State Government

NASCIO held their annual conference in Denver this past week, and while many leaders describe difficult budget environments, the opportunities for using AI remain abundant.

Even as it fundamentally changes government service delivery, the technology’s speed and scale can increase risk. Considering these five questions can help lead to clarity on developments and implementations.

The road-painting system, developed in the Ohio city, could save considerable manpower in applying road markings, a state safety and traffic engineer said. Its robotic arm could also save money.

At the most recent gathering of state CIOs and gov tech vendors, talk turned to ongoing and looming challenges posed by federal budget cuts. Tech leaders gave guidance about how to keep moving forward as problems mount.

Public- and private-sector security leaders examined trends in cyber threats at the recent California Cybersecurity Education Summit. During an attack, one said, responding quickly is still very important.

Elevated from state chief information security officer, Tony Sauerhoff arrives during a strategic shift for the Department of Information Resources as it expands support for agencies exploring AI and emerging tech.

Nearly one-third of state agencies haven’t completed required security assessments, according to a new audit report. That number, however, represents a marked improvement from a similar review in 2019.

State CIO Amaya Capellán and Chief Technology Officer R. Brian Andrews have both departed state government. It’s essential, Capellán said recently, “to deliver for our workforce and make sure they are equipped.”

Maryland’s General Assembly is set to consider bills concerning the misuse of AI in various industries, its application in schools, the potential invasion of consumer privacy and the spread of misinformation.

The endeavor is intended to train thousands of staffers on AI fundamentals using real-world applications, through a collaboration with InnovateUS. Other state and local governments are engaged in similar training.

The Pennsylvania Office of Administration’s Language Access Management Program is working to ensure government services are accessible to all residents, regardless of the language they speak.

Burris announced her departure this week after nearly a decade at the state IT department, where she helped strengthen data governance and AI readiness. She was named chief data officer in January 2024.

The debut of the agency’s online presence is expected to be followed by the activation of three core technical units including cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics. Leaders are also recruiting for key positions.

The state will partner with SkyfireAI and CAL Analytics on a two-year pilot program to develop policies and training around the use of drones by first responders, and to assess how they can improve situational awareness.

Chief Information Security Officer Shawn Ivy said that his state maintains a self-reliant framework through dedicated funding, layered defenses and deliberate preparation for emerging technologies.

Connecting the West is an initiative being led by transportation departments in the three states, to form a 1,200-mile network across their terrain. Technology interoperability is key, an official said.

The online arm of Colorado State University has teamed up with the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers to train more broadband infrastructure professionals, aiming to bridge the digital divide in the state.

Broadband consultants reflect on the current state of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, while officials in two states report on their progress in rolling out high-speed Internet.