Local Government

Officials have agreed to spend nearly $1 million on electronic voter check-in systems that will enable virtual sign-language services for deaf voters. Each polling place will have at least two tablets with the software.

The district attorney’s office in Fort Bend County is investigating the Feb. 24 breach of the county’s library system, which led to $2.6 million in contracts with cybersecurity companies. Some library systems are still down.

The local government may limit data center development, holding it to an area in and near White Oak Technology park in eastern Henrico. Should this happen, data centers elsewhere would need supervisors’ approval.

The initiative is among its recent smart city endeavors. Others include working with Georgia Tech to debut a technology workspace that lets students learn among tech startups, and exploring smart mobility.

The City Council is considering adopting a range of new security cameras. Public opinion on the devices, however, has been mixed, both in emails to the city and testimony. A decision could come as soon as next month.

Just months in the making, the city’s new facility includes an advanced public safety hub with real-time video analytics and artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance to respond to incidents, and guide future strategy.

A new study from the Mineta Transportation Institute outlines the symbiotic relationship between highway tolling and transit, and how each program needs the other. Transportation panelists examined the idea recently.

Commissioners for the local government of just over 180,000 unanimously approved a new solution that will eliminate paper checks and offer the option of a payment card. A goal is making sure jurors actually spend the money they’re paid for service.

The East Bay city will offer the free service plus identity theft protection to people who may have been impacted in an August 2024 cybersecurity incident. An investigation is continuing.

Coweta County officials on Tuesday became the second metro Atlanta government to temporarily pause all new data center projects, to find their bearings amid an unprecedented wave of proposals.

Terawatt Infrastructure debuted a heavy-duty, high-speed truck charging location on the I-10 Consortium to electrify goods movement. It joins Greenlane, which recently opened its own large truck charging facility.

In a new report, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers proposes cybersecurity training for incarcerated people could enable them to more easily find work once released — addressing an acute staffing shortage.

A paper authored by teams at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University examines the role of local governments’ procurement processes in advancing artificial intelligence adoption.

The March incident, which compromised information belonging to at least 10 people, was a ransom attack, the county said in a statement. The local government declined attackers’ demand and took systems offline.

Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed 2025-26 budget would include layoffs and eliminate vacant positions, in an effort to address an $800 million deficit. It would also significantly affect the city’s Information Technology Agency.

Courtrooms have stayed open and judicial proceedings have gone forward following the attack detected early Monday. But systems across the sheriff’s and circuit clerk’s offices and at the courthouse were forced offline.

The city is readying DallasNow, a comprehensive planning, permitting and land management system intended to enhance efficiency, transparency and customer service in one of the nation’s most populous municipalities.

Public- and private-sector officials gathered this week at the CoMotion Miami conference to air new visions for mobility, and how to get there. Reimagining requests for proposals was one idea considered.