Rein, who has been in place since May 2018, was the state’s second standalone CTO and its former deputy chief information security officer. Vernon Spencer, state chief operating officer, will step in as interim CTO.
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Longtime technology issues such as broadband access, school cellphone bans, AI and modernization permeate speeches so far in 2026. But many governors in this cycle are either termed out or not seeking reelection. -
The company has released six new artificial intelligence capabilities covering a range of products and use cases, reflecting increasing AI adoption in state and local government across the U.S.
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The state’s Department of Economic Security is on a journey to modernize the ways in which it provides human services. Now, officials are looking to integrate AI to help staff more efficiently serve clients.
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With all California's work toward improving the procurement process, columnist Daniel Kim, who formerly led California's Department of General Services, asks: What can be done to improve the solicitations themselves?
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People are less worried about AI taking humans’ jobs than they once were, but introducing bots to the public-sector workplace has brought new questions around integration, ethics and management. -
As governments at all levels continue to embrace new developments in artificial intelligence, cities are using automation for everything from reducing first responder paperwork to streamlined permitting.
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Agencies report that critical IT positions remain hard to fill, but finding the right people takes more than job postings. States are expanding intern and apprentice programs to train and retain talent.
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Commissioners OK’d spending about $39,000 for software to better coordinate crisis services, particularly around mental health and substance abuse. It is intended to improve public-facing case management.
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A bipartisan package of proposed laws would bar drone operators from overflying state-owned property and “critical infrastructure.” The state would also have to develop an app for pilots.
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A new survey from the research firm Britebound finds parents are increasingly open to career and technical education, even as traditional college remains their top preference for after high school.
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Council Bluffs Community School District will spend funding from Google on an autonomous robot, new welding booths and specialized Project Lead The Way engineering devices and IT hardware for interdisciplinary courses.
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The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program includes satellite technology. But experts said it may not be the best choice in highly populated areas, where higher customer concentrations could sap its speed.
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Sixty-three projects funded by the California State University system are experimenting with generative AI, from single-course pilots to full program overhauls, and producing open resources for others to consult.
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Off-the-shelf AI solutions like ChatGPT and Gemini are often too error-prone for effective use in the public sector. AI tools built on smaller, private data sets are more accurate and reliable for mission-driven agencies.
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The county’s 2026 preliminary budget, which got a first look Tuesday, represents a $37 million increase over 2025. Priorities included cybersecurity and IT — which rose from $19 million to $39 million.
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The city’s bus system intends to bring three new electric shuttles into its fleet, likely to serve free routes in downtown, St. Elmo and the North Shore. The vehicles will join eight other electrics currently in service.
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A private STEM-focused university in Pennsylvania put the HUE Invitational, its flagship esporting event that started in 2018, on hold amid efforts to close operating deficits and boost enrollment.
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