mainframes, which are built on programming languages kept alive by a shrinking group of late-career specialists. This creates operational and cybersecurity risks.
Feds intensify screen time scrutiny in schools
The FCC will vote later this month to study whether its E-Rate program is fulfilling its goal of improving educational outcomes, rather than subsidizing kids’ misuse of devices.
Education leader proposes stronger restrictions on AI and screentime
Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, said students are “drowning in tech” that is disrupting their lives, and policymakers need to get a handle on it.
Massachusetts establishes nation’s first union for ride-hailing drivers
The state’s almost 70,000 drivers can now join the App Driver’s Union, following voter approval of the right to unionize in November 2024 via ballot question.
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How Dayton’s citizens’ assembly showed a new path for community engagement
The Ohio city already has a long history of civic participation, but the prospect of a new hospital on its west side made officials want to get residents involved in a new way.
Feds assign two officials to lead intelligence coordination on election threats
For months, it was unclear if ODNI ever named an election threats executive responsible for leading election security efforts in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Advocates pledge action to restore digital equity grants
One year after President Donald Trump rescinded the funds, various groups and lawmakers have kicked off a month of action to push for their restoration.
White House withholds $1.3B in Medicaid payments to California amid broader fraud crackdown
Vice President JD Vance said the administration will audit states’ Medicaid Fraud Control Units and threatened to “turn off” federal funding for the watchdogs if their fraud prevention efforts are found to be deficient.
America’s most important innovation happens in City Hall
COMMENTARY | A quiet transformation is underway, as thousands of dedicated public servants are proving that people-centered government is possible.
Los Angeles County works to modernize its public health data infrastructure
How a CDC Foundation initiative is supporting these efforts.
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.
