Civic Tech

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.

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.