Local Government

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.

Staffers in Bellevue, Wash., are using a new tool with artificial intelligence to handle certain tasks, including responding to resident inquiries. The pilot is now focused on “real-world scenarios.”

The city is gradually restoring online services after a ransomware attack in July interrupted them. Phone service, online water bill payments, and Parks and Recreation payment systems are among those restored.

Bristol, Tenn., officials are considering a two-year moratorium on new data processing centers as they study how the growing industry could impact the city.

Louisiana’s capital city is looking for its next top technology exec as CIO Eric Romero prepares to depart. He has served three decades in its IT division and has been its director since 2012.

Its servers were attacked by a ransomware group, cutting off access to police and other records. Billing and information for Greenville Electric Utility customers are also impacted, but emergency 911 is unaffected.

The Silicon Valley city has selected four startup companies — building AI-driven solutions ranging from maternal health to food waste reduction — from more than 170 applicants to receive grants and professional support.

Case studies in the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s latest report show how states are extending cyber protections across government bodies. They highlight best practices including statewide coordination.