Digital Services

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers awarded projects from Minnesota to Washington, spotlighting how leaders are modernizing government through data, cybersecurity and people-focused initiatives.

The report, developed by New America’s RethinkAI coalition by analyzing interviews, policy and pilots across the U.S., aims to provide governments and other entities with AI adoption recommendations.

The New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, created by mayoral executive order, is intended to support industry growth and ensure the alignment of policies and initiatives across city agencies.

At its annual conference, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers recognized Ohio’s Holly Drake for her cybersecurity leadership, while also doling out other tech awards.

State CIO Amaya Capellán and Chief Technology Officer R. Brian Andrews have both departed state government. It’s essential, Capellán said recently, “to deliver for our workforce and make sure they are equipped.”

Digital technology helps large public universities manage thousands of parking spaces and permits. Data collected can help quantify their needs, and how best to control the available spots.

The city will make two-way translation in multiple languages available at public meetings through a partnership with Google Public Sector, to ensure equitable access to civic engagement.

A new two-way, real-time translation service is part of the city of Hartford's transition to Google Workspace from the Microsoft Suite platform, and is projected to save the city $2.1 million over the next five years.

The endeavor is intended to train thousands of staffers on AI fundamentals using real-world applications, through a collaboration with InnovateUS. Other state and local governments are engaged in similar training.

After an evaluation earlier this year, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission found the county’s voting system, facility security and counting procedures to be “comprehensive and thoroughly followed.”

The Pennsylvania Office of Administration’s Language Access Management Program is working to ensure government services are accessible to all residents, regardless of the language they speak.

Burris announced her departure this week after nearly a decade at the state IT department, where she helped strengthen data governance and AI readiness. She was named chief data officer in January 2024.

The debut of the agency’s online presence is expected to be followed by the activation of three core technical units including cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics. Leaders are also recruiting for key positions.

Jeffrey Weiner has taken the helm of the town’s IT department, overseeing GIS, media and strategic IT initiatives. He arrives from Wakefield Public Schools, where he served as its technology director.

The new solution is for select residential projects, including reroofing, window replacement and minor alterations. It’s intended to quicken third-party plan review and issue permits faster.

Connecting the West is an initiative being led by transportation departments in the three states, to form a 1,200-mile network across their terrain. Technology interoperability is key, an official said.

As the variables from a sea of numbers and percentage points around soil type, row width and weather patterns mount, some agricultural organizations and researchers are making use of artificial intelligence.

The California county, the nation’s most populous, improved the accuracy of its threat identification with a new solution, and saved millions of dollars in staff hours. Benefits were immediate.