Author Archive

Chris Teale

Chris Teale
Chris Teale is the managing editor for Route Fifty, where he covers state and local government technology.
Infrastructure

Some officials, lawmakers look to speed up permitting for broadband projects

States have billions in the pipeline to build out internet infrastructure, but getting those projects approved is challenging. Lawmakers are working on the issue, while others warn of preempting local authority.

Cybersecurity

New Senate bill would reauthorize cyber grant program

It comes weeks after the House voted to reup the $1 billion state and local grants, which also received a temporary lifeline during the recent government funding deal.

Artificial Intelligence

Southeastern Virginia turns to AI to sort waste, recycling

The area’s sortation facilities will use the technology to extract recyclables and organic waste, an effort it said will extend the life of its landfills and double its recycling rate.

Artificial Intelligence

Threat of AI law preemption has states on edge again

The moratorium on state-level AI regulations, which failed to be included in the federal reconciliation bill this summer, has been floated to make a return as an executive order or in must-pass defense legislation.

Cybersecurity

St. Paul officials still dealing with summer cyberattack’s fallout

The Minnesota capital’s networks were disrupted in July and government operations are still recovering. Preparedness and partnerships were key in the city’s response.

People

Government workers young and old need ‘shared purpose,’ say local leaders

Agencies must wrestle with retirements, a multi-generational workforce and attracting employees despite the lure of the private sector. Experts said it’s doable, especially when you appeal to someone’s sense of civic duty.

Digital 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.

Digital Government

Government leaders embrace ‘any door’ service approach

Speakers at Route Fifty’s recent Innovation Spotlight said the public sector should learn to be more human focused in how it delivers services, an effort that shows long-term value for money.

Digital Government

Feds approve first batch of finalized BEAD plans

Eighteen states and territories received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, with the agency saying the revised plans save $6 billion.

Cybersecurity

House votes to reup cyber grant program

Lawmakers approved a measure to reauthorize the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for 10 years. It now moves to the Senate.

Artificial Intelligence

Utilities struggling to deal with data center power demand, report says

Black & Veatch found that more than half of utility leaders said having available power is the biggest challenge to getting data centers online, and that more proactivity is needed in the planning process.

Emerging Tech

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.

Cybersecurity

Government funding deal reups cyber grant program

Lawmakers reauthorized the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program as part of the deal to reopen the federal government, but funding remains an open question.

Cybersecurity

Report blames Nevada hack on employee downloading malware

The August cyber incident took down state websites after a state worker inadvertently downloaded malware onto a government machine. And while hackers demanded a ransom, none was paid.

Digital 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.

Cybersecurity

How Dakota State University looks to lead on growing the cyber workforce

The institution has long been a leader on combatting various cybersecurity issues and increasing preparedness by providing its students with hands-on labs and simulations, with a view to fast-tracking them into sensitive roles.

Digital Government

Half of BEAD funds may end up unspent, report says

Around $21 billion of the federal broadband program could be left over, according to recent research, which also found that as many as 1 million locations could still be unserved.

Emerging Tech

Phoenix plans digital twin to solve regional challenges

The Arizona region’s smart city consortium wants to bring together several towns and cities to explore how to potentially work on issues around traffic, development, climate and others.

Artificial Intelligence

‘Game on’: LA ramps up tech ahead of major sporting events

The city is set to host the World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics and Paralympics in the coming years, and it is looking to AI to help improve its services.

Digital Government

Kansas looks to tech to modernize agency rulemaking

The state will use a cloud-based platform to draft, publish and take comments on regulations, having relied on paper since 1965.