State Government
Amid distrust and volatility, leaders urge governments to ‘walk the talk’
It’s been a tricky year for states and localities, but speakers at the recent GOVIT Leadership Summit and Symposium said communication and keeping promises can help those governments navigate choppy waters.
State leaders push laws to bring down drones
While the federal government has ultimate authority over airspace, in the absence of firm action, more states are stepping up to protect residents from illegal drone activity.
Most states don’t disclose which companies get data center incentives, report finds
At least 36 states give the subsidies, but only 11 reveal which businesses receive the benefits.
Threats against public servants increased over 35 times what they were a decade ago, according to new research
Threats and violence against public servants hurt the ability of the government to deliver, say the groups behind a new map showing threats against public sector employees.
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.
From technologist to ‘digital governor’: State CIO role has evolved dramatically
Once expected to be a purely technical role, research found the job has evolved to be a strategic leader, communicator and bridge between the governor, legislators and more tech-focused positions.
Generative AI’s state government use ticks up
States have found more than 100 uses for the technology according to a recent survey, and while there might be excitement and momentum for its continued use, plenty of pitfalls lie ahead.
States’ IT modernization dreams run into budget realities
Federal funds have largely dried up, meaning state tech leaders are worried about how they will be able to afford to execute their strategies and wondering where more money can come from.
State and local leaders can harness AI to deliver results
COMMENTARY | Elected officials must embrace a mindset of targeted implementation, smart mitigation and a curious mindset if they are to seize on the technology’s promise.
Preparing state CIOs for the future of cyber and AI defense
COMMENTARY | States must act fast and be strategic, and their actions now can lay the groundwork for long-term success even as they await additional guidance and funding.
Featured eBooks
Governments are relying more on social media influencers
More are using influencers as trusted community messengers for public information and education campaigns, a trend that started during the pandemic and is not going away.
A national blueprint for responsible AI in government
COMMENTARY | Some states are already showing the path forward with strong technical infrastructure, training and clear governance. They are models for other states, and the federal government.
GOP states try new ways to target abortion pills and telehealth
By the end of 2024, 1 in 4 abortions were provided via telehealth.
North Carolina lawmaker sues over AI-generated ad campaign
State Sen. DeAndrea Salvador’s TED Talk was manipulated and used in a campaign for energy efficient appliances in Latin America, and won awards at a major event in Cannes.
Artificial intelligence offering political practices advice about robocalls in Montana GOP internal spat
The state Commissioner of Political Practices Office used ChatGPT to author an opinion about robocalls targeting a longtime Republican state legislator.
Inside Virginia’s AI-driven streamlining of regulations
The effort will be led by Vulcan Technologies, a startup founded by three Ivy League graduates with big plans to expand to other states and the federal government.
Piloting AI: Mastering ‘AI-manship’
COMMENTARY | Just like pilots know when something is wrong when they fly a plane, local tech leaders should trust their instincts on AI, especially if the systems produce unfair or suspicious results.
Beyond chatbots: How agentic AI can transform government services
COMMENTARY | The technology holds much promise for the public sector and could revolutionize how employees work. But it must be approached with caution.
How ‘continuous innovation’ means more than just product launches
Speakers at Route Fifty’s recent Innovation Spotlight said governments should also modernize processes and lean on data to improve transparency and public trust.
Threat intel firms on alert for government systems impacted by Microsoft SharePoint vulnerability
Governments, schools, healthcare providers and large enterprise firms are at risk, one cyber threat intelligence chief said.
