Local Government

Onondaga County, N.Y., will issue a request for proposals asking Internet service providers how they plan to connect 1,500 rural residents with broadband service. The effort has a budget of $15 million.

The Chicago-based firm helps cities, universities and other organizations spot ways to reuse materials, which in turn can reduce costs, waste and carbon emissions. The company operates in the “circular economy” space.

Harris, who had been serving as the interim IT director, brings 20 years of public- and private-sector experience to the role. She was formally appointed to the position by the City Council May 9.

Everyone from the press office to city treasurer has a role to play in cyber incident response, and getting elected officials engaged early is essential, say Coalition of City CISOs co-chairs.

Hurricane-prone Tamarac, Fla., is a small city that makes the most of limited resources to support public safety. They work with Broward County via an interlocal agreement in which they share 911 services and Sheriff's Office IT.

Voters in the county have been asked to weigh in on the new voting machines that will be used in upcoming elections. Currently, only two machine vendors are certified to do business in the state.

The Detroit City Council has delayed action on a proposed expansion of the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. The proposed expansion would cost $7.5 million with an additional $1.5 million to renew the existing contract.

Federal cybersecurity grants are expected “in the coming months,” with CISA still mulling feedback and finalizing. Local governments should use the time to ensure they’re part of any state planning processes.

A small island town in Maine must decide this month if it will continue to create its own broadband system or scrap the project and lose the hundreds of thousands of dollars it has already invested.

Weeks into his new leadership role in one of the largest U.S. counties, Leek opens up about what he wants to accomplish — and how to accomplish those goals. Digital equity, hybrid work and collaboration are top missions.

Since 2002, the district and a well-known software development company have worked together to create an online document repository. Now, their focus has shifted toward digitizing forms and giving field crews modern tools.

Plus, the FCC has launched a new help center with tutorials for broadband data collection; a new USDR report details experience of applying for child-care benefits; Minnesota to invest $200 million in rural broadband; and more.

As natural disasters grow more severe across the country, local governments are increasingly using predictive analytics to understand where and when an emergency will impact their communities.

State and local governments are often seen as easy targets for hackers. To avoid devastating ransomware attacks that have plagued cities worldwide, a first key step is to limit privileged access to systems.

Plus, there’s a lot of news coming out of Utah’s Broadband Center, Vermont officials have announced millions in broadband construction grants, new poll finds overwhelming bipartisan support for net neutrality and more.

Tanya Acevedo, who has held a number of public-sector tech leadership roles, announced that she would be joining Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, Texas, as its new CIO and senior vice president.

Formerly deputy CIO for the state’s most populous county, Leek takes over a job last held by Nadia Hansen, who left for the private sector. Digital equity stands as one of the priorities of his new position.

The deal — taking place at a busy time for M&A in gov tech — comes as more agencies are turning to virtual and digital tools for public meetings and archiving. Rock Solid announced the acquisition amid a rebranding.