Technology
Technology is pivotal in modernizing local and state government operations, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. From digital infrastructure to cybersecurity, technology enables governments to better meet the needs of their communities. Staying informed about the latest technological advancements is crucial for effective governance. This directory offers articles on technology, along with related topics like Product News, which covers the latest tools and innovations that can be integrated into government services.
Emergency communications centers can protect their data through updating security technology, monitoring networks and preparing disaster recovery plans.
Zello announced at APCO 2019 that its push-to-talk mobile app will be free to first responders.
Improve public safety emergency communications by designing P25 systems and bringing stakeholders to the table early so systems are ready when you need them most.
The city of Taunton, Mass., was the latest to pursue an online permitting capability that will improve services and save money over time. Details, costs, the vendor, and more are inside.
The city of Nottingham, England, recently penned a deal to install 130 smart trash bins that will save the city money by cutting down on collections. The financials, details, savings, vendor, and more are inside.
After years of development and testing, the ECB is in pilot testing
Sustainability
The city of Somerville, Massachusetts, is the first in the state to pass an “Urban Agriculture Ordinance,” which establishes guidelines for urban farming and gardening. Details, examples of other initiatives, and additional resources are inside.
Public officials in Massachusetts, together with a regional non-profit, have established a “Gateway Cities Innovation Institute” that will focus on revitalizing former manufacturing centers that have been beset by serious social and economic challenges. Details and related research are inside.
To save money, the town of Gilbert, Arizona, moved most employees from a five-day work week to a four-day week. One year later, the response has been favorable. Inside are details, research, and savings, as well as fact sheets, implementation plans, and agreements you can use as a template for your employees and unions.
The city of Philadelphia has established an Office of New Urban Mechanics. Modeled after a similar initiative in Boston, the office will seek to address urban challenges through collaborative projects with entrepreneurs and hackers, and may get replicated in a city near you. Details and next steps are inside.
Kansas City, Missouri, has created an innovative “Launch KC” program that includes free Wi-Fi, data storage, a “proof of concepts” center, mentoring, financing, cheap office space, and more. Details, examples of other innovation “clusters,” and next steps for your city are inside.
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, which is part of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, recently recognized 111 innovative government initiatives as part of its “Bright Ideas” program. Inside are details, examples, resources, and tips for applying next year.
The Council on Local Results and Innovation has released a set of ten “performance measures” for cities and counties, which could help demonstrate how effectively services are provided to residents. Details and the ten benchmarks are inside.
The mayor of San Francisco unveiled an innovative technology fellowship program aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure and processes. Details and tips for doing the same in your city are inside.
Mount Airy, NC, recently implemented a radical policy: Call businesses instead of sending threatening code-violation letters. See how this simple policy has saved money and headaches, and has improved communication.
Researchers are designing networks that can protect themselves against online attackers
When Oklahoma City was required to dismantle a major bridge and rebuild it one mile south, an opportunity for savings became apparent. Details, savings and lessons are inside.
Philadelphia has hired its first-ever Chief Data Officer. Inside, we look at how the position is linked to the Open Data movement, and provide details on the position, its pay, its function
In his first column for Gov1, Palo Alto CIO Jonathan Reichental argues that city leaders must rethink how and what technology is delivered in order to get the results they desire. According to Reichen
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