Author Archive
Chris Teale
Artificial Intelligence
Nonprofit pledges $11M to help states modernize benefits programs
The Center for Civic Futures awarded the grants to 11 groups and said the time is now for state governments to lead the way on AI adoption and governance.
Artificial Intelligence
Voters reject data centers in local ballot initiatives
Of the more than 40 votes held in localities across the U.S., data centers were successful in just one, showing residents’ broad opposition to building them in their communities.
Cybersecurity
More than half of schools suffered a cyber incident in the past year, report finds
The Center for Internet Security said that more than 11,000 incidents needed escalation and response in the 2025-26 academic year, while almost 80% of schools said they need more cyber support.
Emerging Tech
Virginia high school to install quantum computer
Skyview High School in Fairfax County, Virginia is expected to allow students to start using the machine, which is the size of a small refrigerator, in the spring.
Digital Government
Pilot programs need permanence, not just an initial ‘bang,’ officials say
Tech-driven partnerships can help ease various urban issues, speakers at ICMA’s annual conference said, but successful pilots that end without a long-term plan can create resident anger.
Emerging Tech
How one city made drones a ‘resource’
Fort Collins, Colorado’s public safety agencies initially used drones to help with its first response. Now, other agencies are getting in on the act and using them for other needs.
Artificial Intelligence
AI has brought ‘breathing room’ for small governments, leaders say
The technology has allowed resource-strapped cities and towns to lighten their load in answering constituent questions more efficiently and focusing on the work that needs a human touch.
Digital Government
How tech is helping communities ease their water worries
One Texas city now models the effects of flooding during major storms to determine response and future plans, while an Illinois village uses tech to detect leaks and reduce water waste.
People
Leading presidential scholar urges government leaders to be curious, empathetic
Jon Meacham said in a speech that while AI “is going to be more important than the Industrial Revolution,” local governments must work to rebuild trust in these fraught times.
Digital Government
Schools, libraries say E-Rate’s ‘ongoing’ work should continue
In comments filed with the FCC, hundreds of school districts and libraries said the program is vital, and tweaking it would blow holes in local budgets that would be impossible to plug.
Artificial Intelligence
How one city balances its economy and community needs on data centers
Colorado Springs, Colorado wants to bring in data centers but do so in a way that’s transparent and protects quality of life. Being proactive is crucial, an economic development leader there said.
Digital Government
Utah tech leader reflects on his dual HR role and modernization
Brock Arnold manages both human resources and IT for Roosevelt in the northeast of the state, and took “antiquated” systems that reduced payroll from a three-day task to three hours.
People
Florida region’s ‘digital ecosystem’ looks to help it compete in economic development
Tallahassee has struggled in recent times to tell its story, the head of its chamber of commerce said, and various online portals will help it seize control of the narrative.
Cybersecurity
New partnership formed to share cyber threat intel with water utilities
The Water Information Sharing and Advisory Center partnered with Cyware to provide intelligence and what officials called a “collective defense” in the face of growing threats.
Digital Government
‘Trust issue’ means states will keep regulating privacy, lawmaker says
Opponents of state action have called for Congress to pass a national data privacy law, which has been unsuccessful so far. Residents are scared of tech and AI and want help, a Virginia delegate argued.
People
Former state official reflects on tech’s role in uplifting residents
Ivy Teng Lei, California’s first chief digital strategy officer, implemented personal data controls and easier vital records requests during her time in the role. She said her background helped prepare her for what lay ahead.
Customer Experience
Tech ‘isn’t the hard part’ in digital experience, local leaders say
Instead, speakers on a recent webinar explained that resident communication and ensuring a good feedback loop with elected officials are crucial when modernizing services.
Artificial Intelligence
Governors take major actions on AI
An executive order by California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks to boost oversight of the tech, while Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s order tightens data center standards.
Artificial Intelligence
Do data centers need a ‘national strategy that puts communities first’?
The House passed a bill to mandate that state regulators have a strategy to have large consumers pay for their own power. But plenty of work lies ahead.
Digital Government
BEAD’s job is both ‘easier’ and ‘harder’ amid funds release, research finds
States will soon be able to connect unserved locations, but several reports warned that a lot of hard work remains ahead to truly close the digital divide.
