Civic Tech

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.

This week, the Texas comptroller announced the creation of a Broadband Development Office, which will help the state in its effort to bring broadband access to unserved and underserved areas.

Plus, National Day of Civic Hacking is set for next month; the Department of Commerce is putting $268 million toward connecting minority communities; and New Jersey is helping hearing-challenged individuals get online.

With the help of multispectral imaging technology, the city of Fairfax, Va., has uncovered hidden meaning in the graffiti left behind in a historical site by Union soldiers during the Civil War.

The Los Angeles County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services used private-sector micromarketing segmentation practices to more effectively use data to target communities in need.

Members of the Pittsburgh Technology Council and nonprofit partner FortyX80 will host an informational session Friday in Monessen to discuss a new apprenticeship program focused on information technology.

Plus, New York City moves to expand access to high-speed Internet for housing authority residents, and a Florida city wins a national award for using communication effectively to inspire change.

The city of Austin is one of 150 government agencies and institutions throughout the state of Texas that has utilized GTY solutions for digital transformation. Here's why and how Austin has gone more digital.

As Colorado wildfires continue to break records, the Aspen Fire Protection District is piloting Pano AI's artificial intelligence technology, paired with rotating cameras, to detect and locate them earlier.

Plus, Michigan announces $15.3 million boost to grants for projects that improve resident connectivity, San Jose, Calif., launches a community-built platform to connect youth with mental health services, and more.

Plus, Columbus, Ohio, announces a partnership aimed at collecting data on gun violence throughout the city, and Pittsburgh, Pa., launches a new "Universal Basic Mobility" pilot program for low-income residents.

State and local government innovation offices are neither ubiquitous nor standardized. GT talked to veterans of four such agencies to get insight on best practices, lessons learned and what’s ahead.

Plus, Ohio state technologists collaborate to build a new tool aimed at connecting job seekers with employers and Virginia unveils plans to funnel $11.1 million into workforce tech projects.

Google said it is trying to help combat the hunger crisis that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout, doing so with the launch of a new site called “Find Food Support.”

Code for America launched a new resource to help families that are eligible for a child tax credit navigate the myriad complexities of the U.S. tax system. The tool is especially designed for those without much tax history.