Budget & Finance
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Like freeways, major technology systems can be multiyear endeavors. Procurement expert and columnist Daniel C. Kim asks: If that’s the case, why are we funding them like annual operating expenses? -
Cities sometimes sign contracts for technology like digital twins after they've been presented a best-case-scenario pitch from software vendors. Here’s a guide for procurement officers who want to avoid common pitfalls.
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The state has made a new investment to secure better web access for rural and other underserved residents. The state earlier this year announced it had gained a big federal grant for such work.
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Promise, which focuses on delinquent payments, has selected Paya as a partner as both companies try to help governments collect what they’re owed. Such debt grew significantly during the pandemic as citizens lost income.
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A $17 million effort to expand smart intersection technology across St. Charles County will give automatic right of way to first responders en route to an emergency. Around 210 of the more than 350 lights have the technology.
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Officials in Washington County have approved $3.2 million in American Rescue Plan funding to expand Internet service to 944 homes and businesses and other locations in two municipalities.
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U.S. Census Bureau data indicate almost 2.8 million Texas households, including 7 million people, lack broadband access. A new plan from the Comptroller's Broadband Development Office hopes to change that.
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The early results of a recent resident survey have highlighted at least two areas where Internet service is lacking. Crawford County has earmarked more than $3 million from recent federal funding to improve Internet access.
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Onondaga County, N.Y., will issue a request for proposals asking Internet service providers how they plan to connect 1,500 rural residents with broadband service. The effort has a budget of $15 million.
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Plus, the FCC proposes new rules for broadband funding and transparency; Philadelphia launches a single-phone-call learning campaign for adults; Baltimore establishes an office of infrastructure development; and more.
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The Ohio Supreme Court has upheld a 2019 state law that allows the state to financially punish cities that cite motorists for speeding and red light violations they catch on tape using automated cameras.
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Voters in the county have been asked to weigh in on the new voting machines that will be used in upcoming elections. Currently, only two machine vendors are certified to do business in the state.
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Fresh off a big funding round, ClearGov, which sells budget management software, says it has bought the CityGrows platform. That technology has helped officials quickly permit open-air restaurants, among other tasks.
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The Detroit City Council has delayed action on a proposed expansion of the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. The proposed expansion would cost $7.5 million with an additional $1.5 million to renew the existing contract.
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Federal cybersecurity grants are expected “in the coming months,” with CISA still mulling feedback and finalizing. Local governments should use the time to ensure they’re part of any state planning processes.
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The recent bipartisan infrastructure bill was massive, allocating $1.2 trillion to a wide variety of projects. To help people find the work they’re interested in, McKinsey has released a new free tool.
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Plus, new initiative seeks to bolster digital success among Latinos, several federal agencies enter into a new collaboration on broadband funding, an Oregon coalition is tackling broadband mapping, and more.
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The Biden administration has taken its first steps toward releasing $45 billion of federal funding for broadband and digital equity, with the money going first to state governments tasked with executing the vision.
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Officials in Westmorland County will use $600,000 of ARPA funding to help identify areas without adequate Internet access, develop a broadband plan for the county, and partnerships with private companies to expand service.
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County commissioners have plans to spend $10 million in federal ARPA funding to supply high-speed broadband to households lacking adequate Internet access. Some 45 percent of residents currently lack access.
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Some businesses in the county have already been assessed for reimbursement grants covering up to 50% of eligible technologies such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and automation.
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