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Lawmakers wrestle with AI’s opportunities, challenges in higher education

As the technology roils campuses nationwide, a House subcommittee debated how to form policies around its use to ensure it does not replace students’ learning.

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The public sector agentic era: Trading pilots for transformation

The agentic era is transforming government. From accelerating drug approvals to modernizing IT and improving public services, agencies are using AI to deliver faster, smarter outcomes. See how federal, state, and local leaders are turning AI into a force multiplier.

Local Texas officials turn to AI to enhance flood management

The Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District launched a new data system to turn historical and real-time flooding data into predictive analytics.

Empire AI is already making rapid progress in drug discovery

A Q&A with the University at Buffalo’s Venu Govindaraju on the project’s long-term benefits to New York.

Denver launches AI platform to boost permitting efficiency and housing development

Using AI, the Denver Permitting Office hopes to simplify the application process for customers and thereby streamline staff reviews.

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Securing the government mission: Leveraging agentic AI for cybersecurity

AI-powered cyber threats are moving faster than ever. Learn how government agencies are using intelligent automation, agentic security operations, and AI-driven defenses to detect threats, reduce risk, and stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated adversaries.

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.

California’s ‘digital democracy’ initiative invites residents to help shape AI policy

State leaders will use the public’s input to develop an AI action plan to inform policies and regulations of the tech, one official said.

How Boston modernized its hiring infrastructure to attract talent

By reviewing user feedback and existing hiring requirements, the city was able to design a more streamlined and cost-effective hiring and onboarding system, local officials say.

New bill would narrow scope of Colorado’s landmark 2024 AI law

Proposed compromise would repeal law’s most substantial regulations on AI developers and "deployers."

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Smarter cities, safer communities: How state and local government leaders are advancing public services with AI

AI agents are delivering real results across state and local government. Learn how agencies are using intelligent automation to improve transportation, streamline services, modernize operations, and build more responsive, data-driven experiences for residents.

Government leaders see ‘momentum’ in agencies’ AI adoption

Speakers at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas last week said the shift from pilot programs to implementation has accelerated in the last year, and will keep doing so.

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.”

Nonprofit launches forum to help city leaders leverage AI effectively

The AI and Emerging Technology Forum will serve as a platform for local leaders to learn about and pilot new AI tools and use cases.

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.

Nonprofit puts up $10M to help agencies test AI tools for benefits modernization

The Center for Civic Futures will offer funds to agencies looking to design and test their tech solutions to operational problems with their benefit systems.

Amid artificial intelligence explosion, Illinois lawmakers debate best path to regulate

The state already has some laws in place, but legislators raised concerns about the harm AI may still be causing consumers.

Data centers hit the ballot this year

Residents in a Wisconsin city already passed a measure to restrict their development, while others may follow, including a statewide effort in Ohio.

Public-facing AI tools could yield more efficiency gains for states, report says

States should not underestimate the time and cost savings that external artificial intelligence-based tools can generate for government agencies, one expert said.

How public records requests could help ‘fight AI with AI’

Agencies are burdened with growing numbers of requests and more records to manage and parse through. Emerging technology offers a way forward for beleaguered staff.

World needs to ‘get ready’ for more powerful AI, Anthropic co-founder says

The company’s powerful Mythos, unveiled earlier this month, won’t be the only supercharged AI system to hit the market, Jack Clark said.

Human review, responsibility should be the ‘core feature’ of AI solutions, official says

Keeping human judgement at the center of AI tools, like automated parking enforcement, can help improve the accuracy of citations and dispel community backlash, experts say.

How tech is helping improve avalanche forecasting

The Utah Avalanche Center has already embraced technology to try and help prevent disasters, and it is looking to emerging areas to do even better in spite of staffing shortages.