Civic Tech

Worthington, Mass., is the latest town that has benefited from the Last Mile Program, which is working to bring high-speed Internet to 53 towns. Worthington's network is the result of a public-private partnership.

After last year’s worldwide protests in the wake of high-profile racial injustice within U.S. policing, community leaders have prioritized equity. And within that, an increasing number of cities are turning to tech.

Nonprofit research group RTI International and the White Cross Fire Department have teamed up to pilot augmented reality technology for firetruck pump panel training. The goal is to create a blueprint for the industry.

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), an advocacy group, has released an online reporting tool in an effort to collect more accurate data about anti-Asian hate crimes. The data could help inform policy.

Plus, the Federal Communications Commission commits $1 billion to emergency connectivity program aimed at students, Philadelphia plans to continue its PHLDonateTech program for another year, and more.

Last spring, Arizona State University began offering a course that teaches students the essentials of coding so that they can develop mobile apps that direct low-income and homeless populations to support services.

Plus, Bloomberg Philanthropies teams with the U.S. Conference of Mayors on new federal recovery dollars partnership, and more.

Chicago and its technology partner CityBase have expanded a program offering payment kiosks throughout the city. The devices are strategically positioned to allow safe and easy access to services 24/7.

Community Solutions' unique, human-centered approach to helping local government organizations tackle the challenge of homelessness is rapidly spreading to new communities throughout the country.

Citizen surveys made gains during the pandemic, and now the Israeli startup wants to ditch paper and phone responses in favor of a totally online experience that is also statistically sound.

Plus, the U.S. Census Bureau makes its 2020 count data related to redistricting available in an easier to read format, a Los Angeles digital equity program offers a new IT certificate, and more.

The annual effort helps firms access expertise and other resources, which in turn can lead to better tools for local and state governments. Among the areas of focus are benefits programs and bodycam video management.

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.