Civic Tech

The California Department of Public Health recently developed a chatbot to help answer questions and combat misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccinations. What’s more is that the resource was designed with equity in mind.

Four states have committed to partner with Code for America’s recently launched Safety Net Innovation Lab in the first of three cohorts to help transform how such services are delivered to the public.

Kandiyohi County and Charter Communications have symbolically broke ground on an $800,000 project that Charter said will bring broadband Internet service to more than 350 rural, unserved homes and small businesses.

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.

Plus, the NTIA introduces a tribal broadband planning toolkit; a new online tool helps communities find opportunities for broadband funding; a new database tracks state-level broadband legislation; and more.

During a virtual summit this week, California technology leaders discussed how they think about the process of innovating digital services in state government — from concept modeling and gathering support to execution.

In creating or improving digital assets like websites, government entities often talk about the importance of “user-centered design.” But what does that really mean, and what does it look like in action?

The City Council recommended a $605,242 contract with Chicago-based CityBase Inc. to develop a website officials said would be an upgrade from what the city has now, and is unique to Aurora.

An electronic health record system being piloted at Spokane's VA hospital has been partly or completely unusable at least 50 times since its launch in 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed.

Plus, both the FCC and the NTIA are continuing to make substantial investments in broadband connectivity work across the country, senators introduce the Rural Broadband Protection Act, and much more.

The Delaware Department of Technology and Information has added two key hires to its ranks — a chief of administration and broadband manager — to help it deliver on its broadband and technology goals.

Gov. Mark Gordon's administration launched a new dashboard with digital tools to support businesses, job seekers and educators in the state with resources about new emerging workforce opportunities.

Plus, Pew Charitable Trusts is warning that states are at risk of missing out on federal broadband funding, the NDIA has announced two new resources related to digital inclusion work, and more.

After high-level jobs for the state of California and San Francisco, Canellakis will now oversee USDR’s new Digital Service program. The group launched when tech pros volunteered to help solve pandemic-related challenges.

After years of struggling to find ways to diversify the workforce, the Pittsburgh Technology Council is following the model used by skilled trades union to pay women and minorities while they learn high-tech skills.

Bolstering the city's bid to become a hub for geospatial technology, civic leaders have announced the creation of a new research center that will help build an industry that officials see as key to their economic future.

At both the state and federal levels of government, millions of dollars in new funding continue to be made available for broadband projects across the U.S. Plus, advocacy groups release new guidance resources for the work.

The Nebraska State Unit on Aging has partnered with GetSetUp.io, a virtual learning platform, to bolster digital skills and a wide range of other life skills among older adults across the state.