Finance

Plus, New Mexico has launched its three-year broadband plan, North Carolina has debuted a program to expand Internet access in rural communities, a report shows progress on broadband expansion, and more.

State governments are expected to deploy AI in 2026 with an increased focus on returns on investment as they face complex policymaking restrictions enacted by a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

The City Council has approved three contracts to replace its veteran accounting, payroll and human resources management software. A consulting firm will help with oversight and advisory services.

The chair of the City Council introduced a measure last month that would mandate using online software to enable better visibility into city and county budgets and finances. The bill passed its first of three Council readings.

The renewal of a state grant program for local public agencies focuses on cybersecurity and other areas that involve gov tech. Officials encourage governments to partner on projects that could receive funding.

Plus, legislation could improve digital skills training in workforce development programs, the bipartisan Wi-Fi Caucus relaunched, digital literacy work continues at the local level, and more.

It’s not whether there will be one, state Comptroller Sean Scanlon said, but what the fallout will be “when it does pop.” Officials project a $164 million general fund budget surplus for the current fiscal year.

In a mixed economic environment, how are cybersecurity budgets competing among business priorities, and what may be ahead for 2026?

The $11.5 million allotment for the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience is intended to support single sign-on access, website upgrades and broader modernization across agencies.

Overhauling government procurement is a complex task that requires clarity of purpose, especially for large-scale IT projects. Lessons from California offer examples of how to weigh priorities and navigate trade-offs.

The deal gives CoreTrust and its supplier network access into private and charter schools — some 4,000 of which are served via BuyQ. CoreTrust recently signed a deal with two major U.S. cities.

Plus, broadband permitting legislation advances in the U.S. Congress, a project aims to expand connectivity to boost agriculture technology adoption, Oklahoma has kicked off a fiber project and more.

The San Francisco Tech Council, a multi-sector collaborative, powers digital inclusion work in the city through events and trainings. It supports agencies and practitioners in navigating the landscape.

The grants, for which public agencies must apply, promise to benefit the business of government technology. The federal agency also announced $500 million in grants for protection against unlawful use of drones.

Plus, the Network Equipment Transparency Act passed in the U.S. Senate, San Francisco is expanding its free Wi-Fi network, Alabama has made progress on the construction of its middle-mile network, and more.

The county, which is home to Chicago, has partnered with AidKit to issue $1,000 cash grants to homeowners there who are facing sharp property tax increases.

With the average cost of breaches on the rise, cybersecurity must be regarded like any other disaster, according to the Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance. Residual costs of incidents must be accounted for, a co-founder said.

The company gathers procurement data and signals from agencies and turns them into action for sellers of public-sector technology. The investment is just the latest bet on AI for local and state government.