Innovation

In one city, litter meets its mechanical match

A pilot program in Detroit has enlisted a trash removal robot to reduce plastic pollution on the beach from entering local waterways.

How to prevent ideas from getting lost in translation

Policy researchers and government administrators often seem like they’re speaking different languages. A new book aims to help experts communicate more clearly, so their ideas can have real-world impacts.

New York governor pledges to ‘shape the trajectory’ of AI development

Kathy Hochul announced in her State of the State address an AI consortium and research center, and issued a new policy for responsible AI governance.

Without good data, government AI tools will just be 'garbage in, garbage out'

Virginia’s chief data officer recently shared what his state is doing to ensure quality data and warned that artificial intelligence is only as good as the information it has to work with.

31 communities tapped as innovation hub finalists

The Biden administration expects the innovation hubs to spur scientific and technological innovation in communities across the country, including small and rural areas and those with historically underserved populations.

State IT leaders honored in annual awards

NASCIO rewarded states’ efforts to use tech to help make government work better for its residents in areas like resident engagement, digital services, data analytics and identity management.

What is artificial intelligence? Legislators are still looking for a definition.

States grapple with understanding the technology so they can put rules in place.

Augmented, not artificial, intelligence should be government leaders’ priority

AI should be seen as a “co-pilot, not an autopilot,” said local officials at an event this week, adding that it could be crucial amidst a government workforce shortage.

California looks to preserve its role as ‘global hub’ for generative AI

An executive order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom looks to create replicable guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of generative AI in state government.

How local government can drive housing innovation

COMMENTARY | Raleigh, North Carolina, tapped into a nontraditional vendor pool to find new ways of using so-called granny flats to boost affordable housing.

Homelessness could have a 3D-printed solution

An innovative pilot in Chattanooga aims to tackle the challenge of sheltering homeless residents.

The 6 Fundamentals of an Effective Real-Time Crime Center

COMMENTARY | These centers, which can help police investigators develop leads and share crucial information with other officers and agencies, are becoming more common. Here's how to make them more effective.

How AI Is Making One Smart City Even Smarter

Coral Gables, Florida, is leveraging the artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, to improve how it responds and interacts with citizens.

AI in the Workplace: Local Officials Explore Responsible Use

As more governments experiment with artificial intelligence, local leaders are considering how to leverage AI’s benefits safely and responsibly.

How Local Governments Can Rise to the Infrastructure Complexity Challenge

COMMENTARY | To take advantage of the federal government’s $2 trillion in investments, municipalities must think big, start small and scale fast.

A Recipe for Supporting Our Innovation Nation

COMMENTARY | How should the public and private sectors work together to ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in technology? Here are four key steps.

Not Super Creative? Try This Approach

COMMENTARY | Looking at emotional situations in a different way can boost creativity among people who tend to think more conventionally, a study finds.

City’s Custom-built App Scores Homeless Encampment Safety

With the Homeless Emergency Management Tracking and Prioritization Tool, Austin gets consistent health, safety and impact data on encampments citywide to support cross-departmental intervention.

2 Tricks Will Help You Learn and Remember New Stuff

COMMENTARY | There are two tried and true strategies to improve your learning, whether you're prepping for an exam or learning a new skill.

3D-Printed Homes Save Time, Money, State Pilot Shows

A potential solution to Virginia’s housing shortage comes from the nozzle of a 3D printer.