People
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.
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One year after President Donald Trump rescinded the funds, various groups and lawmakers have kicked off a month of action to push for their restoration.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.”
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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.
