Artificial intelligence
Rural charms drew residents to Taylor, Texas. Then came the data centers
A local family sold an 87-acre tract to a parks foundation for $10 “to be held in trust for future use as a parkland.” Later, the city’s Economic Development Corporation sold the land to a data center developer for $10 million.
State and local AI needs a capacity-dividend rule
COMMENTARY | If an agency saves 1,000 staff hours by automating routine preparation, it should deliberately reinvest some of those hours in supervised work that builds judgment.
AI moves at breakneck speed, government operating models don’t. Here’s how to close the gap.
COMMENTARY | Most say they are in the piloting or deployment phase of AI adoption, but many projects stall as they navigate unclear responsibilities and decision making.
New York aims to train up to 40,000 residents for AI-ready jobs
A new AI workforce training and upskilling center in the state builds upon Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent efforts to prepare residents for tech of the future.
New Hampshire lawmakers say push from public, governor behind new batch of proposed data center guardrails
A former coal power plant in Bow is one site under preliminary consideration for a potential data center development, according to town officials.
Microsoft to help public libraries build AI literacy in communities
A partnership with the Public Library Association looks to offer residents AI skills development to encourage career and education mobility.
AI has brought ‘breathing room’ for small governments, leaders say
The technology has allowed resource-strapped cities and towns to lighten their load in answering constituent questions more efficiently and focusing on the work that needs a human touch.
NYC’s AI ban confusion: what’s allowed and what’s banned in city schools
Chalkbeat obtained the list of products NYC officials say violate the city's new school AI policy. It includes a chatbot the Education Department developed itself.
Leading presidential scholar urges government leaders to be curious, empathetic
Jon Meacham said in a speech that while AI “is going to be more important than the Industrial Revolution,” local governments must work to rebuild trust in these fraught times.
‘No question’ data centers will be considered critical infrastructure, top House intel Dem says
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., said the AI-focused facilities are going to be even more critical than their traditional data center counterparts because “so much more functionality is going to rely on their health and existence.”
Missouri’s AI leader focused staff training and early successes for state innovation
Tim Marczewski, the state’s AI and innovation director, shared how Missouri agencies are taking a thoughtful approach to understanding AI’s potential for improving internal and external systems.
State says resident data is safe with state AI tool. Advocates have concerns.
Artificial intelligence pleas land as Massachusetts lawmakers weigh new data privacy and AI bills.
Google Public Sector unveils Gemini for government services
Agencies already have discounted access to Gemini through Nov. 15 under a OneGov deal.
Report: How to make government websites AI friendly
As residents’ use of AI to find government information grows, a new report from the Beeck Center offers recommendations for officials to ensure their content doesn’t get excluded from outputs.
Utah AI sandbox launches new health care pilots — with question marks
The state is mulling how the high-profile AI initiative will tackle medical liability concerns, independent third-party analysis and other questions.
How state and local agencies can build an AI-ready data loss prevention strategy
COMMENTARY | Agencies need to know where their sensitive information is before they can govern AI. Data loss prevention provides that visibility and protection.
Data centers are now the largest financial bet in US history
The $10.3 trillion buildout dwarfs dot-com, electrification, railroad booms.
How one city balances its economy and community needs on data centers
Colorado Springs, Colorado wants to bring in data centers but do so in a way that’s transparent and protects quality of life. Being proactive is crucial, an economic development leader there said.
Despite tough talk from Abbott and Paxton, Texas penalties for data center violations are light
Texas officials are promising tougher enforcement on data centers, but the existing law may offer limited leverage over the industry that has largely failed to report its water use.
California takes major step to regulate AI in the workplace
The state recently passed the ‘No Robo Bosses’ Act, making it the first in the nation to restrict employers from relying on artificial intelligence for hiring or disciplinary actions.
