Local Government

A new purchasing portal serving state and local public-sector agencies is designed to make complicated and highly technical purchases easier, by offering connections to vetted vendors and expert knowledge.

The City Council voted 7-2 to expand the use of the cameras despite vocal opposition by residents and groups worried the system will be used by federal authorities to persecute immigrants and communities of color.

The contract, which can be terminated without cause at any time, will cost about $2.6 million for five years, as the city re-ups its use of a controversial system of audio sensors to help police respond to gunfire.

A partnership between Intel, NWN and the city of Baltimore aspires to bridge digital equity gaps by giving community members access to new computers and hands-on AI training.

Justin Sherwood, who has been chosen to lead county technology, aims to modernize systems, strengthen cybersecurity and enhance public services. He has more than a decade of experience in North Carolina municipal IT.

In an effort to address delays in releasing people from jail, the Sheriff’s Office is looking to update its Adult Information Systems to be more integrated with an existing case management system.

In a video interview, a Tyler Technologies exec talked about new public agency requirements for website and mobile accessibility, coming a little more than 35 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act became law.

At an upcoming meeting, the Watsonville City Council will vote on whether to expand its contract with Flock Safety, which provides automated license plate readers to the city.

The state’s integrated digital approach to providing emergency services in one online location, following this year’s fires, is unprecedented. It is intended, officials said, to serve as an example in future disasters.

The Silicon Valley city has announced a new pilot coming this fall, which aims to use AI technology to speed up the building permitting process. It follows an array of recent AI initiatives in the city.

States that are ahead of the accessibility curve and serving people with disabilities with tools they can use can manage risks and reduce costs, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers finds.

Officials will use the money, from the Missouri 911 service board, to improve software and hardware redundancies, and to update GIS systems. The center serves two counties and area first responders.

GEUS, the city-owned utility, has restored its online bill payment system after a cyber attack. The ransomware incident, identified Aug. 5, impacted this and other systems for about a month.

The seller of software for local governments and school districts has launched three AI tools to assist in various budget processes. The company’s CEO discusses the move and where AI is headed.

In a split vote on Tuesday, the Frederick County Council voted to approve a bill that will create a special zoning mechanism for data centers and the electric substations that power them.

The state’s cybersecurity work, through its Joint Security Operations Center, involves a network of people working with different entities to enhance and harden the overall security posture.

St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation is integrating new AI-powered software called Road AI, a type of specialized road maintenance software capable of detecting defects from cracking to larger potholes.

In June 2024, the central Illinois community of Effingham entered a two-year contract with Flock Safety for a total of six traffic cameras for an annual cost of $18,000 and an initial setup fee of $7,500.