Civic Tech

Hawaii’s new portal, launched by the Department of Human Services, brings new technology into the process of connecting foster kids to caregivers, making the process faster and easier.

Plus, Ohio broadband program is now accepting grants; a new report examines the role of libraries nationwide in closing the digital divide; and New York extends the deadline for a fintech innovation challenge.

Plus, the United States Digital Service has named Mina Hsiang to be its third-ever administrator, the Federal Communications Commission has met a new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program milestone, and more.

With the help of irrigation, drone and imagery companies, as well as Kansas State University researchers and water conservationists, one farmer is using his land and his knowledge to further innovation.

With more legislation requiring sites to notify users when they’re collecting data, here's a quick guide to understanding cookies and the sorts of pop-ups you might encounter, as well as what to do when you see one.

A collaborative research project in Kansas City, Mo., uses sensors placed on buildings across diverse neighborhoods to monitor general air quality, as well as that in COVID-19 hotbeds, with publicly accessible data.

Plus, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration establishes two new offices aimed at strengthening U.S. broadband, and the California Public Utilities Commission is investing in digital equity.

Roughly $2.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding is currently sitting in county coffers while officials determine how the funds can be spent. A decades-old public safety radio system is one project under discussion.

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the need to address the digital divide in the Los Angeles area. However, it also led to funding and collaboration opportunities for government agencies to combat the issue.

Colorado health officials say they cannot vouch for the accuracy of the private air quality apps that recently ranked metro Denver as the worst in the world. Instead, they suggest people rely on government-run metrics.

The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce has announced it plans to open a third downtown technology innovation center that will serve as a multipurpose center for co-working, training and entrepreneurship.

Ohio has released a new website that gives state residents the chance to weigh in on the drawing of congressional districts. The maps will be redrawn next month by a bipartisan commission.

A pilot project led by the South Carolina Department of Aging and Palmetto Care Connections aims to teach seniors the digital skills they need to combat social isolation and access telehealth services.

Plus, Code for America teams with the U.S. Treasury Department on a tax portal, Pittsburgh launches a new public health dashboard with an equity focus, and North Carolina promotes rural broadband work.

After a successful pilot program using what3words’ location detection tool, the Los Angeles Fire Department has officially adopted the technology to reduce the time required to locate and help callers.

As two cities — Buffalo, N.Y., and Fairfax, Va. — embark on projects to implement augmented reality technology, questions arise on the effects the new tool will have in their communities.

Plus, Baltimore makes concentrated effort to distribute computers with free Internet service to residents; Bloomington, Ind., invites applicants for second year of digital equity grants; and more.

Tonight, employees of Kalispell, Mont., will discuss with the city council how GIS and drones are already utilized in the city and how such technology could be expanded to even more local departments.