Digital Services

Bay Area tech officials shared their insights about the changes and challenges facing government IT shops caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need to engage with those they serve emerged as a common thread.

A cyber attack took out a server at Baker & Taylor, a major library books, software and service provider working with the likes of the New York Public Library. The company is still working to restore its systems.

A new report explores insights from respondents about the strengths and opportunities for improvement with digital services in the public sector, and finds that better online experiences create more trust in government.

In designing digital products for constituents — like websites and mobile apps — government agencies should consider implementing plain language to increase accessibility and improve the overall user experience.

Former Ohio CIO Stu Davis on why building a framework for breaking down silos between government agencies optimizes services for all stakeholders — and why it’s kind of like making pizza.

After testing a second body camera vendor's equipment in July, the Vancouver Police Department is tentatively expected to present a finalized contract to the City Council for approval next month.

When Santa Monica CIO Joseph Cevetello started with the city in 2016, many of the services offered to residents happened on paper. Now, the city is moving more of its services online, cutting staff time and expense.

Plus, federal lawmakers introduce multiple pieces of legislation related to boosting the nation's broadband infrastructure, Texas moves forward with its own broadband availability map, and more.

Some residents in the path of the massive Northern California wildfire say they did not receive emergency evacuation alerts from Siskiyou County’s CodeRED system. The fire has killed four people.

A newly released report from the Legislative Analyst's Office highlights deficiencies in the Employment Development Department’s response to the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new system, called Patron Point, will allow the county library system to improve communication with patrons about news and events and is being implemented across all seven branches.

The company, now about nine years old, received more than $100 million just a few years ago, and has been signing large state and local contracts rapidly. Now it's got another $90 million to support its expansion.

Yellow Alert systems are meant to help police track down suspects involved in fatal hit-and-run crashes through tips from the public. They are similar to the Amber Alerts issued for abducted children.

A mobile and desktop app, developed by the Center for Schools and Communities and connected to the state Department of Education's homeless youth program, gives students and families 24/7 access to help and support.

Duncan Public Utilities Authority trustees have approved the funds to patch the city’s current smart meter system, which officials say is obsolete. A replacement system is set to be installed in 18 months.

Police reform advocates speak out against Florida's transparency database, saying it doesn't include citizen complaints and some police officers with controversial histories don't show up at all.

An unemployment system dating back to the 1990s, coupled with procedural failings and a surging jobless rate in the spring and summer of 2020, is behind the latest critical audit of the Oregon Employment Department.

Two recent department website redesigns — the San Diego Police Department and Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department — were aimed at improving the user experience and access to critical service information.