Finance

Where last year’s federal DOGE activities implemented disruptive cuts designed to shrink the size of government, states and localities are taking a different approach, recasting efficiency as a broader transformation agenda.

Like freeways, major technology systems can be multiyear endeavors. Procurement expert and columnist Daniel C. Kim asks: If that’s the case, why are we funding them like annual operating expenses?

Cities sometimes sign contracts for technology like digital twins after they've been presented a best-case-scenario pitch from software vendors. Here’s a guide for procurement officers who want to avoid common pitfalls.

The funding, destined for Warren and Washington counties and the village of Hudson Falls, comes from the Homeland Security program. Its uses include advancing cybersecurity capabilities.

Problems in February left travelers unable to pay at self-service kiosks, but the solution, a software fix, has now been completed. The garage’s self-payment system was out for six days.

A statewide effort led by the Controller’s Office has connected grant management directly to its enterprise resource planning system, changing how agencies track, process and deliver funding.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who took office in January, wants more public safety tools to protect stops and stations, and a better user experience. She has ordered officials to come up with a plan.

The launch of GrantWell, which offers free support to municipal governments, aims to expand their access to federal and state funding. A recent listening tour highlighted local needs.

Negotiations have stalled over a state Senate proposal to repeal a sales tax exemption on data center equipment. Gov. Abigail Spanberger raised the possibility of a data center electricity consumption tax.

Plus, Maine is looking for partners for its middle-mile network, New Mexico has enacted a law establishing a broadband affordability program, fiber infrastructure expansion is continuing, and more.

The state’s new governor has outlined her spending proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. Tech innovation and the impact of digital platforms on mental health also gain financial support in the new document.

Plus, a lack of funding is impacting digital inclusion initiatives, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a bill for rural and tribal broadband, San Francisco has expanded its free Wi-Fi network, and more.

The company collects intelligence from disparate public agencies that could help suppliers craft better proposals and pitches. The funding reflects the growing role of AI in government procurement.

Amid an overall growth projection for the market of more than $160 billion, government IT leaders at the Beyond the Beltway conference confront a tough budget picture, with some seeing AI as part of the solution.

Paper-based procurement has long been the way governments operate, and it does help ensure security and compliance. But it also brings a cost, which digital solutions and AI tools can improve.

Since making the change in the spring of 2025, officials have consolidated licenses and are pushing Internet to all city sites. Both initiatives combined have saved several hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Plus, the debate around congressionally approved federal broadband funding continues, a report highlights access barriers for government services, a Massachusetts tool shows progress on broadband, and more.

Less than three weeks after the resignation of state CIO Greg Lane, Delaware is recruiting its next technology leader. The person selected will oversee a yearly operating budget of more than $100 million.