City Government
Voters approve digitized New York City map amid affordable housing push
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects. Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the five boroughs.
Report warns AI could ‘entrench the status quo’ unless changes are made
Researchers at New America called on governments to use the tech to rethink how they structure their institutions, or else they could repeat the mistakes of past innovations.
At heated City Council hearing, Philly tech officials “failed” their first AI test
At a contentious hearing on artificial intelligence in government, lawmakers and community advocates expressed grave concerns about the city’s preparedness for the AI era.
Planning for mega-events: How governments can prepare for the World Cup
COMMENTARY | Infrastructure could be overwhelmed next year as millions of visitors descend on the nation’s cities. Preparing now and embracing digital tools can help mitigate the worst scenarios.
Inside New York City’s new academy to grow IT talent
The city launched its first Information Technology Management Academy last month. Officials say they hope to support employees’ long-term career growth in technology.
Growing Texas city turns to agentic AI to help with customer service
Kyle, Texas recently launched an initiative it dubbed “Agent Kyle,” to help answer questions and resolve issues reported to its 311 call centers. It comes as the city has experienced explosive growth in recent years.
Cities across the US are embracing AI guidelines for local government workers
Municipalities have been forging ahead on usage policies for their employees, drawing from federal guidance but also implementing their own initiatives.
Birmingham looks to write new chapter as a tech hub
Alabama’s “Magic City” often evokes images of heavy industry, or the nation’s difficult past. A coalition of businesses, political leaders and others are looking to turn it into a technology leader.
Mayors worry about cybersecurity almost as much as substance use, mental health
The National League of Cities’ State of the Cities survey found that 39% of mayors are very concerned about cyber, which is not far behind more traditional public health issues.
Usual cities dominate AI readiness, but more are rising
Traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City and other major metro areas are still leading in AI, according to the Brookings Institution. But more are showing promise and could catch up.
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Metaverse takes ‘guesswork’ out of Georgia city’s planning, official says
Peachtree Corners, Georgia, now has a digital twin of its downtown in the metaverse, which it can use to make data-driven decisions.
Birmingham, Alabama ‘steadfast’ in Tech Hub commitment
The Magic City received a $44 million federal implementation grant in January, only to see it rescinded in May. Mayor Randall Woodfin said he is confident of final success, but otherwise will keep building the city as a tech leader.
State DOGEs’ next frontiers could preempt local authority
Specific legislation designed to strip localities of their power has been introduced in several states, all in the name of government efficiency.
‘Trust is the currency’ in local government, and tech can help build it
Leaders must think about programs and their goals first and then use technology to help them get there, but when done right, it becomes vital help, speakers at a recent conference said.
California Forever’s planned Bay Area city faces many regulatory hurdles. Can it succeed?
The CEO of the billionaire-backed company believes the plan for a new 400,000-person city near San Francisco can triumph, despite California’s restrictive environmental regulations and local pushback.
DOGE trend hits Texas, Jacksonville governments
The Lone Star State became the latest to sign legislation establishing its own Department of Government Efficiency, while Jacksonville appears to be among the first cities to set up a DOGE.
Problem solved: How data makes cities more efficient, effective and attuned to AI
COMMENTARY | If the public sector wants to operate at peak performance, it must harness its data and deploy it across all its functions. Cities across the world are showing what is possible.
SpaceX workers in South Texas vote yes to create City of Starbase
Critics of Elon Musk and SpaceX say that a new city will give more power to a company they believe is harming the environment.
How local governments are keeping AI under control
In the absence of national legislation, such governments are increasingly adopting AI governance policies and practices on their own, one expert says.
How cities are making data-driven decisions in the age of AI
For almost a decade, What Works Cities has helped cities understand how to use the data they collect to improve outcomes. The advent of AI has accelerated much of that mission.
