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The White House recently issued an Executive Order calling for each federal agency to establish a permanent chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer. While this directive does not directly impact state and local governments, it serves as a blueprint for AI governance. The role of the chief AI officer (CAIO) is becoming increasingly important in both the private and public sectors. The CAIO is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of AI technologies, and their responsibilities include strategic leadership, AI governance and ethics, and innovation and transformation. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides information about the IWCE 2024 conference, which has revamped its conference track structure to organize sessions by specific industries and technological topics. The conference will feature hour-long panel discussions and 30-minute Power Session talks, allowing attendees to interact with speakers and colleagues. Other highlights include "Lunch & Learn" sessions, a panel discussion followed by a networking happy hour, keynote addresses, and lunch provided each day. The conference will cover various tracks such as 911 & Alerts, First Responder Communications, Incident Management, In-building Wireless, Transportation, Utilities, State & Local Government, and Federal Government, with topics including AI, cybersecurity, drones, and spectrum. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of efficient collection routes in waste management and how technology can help optimize these routes. Rubicon, a technology platform for waste generators, fleets, and material processors, offers various products to support different sectors. These products include fleet management and route optimization tools for waste haulers, sustainability solutions for commercial customers, and support for cities and local governments to run more efficient operations. The article also highlights specific cases where Rubicon's technology has helped reduce costs, emissions, and vehicle wear, as well as improve operational efficiency through data analytics. Additionally, the article addresses common problems in waste collection, such as alleyway collection, and how Rubicon's technology addresses them. Finally, it discusses how Rubicon's technology can help mitigate the shortage of drivers in the hauling industry and how cities can restructure and balance their routes using the online portal provided by Rubicon. [Extracted from the article]

A new analysis from the Public Technology Institute highlights the challenges faced by local cybersecurity programs as threats and technologies evolve. The report emphasizes the increasing use of Generative AI by local governments and the need to understand the risks and rewards associated with its use. The analysis also identifies challenges such as security threats, staffing and employee education, and funding shortages. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has allocated significant funding for cybersecurity, the impact is limited due to the large number of eligible organizations. The report concludes that developing and maintaining a cybersecurity strategy is a top priority for local governments. [Extracted from the article]

The Public Technology Institute's 2023 Local Government Cybersecurity National Survey reveals that cybersecurity remains a top priority for local governments. However, 64 percent of respondents reported inadequate cyber budgets, while only 36 percent felt their budgets were sufficient. While 55 percent reported an increase in cyber budget from the previous year, 7 percent experienced a decrease. The survey also found that 40 percent of respondents are turning to vendors that utilize AI solutions for cybersecurity support. AI can assist local governments in threat detection and analysis, behavioral analytics, malware detection, and predictive analytics to enhance their ability to protect sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber threats. [Extracted from the article]

Lawmakers are pushing for simpler, more affordable e-waste recycling, citing progress in Rep. Lisa Borowski's legislation (HB1607) to update Pennsylvania's recycling infrastructure.The bill aims to eliminate drop-off fees, increase convenience, and create a collaborative system involving industries, local governments, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.Advocates emphasize the environmental benefits and need for accessible recycling options while addressing the growing issue of e-waste.Read more here [Extracted from the article]

The nation is mobilizing to aid Lahaina, Hawaii and its surrounding communities in the wake of devastating wildfire that has claimed the lives of at least 55 people on the island of Maui. "In the coming days - as more and more details emerge - I ask that we as a state provide all the emotional and financial support we can to the people of Lahaina and Maui.". [Extracted from the article]

State and local governments have little choice but to confront AI with proactive policies regarding their usage policy given the vast amounts of personal data collected and stored on government systems. How can local governments regulate generative AI? Hardly a day goes by without some new warning or danger being reported about artificial intelligence (AI) and, in particular, generative AI. [Extracted from the article]

Local government IT leaders must also ensure administration policies are up to date and which administrators have system access, then review the installation of platforms and implement proper installation, patching and version policy. This past February, the Department of Homeland Security's State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program began to distribute funds to states with approved cybersecurity plans. [Extracted from the article]

About half of respondents cited climate change as a primary reason for technological investment, which includes electric fleets and the elimination of paper waste via digitized records systems. The push toward digital transformation in local government is synonymous with the rising needs brought on by climate change. [Extracted from the article]

He also serves as city attorney for La Habra Heights and San Jacinto, Calif. Maurer says one best practice cities and counties should follow is to truly identify what the local agency's current and future tech needs are. When local governments plan to acquire technology, they need to follow a few key steps says Michael Maurer, a partner at the Best Best & Krieger (BB&K) law firm and a member of the firm's Municipal Law team. [Extracted from the article]

The public sector is a magnet for cyber criminals, as state and local governments continue to battle a wave of malware attacks every year. Adversaries understand that state and local governments, through no fault of their own, have limited budgets and overextended security teams, many of which are stressed by alert fatigue and the complexity of remote and hybrid workforce protections. Considering these two federal advisories together when searching for a cybersecurity solution for state and local governments, the solution needs to be proactive technology that can prevent cyberattacks. [Extracted from the article]

Cloud services continue to grow exponentially making it flourish into a multi-billion-dollar industry. The federal government got its first cloud strategy jolt with the presidential Federal Cloud Computing Strategy in 2011, commonly referred to as "Cloud First." While there is little doubt as to the advantages of cloud services, there is growing concern about the accountability of cloud service providers, including a lack of best practices and many one-sided contracts. [Extracted from the article]

Report: Technology can aid wildfire response that's "stuck in the last century" With each passing season, the growing threat of wildfire and its impact on life safety, property, and the economy is underscored by dramatic fire events that ecologically alter entire regions, uproot communities and cost taxpayers billions of dollars. "In this government space, we always look for senior leaders, councils and advisors, and subject matter experts to provide direction and focus.". [Extracted from the article]

Experts speaking at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Volcker Alliance and the Penn Institute for Urban Research say local and state governments are fiscally ready for whatever comes next. Given the steps administrators have taken in the last few years, Kim said local and state governments should be able "to ride out what could be a moderate recession at this point.". [Extracted from the article]

Two years after Illinois had passed a landmark clean energy law, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that took away the ability for local governments to limit or ban wind and solar power. Clean energy advocates and supporters of the new law have said they hope this is trend-setting for the Midwest and hope Indiana and Michigan follow suit. [Extracted from the article]

In an article titled "Local government recruiters can use structured interviews and performance-based questions to eliminate bias in the hiring process," Joan C. Williams, director of the Center for WorkLife Law, provides strategies for local governments to create a fair and unbiased hiring process. Williams suggests providing all candidates with a handout detailing expectations to level the playing field for first-generation professionals, women, and introverts. She also recommends using structured interviews and ratings, rethinking the concept of culture fit, asking performance-based questions, and tracking what happens after the interview to ensure fairness. Williams emphasizes the importance of interrupting bias in formal systems like performance appraisals. [Extracted from the article]

Local government teams are embracing change and leading new projects to address local and global issues. The Port of San Diego has established the Aquaculture and Blue Technology Program, which includes the Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) to support innovative pilot projects. One successful project is Sunken Seaweed, a seaweed aquaculture start-up that has cultivated and harvested seaweed native to Southern California. Another project, ecoSPEARS, partnered with the Port to extract contaminants from marine sediment using innovative technology. In addition, government procurement teams are exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate tasks such as invoice processing and travel system management. The use of cooperative contracts for procurement is also growing, providing a streamlined process for governments to achieve their operational mission. [Extracted from the article]

Cooperative purchasing is becoming increasingly popular among cities and counties, with total sales from national co-ops growing from $29.3 billion in 2015 to $59.7 billion in 2023. Technology is a significant category for local governments in cooperative buying, with a strong preference for using co-ops to make technology purchases. Cooperative contracts can help alleviate challenges faced by government procurement teams, such as staffing limitations, demanding internal clients, and budget shortfalls. These contracts can save time, money, and potentially reduce risk. Local governments are also exploring other tools to boost efficiency, including statewide contracts, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts, longer-term supply contracts, and e-Procurement systems. Consulting with the vendor community and developing partnerships can help local governments stay ahead of the curve and ensure their technology purchases align with their needs and goals. Procurement teams should stay educated on the latest technology trends and investigate emerging trends like generative-AI to gain efficiency in their job. OMNIA Partners offers a range of cooperative contracts in the public procurement space, including in the technology sector. [Extracted from the article]

Deloitte's annual 2024 Government Technology Trends report highlights six technology-related trends that are expected to be popular in the coming year. These trends include virtual reality and digital twinning for training and improving infrastructure, generative artificial intelligence (AI), different types of CPUs, GPUs, and custom chips, streamlining developer tasks to increase productivity, managing cyber threats and misinformation, and developing technical wellness plans. The report emphasizes the importance of local governments staying ahead of the technological curve to ensure the security of their constituents. It also discusses the challenges faced by local governments in adapting to evolving technology and the benefits of advancements in computing technology and AI. [Extracted from the article]

In order to ensure successful technology purchases, local governments should conduct a thorough analysis of their current IT setup and consider how new technology will integrate with existing platforms and systems. It is important for officials to have a clear understanding of how the technology will advance their mission and meet their business goals in the short and long term. The person leading the IT purchase should have a vision for what the technology will achieve and be empowered to actively participate with the vendor. Additionally, agencies can utilize market research, local government forums, communities of practice, requests for information (RFIs), and benchmarking tools to aid in the procurement process. It is crucial for cities and counties to be aware of state and local laws and policies that govern technology procurement efforts. Local teaming relationships, where larger technology vendors partner with small, local businesses, can bring value to local governments and include under-represented groups as owners. The procurement committee should include multiple skills and user groups, including cyber-security leaders, business officials, and representatives from the agencies and organizations that will be using the tools, products, and services. It is important for cities and counties to stay current with the latest technology innovations and be able to determine technology needs and make informed decisions on technology acquisitions. Technology can also aid in replenishing the labor pools of government entities as employees retire. Digital tools such as intelligent process automation and predictive analytics can streamline processes and provide employees more time to focus on constituent service delivery. Collaborating with outside organizations and utilizing cooperative purchase agreements can also [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. These grants will be distributed to selected transportation-related projects next year, benefiting communities across the country. The program supports critical infrastructure projects for state, tribal, county, and local governments, with eligibility requirements that make it easier for local governments to receive support. The funding will be split between rural and urban areas, with a guaranteed $15 million going to projects in impoverished areas and historically disadvantaged communities. The application deadline is February 28, and selections will be announced by June 27. [Extracted from the article]

A new analysis from the Public Technology Institute highlights the challenges faced by local cybersecurity programs as threats and technologies evolve. The report emphasizes the increasing use of AI in delivering services and improving government operations, while also raising questions about the risks and rewards associated with AI. The analysis reveals that local governments are grappling with internal and external security threats, staffing and employee education challenges, and funding shortages. Despite these challenges, local government administrators are actively working to address cybersecurity issues through vendor partnerships, resource sharing, and workforce development programs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey conducted by CivicPlus found a strong correlation between technology adoption and increased resident engagement and trust in local governments. The survey, which polled 16,000 residents across the United States, highlighted the importance of digital self-service capabilities in fostering communication and engagement. The data from the survey identified three key imperatives for technology adoption: building resident-first online experiences, prioritizing transparency and accessibility, and promoting education and confidence to bridge digital divides. By meeting resident expectations and investing in user-friendly technology solutions, local governments can enhance trust, engagement, and the overall perception of their services. [Extracted from the article]

The 99th National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit took place in Atlanta, where mayors and city council members gathered to learn from each other and discuss the betterment of their communities. The summit addressed the importance of local government and the issues faced by city mayors. One major concern raised was preemption, where state legislators pass laws that take away power from local government. Over 600 preemptive bills have been passed across the country this year alone, affecting areas such as education, housing, and LGBTQ rights. The summit also featured networking opportunities, committee meetings, and Solution Sessions focused on various city issues. The 100th NLC City Summit will be held in Tampa, Florida in 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Institute for Local Government and the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment highlights the role of local and county governments in implementing climate policies in California. The report found that most cities and counties in the state have adopted or are developing Climate Action Plans and are active in areas such as transportation, land use, energy, and buildings. The report also emphasizes the importance of state investment, the need for support in climate equity and resilience, and the barriers faced by local governments in implementing climate mitigation strategies. The efforts of local governments are integrated into various planning documents and involve collaboration with neighboring agencies. However, there are challenges such as limited staffing, funding, and institutional or political support. The report concludes that local government readiness and willingness to advance climate solutions will be crucial in realizing the potential of future investments. [Extracted from the article]

Heimbrock believes government recruiters need to be realistic when matching pay to position. There are several steps cities and counties can take to replenish their staffs as team players retire, says Dr. Sydney Heimbrock, chief industry advisor for government at Qualtrics, an American experience management company and software producer. The GS or "general schedule" is the federal government's position classification and pay system that pegs pay to the level of responsibility defined for each position through the classification process. [Extracted from the article]

From cities large and small, to farmers and manufacturers, every Kansan has a stake in water issues in the state. Gov. Laura Kelly began the conference by touting her administration's updated State Water Plan. "For decades, politicians have kicked the can down the road when it comes to finding a sustainable solution to Kansas' water crisis", Kelly said in her opening remarks. [Extracted from the article]

A controlled burn is taking place at Wall Recycling Raleigh in North Carolina. The landfill is a disposal site for trees, stumps, and limbs, and received a permit for the burn. [Extracted from the article]

From wildfires in the west to east coast flooding, climate change is rapidly changing landscapes across the United States. The Climate Risk and Resilience Portal (ClimRR), a new online climate risk and resiliency portal launched by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), AT&T and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, gives local governments an accessible toolkit with which they can project future changes via complex scientific modeling. [Extracted from the article]

Increasing digital services and improving citizen experience (CX) is crucial not only to meet citizen demand and continue IT modernization goals, but to increase citizen engagement and trust and optimize the federal workforce. Using Estonia as an example, state and local governments can improve CX by simplifying citizen identity, creating a consistent experience and, most importantly, increasing integration. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, many systems moved online to limit face-to-face interactions, including within state and local governments. [Extracted from the article]

No one community can solve cross-jurisdictional challenges alone - that's a concept that's at the heart of a new initiative launched by the National League of Cities (NLC) and WastewaterSCAN that brings no-cost wastewater monitoring services to local governments. Once identified, WastewaterSCAN will provide participating communities with information about their wastewater levels and help them shape public health responses. [Extracted from the article]

Government shutdowns, even short ones, impact the budgets of local governments immediately, he continued - delaying projects, causing layoffs, and creating lapses in funding. The political spat that's frozen congressional action on the budget, potentially leading to a government shutdown if an agreement isn't reached by midnight Saturday, could create ripple effects felt far beyond the jurisdictional lines of the United States Capitol. [Extracted from the article]

Notably, tax credits have been used to incentivize investment in clean energy solutions - from solar panels to wind turbines - for a while in the private sector. Tax credit incentives for local governments could "turbo charge the clean energy economy", but need clarification Over the last few years, the federal government has launched a number of clean energy initiatives enabling city and county governments to address localized impacts of climate change in their communities. [Extracted from the article]

Many pets have also died", reads an update posted Thursday to Maui's official website. The nation is mobilizing to aid Lahaina, Hawaii and its surrounding communities in the wake of devastating wildfire that has claimed the lives of at least 36 people on the island of Maui. [Extracted from the article]

"Our latest 2022 local government survey has procurement as one of its top priorities for the first time - ranked number eight", says Dr. Alan R. Shark, vice president public sector and executive director of the CompTIA Public Technology Institute (PTI). Streamlining procurement processes is a top 10 priority among local government IT officials. [Extracted from the article]

Constrained by inflexible budgets, local government employers can't compete with the lucrative salaries offered in the private sector. What workers, particularly younger workers, want has also changed", reads a new report from Deloitte, "Government can win the talent race - Here's how.". [Extracted from the article]

A major hurdle local governments face in expanding current land use practices centers around precedence: Is it appropriate for governments to change the way they bring in revenue? For better or worse, geographical boundaries separate local jurisdictions and define parameters within which local governments can operate. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces winners of the periodical's annual Crown Communities Awards 2017 presented to six innovative and impactful local government projects including the Firefighter Training Building from Chandler, Arizona; and Main street reconstruction from Concord, New Hampshire.

Cybersecurity in 2021 was defined by a significant increase in high-profile attacks that affected all levels of government, from federal to state and local. Research from Comparitech showed that in 2020, 79 ransomware attacks were executed against U.S. government organizations, totaling an estimated $18.88 billion in downtime and recovery costs and illustrating the severe risks that state and local governments face when it comes to cyberattacks. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Energy is investing $90 million in competitive funding to help local and Tribal governments update their energy codes for buildings. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in Harrisburg, Penn. will receive $3 million to develop energy code technical trainings and building science training programs at career and technical high schools, as well as at community colleges. [Extracted from the article]

How can local governments regulate generative AI - Just ask ChatGPT It is important to note that the regulation of generative AI is a rapidly evolving field, and local governments should engage with experts, stakeholders and the wider AI community to develop informed and effective regulatory approaches. Hardly a day goes by without some new warning or danger being reported about artificial intelligence (AI) and, in particular, generative AI. [Extracted from the article]

"The survey data collected on the public sector workforce is so important for developing new strategies to solve the unprecedented workforce challenges facing public sector employers", said Cara Woodson Welch, CEO of the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA). "State and local governments continue to face severe labor shortages and are deploying new strategies to attract and retain public service workers", reads a brief outlining the findings of a new report, "State and Local Workforce: 2023 Survey Findings.". [Extracted from the article]

As state and local government IT leaders look to enhance security, modernization needs to be a part of that plan. This past February, the Department of Homeland Security's State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program began to distribute funds to states with approved cybersecurity plans. [Extracted from the article]

In this infographic, you will learn: Areas of the workplace local governments are succeeding and where they should focus improvements National local government workplace approval ratings Key drivers of employee retention Data comes from The National Employee Survey (The NES) by Polco. Data reveals what matters most to government employees so you can keep them around. b Many local governments struggle to fill vacancies and prevent turnover. B Many local governments struggle to fill vacancies and prevent turnover. [Extracted from the article]

"Adopting collaboration platforms and mobile technologies to support more flexible and efficient work environments are top priorities", the report contiunes. The push toward digital transformation in local government is synonymous with the rising needs brought on by climate change. "(The Center for Digital Government) estimates total state and local government IT spending will grow between 3% and 5% for 2023 - totaling more than $137 billion - and continue to increase over the next five years", the report says. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on factors to be considered in public procurement process. It states that procurements for federal, state, and local governments must be conducted with fairness because these procurements use public funds. It mentions that market research is viewed to be the main component in searching for potential vendors and is important in the acquisition of supplies for state or local governments. It adds that open dialogue with suppliers is also needed and must be made fairly.

The article focuses on the effects of the global economic downturn in the U.S. It notes that the 3.5% economic growth in the third quarter of 2009 may signify the end of the Great Recession. However, it mentions that local and state governments are likely to suffer from its effects throughout 2010. It cites economic forecasting company IHS Global Insight which forecasts a 2.2% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 and 2.9 percent growth in 2011.

Cyberattacks against states and municipalities have increased significantly in the last year, with school districts, city halls and police departments among the most vulnerable. Protecting the public b To secure and protect public data, cities and counties must first identify the most critical data and assets in their digital environment. [Extracted from the article]