Civic Tech

As experts recently discussed at Code for America’s FormFest 2023 event, the digitization of government forms and processes can create more equitable access to government services for constituents.

How do some agencies create apps residents like to use? The minds behind some of the highest-rated 311 apps share best practices and recommendations to improve performance and citizen experience.

Ten weeks of work by the nonprofit program were presented and demonstrated on Monday to Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio and a room full of members and their families.

Cuyahoga Green Energy has contracted with Compass Energy Platform to serve as the operator for the county-run microgrid electrical utility. Officials believe this is the first utility of its kind in the U.S.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico has introduced legislation to reauthorize a broadband grant program and refocus it specifically on rural communities. The bill would reauthorize the program for another five years.

A new brief from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers underlines the importance of and reason for having a position dedicated to statewide digital accessibility coordination.

Officials have dedicated the new real-time crime center emergency mobile response van to Det. Joseph Paolillo, who passed away from 9/11-related cancer. The vehicle replaces an original unit which was initially unveiled in 2005.

At a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association and Results for America, the 2023 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence was released, highlighting best practices in state data use.

The state of Pennsylvania has announced the addition of select resources to the electronic Power Library, providing constituents with tools to learn new languages, learn about their heritage and more.

Finance automation, powered by artificial intelligence technology, is helping to save Mt. Lebanon, Pa., a significant amount of time and is simplifying the accounts payable process.

A Wake County judge has ordered Flock Safety to stop installing automated license plate cameras for law enforcement and other clients across the state, finding the firm has been operating unlicensed for years.

Efforts to make the city smarter has some residents concerned that the technology will be used to spy. But officials say that’s not the case and that a substantial public safety camera network has been in place since 2015.

Led by the co-chairs named earlier this month, the members of MetroLab Network’s GenAI for Local Governments Task Force will work together to create a comprehensive resource of guidance on the use of AI technology.

A new report released last week by the Urban Libraries Council outlines five recommendations of how public libraries can use artificial intelligence technologies in their work to serve communities.

The Philadelphia Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has created the Disability Characteristics Map using census data to represent the diversity in abilities of the city's residents.

The Philadelphia Office of Innovation and Technology has created a Racial Equity Action Plan. Equity plays an integral role for an office tasked with supporting other city departments with technology.

The state of Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety uses translation AI tech in its Driver and Vehicle Services division, expanding access to government services for non-English-speaking constituents.

Last week, several members of Congress reintroduced the Algorithmic Accountability Act, a bill that would help regulate new generative AI systems to protect constituents from potential harm.