Author Archive

Chris Teale

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

How Mississippi’s revenue department optimized tech without cloud

The effort has not been without its challenges, but the agency responsible for taxes, software and alcohol now has “modularity and fungibility” to adapt.

Digital Government

Feds create controversial bidding portal for E-Rate

The FCC said the new rules would bring integrity and transparency to the program, but schools and libraries said it is a “solution in search of a problem.”

Digital Government

How Broadcom’s VMware buy meant a ‘fundamental shift’ for county tech

Leaders said the 2023 acquisition has led to negative changes in licenses, pricing and support, with many now considering moving away from the longtime vendor.

People

State CIOs are more change leaders than techies, report says

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found its members are being asked to simultaneously keep systems running and innovate, with tech expertise far less important.

Cybersecurity

State cyber officials’ confidence is down, survey finds

The study by NASCIO and Deloitte found that just 26% of respondents are extremely or very confident they can protect themselves from cyber threats, down from 48% in 2022.

Artificial Intelligence

Government leaders see ‘momentum’ in agencies’ AI adoption

Speakers at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas last week said the shift from pilot programs to implementation has accelerated in the last year, and will keep doing so.

Digital Government

Congress tries again on national preemptive data privacy law

House Republican leaders unveiled two new bills last week in the latest federal attempt to regulate data privacy, preempting states’ existing laws.

People

Chattanooga’s ‘tech guy’ mayor reflects on embrace of AI, quantum

The Tennessee city has long been a leader in innovation, and Tim Kelly said there is more to come in the Gig City as it looks to “level up.”

Artificial Intelligence

California’s health insurance marketplace further expands AI for document verification

Covered California said the tech will now be used for more than two dozen document types to speed up checking eligibility while reducing fraud, waste and abuse at the same time.

People

Government efficiency initiative hits Arizona

Amy Edwards Holmes, who will lead the state’s Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, said the effort will look to leverage tech and empower employees to save $100 million in three years.

Digital Government

Amid rule delay, website accessibility must be ‘ongoing practice,’ leaders say

Governments received a one-year extension to comply with a federal rule for their websites. Regardless of its future, experts said accessibility must be the norm.

Cybersecurity

Pro-Iran hackers appear to ramp up critical infrastructure cyberattacks

A group sympathetic to the regime claimed responsibility for a hack on the Los Angeles Metro, while the federal government is warning of ongoing vulnerabilities in some systems.

Artificial Intelligence

Data centers hit the ballot this year

Residents in a Wisconsin city already passed a measure to restrict their development, while others may follow, including a statewide effort in Ohio.

Artificial Intelligence

How public records requests could help ‘fight AI with AI’

Agencies are burdened with growing numbers of requests and more records to manage and parse through. Emerging technology offers a way forward for beleaguered staff.

People

State privacy officers persist despite limited resources, report finds

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found the role exists in more than 30 states and plays a crucial role, but it too often lacks funding or clear authority.

Artificial Intelligence

How tech is helping improve avalanche forecasting

The Utah Avalanche Center has already embraced technology to try and help prevent disasters, and it is looking to emerging areas to do even better in spite of staffing shortages.

Artificial Intelligence

Surveys highlight AI’s growth, uncertain future in higher education

A national Gallup poll and a statewide survey for California State University found widespread use of the tech, albeit with worries about a lack of clear policies and training.

Digital Government

Feds sue three states over prediction markets regulations

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued Arizona, Connecticut and Illinois for cracking down on the likes of Kalshi, Polymarket and others.

Artificial Intelligence

Report warns of AI’s impact on non-college grads’ careers

Research from the Brookings Institution warned that millions are in jobs that have traditionally allowed them to build skills and advance, but AI is eroding that upward mobility.

Digital Government

Inside the government website accessibility lobbying push

The proposed rule is under review and could be delayed or scrapped. Meanwhile, government leaders and disability advocates are meeting the feds ahead of the April deadline.