Workforce and People

As federal workers return to the office, remote work continues in some large cities. In Houston, employees were called back onsite last month; and in Texas, the matter remains a topic of discussion.

The process is well underway in the state, with just three agencies remaining to be consolidated. The undertaking will support other advances in state technology, in areas including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The state’s AI and Analytics Center of Excellence has issued an initial report recommending ways to use the technology thoughtfully to affect policy, workforce and the economy. It also shows potential areas of impact.

The incident, part of a “vulnerability exploit,” did not expose the Social Security numbers or financial information of CPS Energy customers in San Antonio and adjoining Texas counties. They are nevertheless being notified.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency priority list includes “life-changing career training" high school programs, with the goal of getting 60 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds to obtain a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.

Evelina Broussard will lead the state’s Office of Technology Services after 28 years with gas distributor Atmos Energy. Her appointment closely follows the departure of now-former CIO Derek Williams.

In its first year, a federally funded program through Miami Dade College trained 675 students at universities or boot camps, and 315 of those have since found jobs with salaries $66,000 or more.

The city’s inaugural Chief Privacy Officer Ciara Maerowitz is working to weave privacy into processes, get risk assessments done, and promote a culture of responsible data use and transparency in public services.

Derek Williams was elevated to state CIO last year after having served as deputy CIO since late 2022. He is a veteran Louisiana technologist, and has been with the Office of Technology Services since its creation.

The Empire State’s fiscal year 2026 budget would, if approved by the state Legislature, add hundreds of employees to the IT workforce, to help the government be more efficient and use tech better in serving constituents.

As tech positions go unfilled across public-sector organizations, recruiting experts recommend lowering the hurdles. Suggested strategies include clarifying job descriptions and tailoring hiring processes.

A new report lays out the strategy of the city and the New York City Economic Development Corp. in leading on applied artificial intelligence. Goals include fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem.

Officials at Arizona’s capital city have elevated an executive into the new role of chief privacy officer. She will help to improve data governance, mitigate privacy risks and ensure compliance with privacy laws.

The pace of innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity has made it more imperative than ever for colleges and universities to tailor their programs to the needs of emerging tech industries.

As Arizona's recent economic growth has created new job market opportunities, the state has been supporting cybersecurity initiatives and collaborations to bolster evolving workforce needs.

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ annual list aggregates pressing tech and security challenges states face. Input from CIOs and CISOs helps shape its content.

An early advocate for the potential of artificial intelligence, Louisiana State University business professor Andrew Schwarz says the state needs to invest heavily in both traditional and adult education.

A look at key changes, their implications and emergent best practices as the start of President Donald Trump's second term brings shifts likely to have influence across state and local organizations.