Local Government

Through a new online portal that went live last week, residents can keep an eye on public works data — like the number of pothole work orders — as well as other data related to city operations.

A U.S. House hearing last week heard testimony from experts who underlined the disconnect between federal, state and local IT as well as how leadership can stall efforts to improve digital user experience and cybersecurity.

Lakeland city commissioners voted 5-to-1 at a meeting Tuesday morning to approve a contract with Orlando-based Summit Broadband Inc. that will create a private-public service for broadband.

Although the details surrounding a recent cyber attack against St. Clair County, Wis., remain foggy, officials approved a policy that adds multi-factor authentication and new password standards across the county.

Plus, Ohio state technologists collaborate to build a new tool aimed at connecting job seekers with employers and Virginia unveils plans to funnel $11.1 million into workforce tech projects.

The public transit department is testing the Xcelsior CHARGE electric bus on its routes this week, marking a temporary preview as the city collects data in order to determine whether it should purchase this bus.

Following controversy and the resignation of two police officers, the city has approved a contract with a California-based background investigation to improve its background check and hiring process.

Detroit CIO Beth Niblock is headed to Washington, D.C., to serve as CIO for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Her successor will be Art Thompson, the city’s public safety IT and cyber security director.

A proposal at the state level to limit local governments in providing broadband services was removed from the final budget agreement. Municipal customers and local officials lobbied vigorously against the effort.

The police department has provided the first update to its crime statistics web page since December with a report including crime totals for the city as well as for each neighborhood and police patrol area.

Pulaski County officials have selected the Verity system, made by Hart InterCivic, which will include 25 scanners to handle paper ballots and 15 DUO standalone machines which are handicap-accessible.

The Big Easy isn’t the only city using chatbots to bridge equity gaps and provide more residents with the answers they seek on a 24/7 basis. Smarter chatbots are finding their places in public service.

City leaders reignited a debate over establishing more oversight of police and city surveillance, prompting a response from police officials who argue any measures might slow the department in reacting to violent crime.

Plus, Chicago expands its education-focused digital equity program; Louisiana invests $180 million in expanding broadband infrastructure for underserved communities; and Boston launches a neighborhood database search.

Government agencies should make public participation easier by sending text notices when meeting agenda items come up for discussion, civil rights activist Shane Harris said at a news conference Wednesday.

Following a cyberattack that officials called a “sophisticated phishing attack,” the Cobb County Board of Commissioners is considering allocating the funds needed to create four new cybersecurity positions.

Zero-trust security depends on strong verification methods. Analyzing user behavior can help — if agencies have the automation power to make that data an asset, not a liability, said Palo Alto Networks’ Paul Calatayud.

To do so, Bloomington needs to continuously update its technical infrastructure and facilities, experts told the Bloomington City Council on Monday while presenting a draft of the department's strategic plan.