Author Archive

Kaitlyn Levinson

Kaitlyn Levinson
Kaitlyn Levinson digs into how data and analytics are used by state and local governments to boost efficiency, streamline operations and improve services delivery.
Public Safety

Justice Launches $8M Smart Policing Grant Program

State, local, tribal and campus law enforcement agencies can apply for funds to develop, implement and test new technologies that support community violence intervention and promote information sharing and data transparency.

Tech & Data

White House Pitches $1.6B in Anti-fraud Funding

The anti-fraud proposal includes funds to modernize state governments’ benefits systems, identity verification and data analytics capabilities.

Tech & Data

One State's Plan To Amass Homelessness Data

To target services and funds aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness, California’s data sharing platform allows state and local leaders to coordinate services, policies and programs.

Tech & Data

Look for Fraudsters to Apply COVID-era Tricks to New Programs

The pandemic laid bare state and local governments’ vulnerability to fraud, and agencies must lean into data-sharing technology to keep up defenses, an expert advises.

Tech & Data

Digitized ID Eases Re-entry for Formerly Incarcerated

To streamline the re-entry process for released inmates, the Maryland Re-Entry Passport program launched an online portal that stores digitized copies of personal documents.

Tech & Data

Machine Learning Maps Location of Lead Pipes

An open-source map will help communities find and remove pipes faster.

Tech & Data

Urban Heat Map Reveals Priority Spots for Cooling Efforts

Citizen scientists in Milwaukee collected air temperature and humidity data to help state officials focus where heat prevention efforts are most needed.

Tech & Data

How Smarter Robots Could Improve Recycling

Automating parts of the recycling process with artificial intelligence could increase efficiency and reduce environmental contamination. There could be worker safety benefits, too.

Tech & Data

Machine Learning Digs Into States’ Archives

Amid growing backlogs of archival data, states are turning to software tools to streamline records management.

Tech & Data

Ridership Trends Emerge From Transit Data Archive

The nation’s local transit data now sits in a centralized archive, giving officials an understanding of how communities use transportation systems.

Tech & Data

Local Governments Make Common Cyber Mistakes, Auditor Finds

A Missouri state auditor identified key problem areas and solutions that local governments must address to protect against cyber threats.

Infrastructure

Maine’s 3D-printed Wood-fiber Home

The recyclable, 3D-printed homes could help fill the housing gap while advancing sustainable manufacturing.

Tech & Data

Algorithm Analyzes Escort Ads to Detect Human Trafficking

Researchers have developed an algorithm that identifies similarities in escort advertisements, which often indicates trafficking behavior.

Tech & Data

Urban Spaces Get an AI Makeover

The Dall-E artificial intelligence system is helping redesign city streets, replacing car-centric roads with walkable boulevards and bike lanes.

Tech & Data

Connected Vehicle Tech Shows Signs of Improving School Bus Efficiency

Buses that get priority at stoplights can save time, boost fuel efficiency and enhance student safety, based on the results of a recent pilot program.

Tech & Data

City Tests App for Delivery Drivers to Reserve Spots in Loading Zones

"This pilot aims to better understand the usage of loading zones so that the City can figure out ways to improve traffic safety and reduce congestion," says an official.

Tech & Data

3D-Printed Homes Save Time, Money, State Pilot Shows

A potential solution to Virginia’s housing shortage comes from the nozzle of a 3D printer.

Health & Human Services

Audit Reveals Why One City’s Efforts to Curb Homelessness Fall Short

Oakland, California, doesn’t have the data to tell if it’s making any progress on reducing homelessness, a new audit shows.

Smart Cities

$26M Awarded for Hyperlocal Smart Cities Research

Researchers say they will pilot their work in three cities to integrate real-time technologies into streetscapes to build safe, equitable and secure communities.