Civic Tech

The recently released 2021 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence analysis highlights the way states are using data to protect residents, speed economic recovery and improve equity.

The local farm-sales platform, called Healthy PlanEat, was originally the brainchild of East Lyme, Conn., native Rosemary Ostfeld, who teaches sustainable agriculture at Wesleyan University.

Plus, USDA invests in rural infrastructure, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute extends digital equity programs, and appointments are made to the Texas Broadband Development Office Board of Advisors.

More than half of all law enforcement agencies utilize body cameras to improve public trust and safety. Research shows that body cameras have positive behavioral impacts on both officers and citizens.

In 2022, the city of Dublin, Ohio, plans to unveil its digital identity project that allows users to confirm their residency, respond to custom surveys and earn “Dublin Points” through a centralized app.

Plus, apply for a job with the New York City Digital Service, Virginia announces more than $700 million in broadband connection grants, new data visualization shows innovations in cities spending federal money and more.

Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded 10 more U.S. cities with What Works Cities Certifications for their use of data and evidence to inform decision-making. The total number of U.S. cities certified since 2017 is now 50.

As local and state governments gear up for federal stimulus dollars, the firm is releasing software that allows members of the public to rank budgeting choices against each other to show where their priorities lie.

The National League of Cities last week released its Digital Equity Playbook, which offers information, case studies and strategies to help local government leaders in their digital equity work.

Plus, Illinois Tech team develops environmentally sound digital currency; the National League of Cities unveils a new digital equity playbook; Washington approves $44.6 million of broadband grants; and more.

A Pittsburgh city staffer took it upon himself and his dog, Porter, to map the city’s recreation areas on their daily walks. With a GPS unit in tow, the pair created an open data portal residents can use to find trails.

While Zencity has traditionally given local governments a way to listen to constituents, Civil Space offers tools to open a two-way dialogue between them — pushing Zencity down the continuum of engagement.

The early stages of a new pilot program are forming and could incorporate blockchain into the city's government. Officials have asked technologists to show how the tech might improve service delivery and solve challenges.

Plus, Rhode Island is investing $1.7 million worth of grants into Internet expansion efforts for that state, and the USDA has started to accept applications for its own grants to overcome rural broadband challenges.

A new technology platform launched by the Madison, Wis., Police Department on Wednesday will send automated text messages to people who call 911 or are victims of crimes, department officials said.

The New York police department is aiming to improve public safety and communications with an integrated technology ecosystem that includes a real-time crime center, cloud-based software and more.

The city of Gainesville, Fla., has selected a platform to manage the progress of its strategic vision. The new tool will help the city make informed decisions and increase transparency, officials say.

Plus, GAO discusses value of a federal academy for developing a pipeline of new tech talent, and the Federal Communications Commission seeks comments on its new affordable connectivity program.