Digital Services

AI technology is quickly placing itself at the center of digital government tools. But the goals in using it remain the same: improving efficiency, saving money and achieving better outcomes for residents.

Four of the eight gubernatorial appointees head up technology at a variety of offices and departments. They will join other public- and private-sector execs in offering guidance on adopting AI.

RapidSOS, backed by Black Rock, acquired the Canadian company as gov tech suppliers race to sell the last tools for emergency calls and responses. It follows a larger Axon acquisition announced last week.

Demonstrating equity, transparency and accountability can guide AI in delivering value, Jaime Wascalus, CIO for Saint Paul, Minn., said Thursday during the second annual GovAI Coalition Summit.

State, local and federal elected leaders examined the landscape around AI technology and policymaking Wednesday at the second annual GovAI Coalition Summit in San Jose. An industrial revolution, one said, is near.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan opened the second annual GovAI Coalition Summit by announcing a new public-private partnership initiative to bring artificial intelligence education to any resident who wants it.

Chief Data Officer Jason Lally, who had been in state service for a total of about four years, announced he has departed from the role. Gov. Gavin Newsom had appointed him to the position in June 2024.

The AI Readiness Project is an endeavor intended to help states, territories, and tribal governments build their capacity to use AI responsibly through convenings, knowledge sharing and pilots.

An additional layer of tech is helping the state’s Employment Development Department, targeted by fraudsters during the COVID-19 pandemic, smooth out identity verification and make defenses harder to penetrate.

The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office is using a new AI program to transcribe audio from body-worn cameras so that deputies don’t have to type it from scratch. Critics worry nuances could get lost in translation.

The City Council will consider reversing a policy banning encryption of police channels. Critics argue doing so would deprive the public of a tool to monitor crime and hold officers accountable.

Plus, New Mexico and Indiana are both expanding access to broadband, a federal government shift to paperless checks may widen digital inequities, and more.

The North Dakota Information Technology Department uses a steering committee together with an internal dashboard to prioritize modernization decisions in a transparent, easy-to-track way.

The Georgia-based firm, looking to expand, has won a “strategic investment” from Riata Capital Group. The move comes as more public agencies beef up their payment offerings for taxes, permitting and other transactions.

Communities in the Denver suburbs are part of a pilot that uses highly accurate geo-fencing technology to track electric scooters and prompt users to deposit them in the correct parking locations.

Plus, North Carolina has set standards for digital literacy, Alabama has launched a workforce initiative to improve digital skills, Massachusetts is investing $23 million to expand device access, and more.

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.