Author Archive
Chris Teale
Artificial Intelligence
Still early days for state chief AI officers
The role is still being defined by its earliest incumbents, as states remain uncertain about the future of the technology and how to deal with its impacts.
People
Feds float tying kids’ screen time to school subsidies
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said in a speech last week the agency will study whether schools are now too reliant on educational technology, and if spending has resulted in bad outcomes for students.
Emerging Tech
States urge more federal coordination amid growth of new aviation options
Advanced air mobility promises air taxis, delivery planes and others in the nation’s skies. Leaders said while the FAA must lead on airspace management, it must listen to those on the ground.
Digital Government
State social media laws run into familiar challenges
As states barrel ahead with their own regulations in the absence of Congressional action, barriers like age verification, the First Amendment and worries about data privacy remain.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
