Technology

What One City Hopes to Learn by Pausing Use of Facial Recognition Technology

A ban in Baltimore would restrict the city from purchasing facial recognition technology and temporarily restrict use by city agencies, residents and businesses (but not the police).

  • By Andrea Noble

It's a Pivotal Moment for Local Governments to Expand High-Speed Internet Access

The pandemic highlighted gaps with service. But cities are pursuing innovative solutions and there’s new federal money available for upgrading networks.

  • By Bill Lucia

Pandemic Has Left Public Sector IT Exposed to Cyberattacks

The single largest risk factor reported by respondents is the influx in remote work, according to a recent technology report.

  • By Frank Konkel

Transportation Agencies Grapple With Lasting Effects of Telework

Many workers are not going back to offices full time and governments need to figure out how to adjust. “When we are not collecting gas taxes and ferry fares, our budget is hurting," one state transportation chief said during a Route Fifty event.

  • By Jean Dimeo

Successfully Implementing Cloud Technology in State and Local Government

Commentary | Here are five steps to help guide the planning and changes needed for states and municipalities to move to the cloud.

  • By Ryan Oakes

How One State Used Technology and Data to Improve Traffic and Reduce Emissions

COMMENTARY | Hawaii’s DOT added artificial intelligence technology across major roads and intersections to reduce per day traffic by seven minutes per person and 140 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

  • By Mark Pittman

Baltimore Latest City to Consider Banning Facial Recognition Technology

The Maryland city joins several other localities that have banned or are assessing the controversial technology, or are limiting its scope and use.

  • By Brent Woodie

Programmers, Lawmakers Want A.I. to Eliminate Bias, Not Promote It

Artificial intelligence can worsen systemic racism.

  • By Kristian Hernández, Stateline

States Bolster Data Security Technology in Response to Covid-19, Survey Finds

Governments have faced significant technology challenges during the pandemic, with 79% saying they faced major issues adopting and expanding remote work, according to the National Association of State Technology Directors.

  • By Brent Woodie

From New Hampshire to California, Parks Departments Embrace Video Games

Esports leagues, where gamers of all ages compete online in tournaments, are an increasingly popular programming choice for parks and recreation departments.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Libraries Eligible for Billions in Federal Funding to Improve Connectivity for Residents

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, will help libraries purchase laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots and more for patrons.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Report: What City Officials Need to Know About Facial Recognition Technology

How local governments are deploying facial recognition systems, as well as the technology's benefits and challenges, are addressed in a report from the National League of Cities.

  • By Brent Woodie
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New Mexico Must Provide Internet, Devices to At-Risk Remote Learners, Court Rules

The ruling is the latest development in a years-long case alleging that the state’s education department failed to provide uniform public education to Native Americans, low-income children and others.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Why States Should Modernize and Future Proof Aging IT Systems

COMMENTARY | States have largely ignored IT modernization efforts because they are complex, lengthy and require significant investment dollars. With additional federal aid on the way, states have the opportunity to update IT systems to be more effective and efficient.

  • By Chris Merdon

States and Localities Should Implement Equity Compliance Measures

COMMENTARY | As Americans increasingly demand equitable action from government officials, the ability to model, measure and map equity in real time paves the way for a new model of governing to address injustices.

  • By Martin O'Malley

You’re Gonna Miss Zoom When It’s Gone

For people like me, who have social anxiety, videoconferencing can be easier than in-person interactions.

  • By Olga Khazan, The Atlantic

The Court is Now in (Virtual) Session: How Remote Services are Transforming the Judicial System

COMMENTARY | The judicial system has been slow to adopt technologies, but the Covid-19 crisis has initiated a digital transformation that is here to stay.

  • By Daniel Stewart

For Seniors in One County, Robotic Pets Help Ease Pandemic Loneliness

Oswego County, New York's Office for the Aging has distributed 30 animatronic pets to senior citizens to provide companionship amid a year of social isolation.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Building a Crisis-Resistant Digital Government

COMMENTARY | Covid-19 has taught us why having a digital strategy is crucial for states and localities.

  • By Ann Kirkbride

Tech Alone Isn’t Enough to Create a Successful Smart City

COMMENTARY | Technological investments aren’t enough to create successful smart cities. Cities must also deploy initiatives to navigate complex social and organizational processes.

  • By Jared Mondschein, Aaron Clark-Ginsberg and Andreas Kuehn

Cutting-edge Financial Technology is a Must for Local Governments Recovering from the Pandemic

COMMENTARY | States and municipalities who have had to adopt remote services amid the coronavirus pandemic should scale up their digital infrastructure to maintain their ability to collect and reconcile payments. Doing so will help them to prevent disruptions to revenue flows and services.

  • By Mark Engels