The Future in Context

As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, a longtime broadcast journalist and historian calls for addressing economic inequities, corporate monopolies, and restoring effective governance grow stronger.

The country’s 250th birthday comes on July 4, 2026. Technically, it is called the quarter millennium or semi-quin-centennial. The word is hard to say but once you get it out, the coming anniversary does provide a reminder that it is not too early to take stock of how the republic is doing, and what its prospects look like.

Alexander Heffner is a journalist, civic educator, and the host of The Open Mind on PBS, a role he has held since 2014. He also created "Breaking Bread with Alexander" on Bloomberg TV, where he engages in conversations with political figures over shared meals. Heffner is known for his in-depth discussions on democracy, media, technology, and ethics, continuing the legacy of the show, which was founded by his grandfather in 1956.

As a passionate advocate for civil discourse, he has written and spoken widely on the state of public media and the challenges facing American democracy in the digital age. Heffner's work spans contributions to major publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, as well as teaching and lecturing at universities across the U.S.

Show Notes

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Legacy of The Open Mind: Heffner discusses his role as the host of The Open Mind, a program founded by his grandfather, Richard Heffner. He reflects on the show's mission of promoting thoughtful dialogue and deliberation, which stands in contrast to the divisive and superficial nature of much modern media.

2. Challenges of Effective Policy: Heffner shares his experience interviewing public officials and policymakers, noting the difficulty in enacting sound policies due to a dysfunctional political landscape. However, he highlights efforts by state leaders to innovate and compromise for effective governance.

3. Breaking Bread Initiative: Heffner talks about his show Breaking Bread, where he uses food as a common ground to have in-depth, non-adversarial conversations with politicians. The aim is to create a culture of peacebuilding and to foster genuine exchanges that can inspire effective policy-making.

4. Economic Inequality and Governance: Heffner points to the stark economic imbalances in the U.S., contrasting the economic landscape of today with that of 50 years ago. He discusses the negative impact of monopolistic corporate power on American governance and the challenges this presents to achieving equitable policies, especially in housing, healthcare, and education.

5. The Future of American Democracy: As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Heffner expresses concern over the state of democracy, citing key national crises like the Great Recession, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocates for a political culture that prioritizes fairness, happiness, and meaningful improvement in the public's quality of life through systemic change.

Related Links to resources referenced in the episode:

• · Host, The Open Mind on PBS

• · Creator, Breaking Bread with Alexander (now running on Bloomberg TV)

• Coauthor, A Documentary History of the United States (Penguin Random House)

 

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As state CIOs prepare to gather in New Orleans for their association’s national conference next week, it is worth taking stock of the public-sector IT community — strategic and operational complexities, leadership, strategic planning, partnership-building and relentless change in technologies and citizen expectations.

National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Executive Director Doug Robinson is uniquely positioned to reflect on the status of state IT. Marking his 20th year at the head of the membership organization, his two-decade tenure is significantly longer than his peers. He joins the podcast to remember the lessons hard-learned over the years, and to look ahead at what lies around the next corner.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. The Continuing Evolution of the State CIO Role: The interview delves into the evolution of state CIOs from a back-office, technical role into a central leadership position that drives government transformation. The focus has shifted from managing “boxes and wires” to leadership in public service delivery and digital innovation.
2. 2. Technology, Digital Services, and Future Challenges: The future of state IT focuses on improving the delivery of digital services to citizens. Robinson emphasizes the need for states to embrace new technology, human-centered design, and improved digital identity management, while also preparing for emerging trends like AI. He stresses that public-sector IT must modernize to meet citizen expectations, akin to the private sector.
3. 3. From Nothing to Permanent Presence in Government Affairs: Robinson traces NASCIO’s evolving focus on government affairs, emphasizing the importance of engaging with federal partners and state legislators. He recounts how the association’s advocacy efforts have grown over the years, including the establishment of an office in Washington, D.C., to represent state IT interests more effectively.
4. 4. Balancing Member Expectations and Equity: As a membership organization, NASCIO faces the challenge of balancing diverse and sometimes conflicting member needs. Robinson discusses how NASCIO ensures member equity by treating all states and corporate members fairly, regardless of size or influence.
5. 5. Chief AI Officers and Emerging Leadership Roles: The conversation touches on the rise of new technology-related leadership roles in state governments, such as chief AI officers, chief privacy officers, and chief information security officers. Robinson notes that these roles may or may not report to the CIO and discusses how NASCIO has embraced these emerging leaders by creating communities of practice to foster collaboration among them.

Related Link to coverage of previous NASCIO conferences, including reporting by Government Technology from annual and midyear conferences.

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Fifteen years after putting the civic in civic tech, Code for America is pivoting to come alongside local governments to take on the challenges they face today — bringing collaborative expertise to the use of AI in the public sector and defending gains made through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in government.amanda.jpgThe organization made its name by helping government better use (and often liberate or democratize) the data it holds and developing citizen apps through early hackathons, and making a network of volunteer developers available to public agencies that could not marshal those resources by themselves.Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, joins the podcast this episode to talk about the organization’s mission, track record and what comes next.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Diverse Collaboration and Problem Solving: Code for America remains focused on the collaborative efforts of individuals from various backgrounds, including government, technology and nonprofit sectors. Renteria emphasizes the importance of leveraging diverse talents to address societal challenges, and the positive correlation between the evolution of Code for America and effective governance.
2. Growth and Evolution of Civic Tech: The interview traces the rise of civic technology, from early hackathons to its integration into mainstream digital government initiatives. Code for America has been a catalyst in making government better, particularly during crises like COVID-19, and continues to shape its future through partnerships and innovation.
3. Measuring Impact and Systems Change: The organization initially measured success by volunteer participation and project outcomes but has since shifted toward evaluating systemic changes. For example, proactive government behavior, such as Louisiana’s response to disaster relief, is now a key indicator of success, showing a broader impact on governance. The interview highlights ongoing initiatives like Direct File for tax filing, integrated benefits systems in states like Minnesota and efforts to improve child-care services.
4. Ethics and AI in Government: The role of AI in government is a critical concern. Code for America prioritizes transparency, ethical use of data and addressing biases in AI systems. Its AI Studio aims to educate government officials on how to use AI responsibly, ensuring that it serves people fairly and equitably, while keeping ethical considerations at the forefront.
5. Pushing Back Against Bug Tech’s DEI Pullback: Renteria expresses disappointment about the decline of tech industry programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. She acknowledges that some large tech companies, like Google, Meta and Lyft, have backed away from their DEI efforts, which she finds disheartening. However, she also emphasizes a deeper sense of responsibility to continue working toward equity and inclusion, regardless of the political or industry climate. Amanda notes that while the term "equity" has become politically charged, she believes most people still want a government that works for everyone. She says Code for America remains committed to ensuring government services are inclusive, even if the term “equity” itself falls out of favor.

Related Links to Code for America resources referenced in the episode:

• Building a Practice of Responsible AI
• A hands-on, human-centered approach to AI for government 

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SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Rural Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Small and rural communities face significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure like utilities, with limited resources making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
2. Whole-of-State (WOS) Cybersecurity Programs: WOS initiatives, supported by federal grants, provide comprehensive cybersecurity support across state and local government levels, with various states adopting unique strategies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
3. Sector-Specific Cyber Threats: Critical sectors such as water, energy, and space are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, with outdated systems and the integration of new technologies introducing additional vulnerabilities.
4. Sustainability of Cybersecurity Initiatives: There are ongoing concerns about the long-term sustainability of WOS programs, particularly the continuity of federal funding, which is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of these initiatives.
5. Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies: Collaboration between federal, state, and international entities is essential in developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies, focusing on guidelines, technical assistance, and raising awareness of cyber risks.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction: Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Challenges of Protecting Critical Infrastructure 01:06 - Threats to Water Sector: Ransomware and Nation-State Actors

 

08:39 - Vulnerabilities in the Power Grid: Legacy Systems and Fragility 11:15 - Cybersecurity in Space: Multiple Layers of Vulnerability 13:52 - Vulnerabilities in Legacy Systems and Networks 15:49 - Challenges Faced by Small and Rural Communities in Implementing Cybersecurity 18:01 - The Debate: Diversifying Providers vs. Relying on the Best in the Business 20:32 - Collaboration and Real-Time Alerts: Key Elements of Effective Cybersecurity

Politico calls him California’s “chief gatekeeper” when it comes to AI rules and regulations. However, state Sen. Thomas Umberg isn’t all that interested in closing the door to progress on how we use and develop large language models (LLM). In fact, while the Santa Ana Democrat has concerns about the future of “AI” as we know it, he’s far more concerned with finding a way to balance regulation and innovation. With California having provided direction for decades in tech industry development and regulation, it only makes sense to Umberg that the state takes point in developing responsible but fair legislation this early in the technology’s lifespan.

Umberg joins TFIC co-host and Government Technology Staff Writer Ashley Silver, and Governing Staff Writer Zina Hutton, to talk about his concerns with AI regulation, why states are leading the charge, dealing with tech execs, and what steps states would have to address when it comes to a cohesive response on regulating AI.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. State-Led AI Regulation Efforts: States, particularly California, are at the forefront of AI regulation, drafting hundreds of legislative proposals. State Sen. Tom Umberg emphasizes the need for clear definitions of key terms like “artificial intelligence,” “transparency,” “bias” and “privacy” to create effective regulations.
2. Challenges in Balancing Progress and Protection: Officials like Umberg struggle to balance the benefits of AI with the need to mitigate its risks. The complexity of AI requires extensive consultation with experts across various sectors to ensure regulations are well-informed and effective.
3. Federal vs. State Responsibilities: There’s a perceived vacuum at the federal level in addressing AI regulation, prompting states to take the initiative. California, home to many AI companies, feels a unique responsibility to set national and potentially international standards.
4. Risks and Opportunities of AI: AI’s integration into numerous aspects of life, including health care, law enforcement and employment, presents both significant benefits and potential catastrophic risks. Transparent and unbiased AI models could improve objectivity in areas like insurance and employment.
5. Ongoing Efforts and Collaboration: Continuous dialog with academics, AI enterprises and other stakeholders is crucial for developing robust regulations. Policymakers aim to find a “sweet spot,” where regulations foster AI's positive potential while minimizing its risks.

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Governing and Government Technology are both part of e.Republic.

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The former Rust Belt state is betting its future on a sought-after natural resource — people — guided by one person in particular. Hilary Doe, the first state chief growth officer anywhere, discusses what’s next.

Michigan is putting its future in the hands of a single person — its first-in-the-nation chief growth officer. Hilary Doe, chief growth officer, expressed her excitement about the transformation of Michigan Central Station into a dynamic hub of innovation. This revitalized landmark in Detroit is not only fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, but also pioneering cutting-edge infrastructure projects like the first self-charging road. As a collaborative community for entrepreneurs and innovators, the station is positioning Detroit and Michigan as nationally recognized centers of opportunity and technological advancement.In this episode of The Future In Context, Doe speaks with Governing Senior Staff Writer Carl Smith about what’s new — and different — in her role, and the state’s approach to economic growth and competitiveness.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Revitalization of Michigan Central Station: The station is being transformed into a hub of innovation, serving as a key focal point for Detroit and the entire state of Michigan.
2. Startup Ecosystem Growth: The area around the station, particularly Newlab in the book depository, is fostering a burgeoning startup scene with 99 new startups already established.
3. Innovative Infrastructure: It’s ground zero for cutting-edge developments such as the first self-charging road, which exemplifies the forward-thinking projects attracting entrepreneurs and innovators.
4. Collaborative Community: The station and its surroundings are becoming vibrant ecosystems where entrepreneurs and innovators can connect, share ideas and collaboratively build future technologies.
5. National Recognition and Opportunity: The transformation of Michigan Central Station is positioning Detroit and Michigan as nationally recognized centers for innovation and opportunity, attracting talent and investment from across the country.

Related Link to an item referenced in the episode:

• One State Is Putting a Single Person in Charge of Its Growth Strategy

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As ridership continues to lag amid a stubbornly slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, cities experiment with free rides and micromobility to prove public transit’s worth in worsening financial conditions.

When New York Gov. Kathy Hochul spiked plans to implement congestion pricing in New York City, it took a much-anticipated annual injection of $1 billion out of the mix — just as public transit systems there and elsewhere were looking to the pricing scheme for some good news in an otherwise bleak fiscal landscape.In TFIC’s occasional series, Your Mileage May Vary, senior writers Skip Descant of Government Technology and Jared Brey of Governing discuss the ramifications of Hochul’s decision for transit systems across the country as concerns grow over a looming fiscal cliff from which they may not recover. At the same time, some regions are turning to new policy approaches, including fare-free rides and micromobility solutions, to reinforce the value they bring to their communities.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Congestion Pricing Pause in NYC: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul halted New York City’s congestion pricing plan. The plan was set to generate $1 billion annually for public transit, critical for addressing financial shortfalls.
2. Political and Financial Implications: Hochul’s decision may be influenced by upcoming elections, aiming to avoid voter backlash. The halt leaves New York City’s public transit without a vital funding source, exacerbating its financial crisis.
3. Post-Pandemic Public Transit Crisis: Ridership plummeted during COVID-19 and is recovering slowly. Transit systems face significant budget deficits as they struggle to regain fare revenue and maintain service levels.
4. Alternative Funding and Operations Strategies: Several regions are exploring fare-free rides and micromobility solutions to address budget shortfalls. These measures aim to cut costs and attract riders, but their long-term sustainability and effectiveness are uncertain.
5. State and Local Government Responses: Some state and local governments are stepping in to cover budget gaps. The level of support varies in places from New York to Minneapolis, and the financial viability of transit systems heavily depends on continued government subsidies and innovative funding solutions.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• Transit Agencies Must Replace Thousands of Maintenance Workers
• Why Some Cities Want to Combine Transit Agencies
• Resisting the Campaign for Safer Streets
• Eliminate Silos to Innovate Your Transportation System

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Former Compton, CA mayor Aja Brown grew up poor. Early on, she developed a sense of what could be for her community. Later, as an urban planner, she had what she calls a “heart to see Compton reach its full potential.” Once she sat in the mayor’s desk, armed with a 12-point vision plan that reflected community needs and a determination to revitalization her city, she used the levers available to her to nudge Compton toward a preferred future. During her tenure, Brown focused on sustainability, economic development, and youth empowerment, leveraging private investment to drive progress.

“There is no equity without data”

She also championed the Compton Pledge, America’s largest experiment with universal basic income program to help address systemic inequalities. That work has led her to the intersection public policy, philanthropy and technology where she believes data-driven solutions can be better delivered outside of government.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

Community-Centered Leadership: Brown's tenure as mayor was defined by her community-centered approach, rooted in a comprehensive 12-point vision plan that addressed the pressing needs of Compton residents. By focusing on sustainability, economic development, and youth empowerment, she aimed to revitalize the city and empower its citizens.

Innovative Policy Initiatives: Brown's implementation of innovative policy initiatives, such as the Compton Pledge guaranteed income program, showcased her commitment to addressing systemic inequalities. By directly delivering resources to residents during the pandemic, Brown demonstrated the power of combining philanthropy with policy-driven solutions to uplift communities.

Technology as a Tool for Equity: Brown emphasizes the importance of technology, exemplified by platforms like Forward, in streamlining government processes and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. By leveraging data-driven solutions, technology can empower underserved communities and improve the efficiency and transparency of governance.

Continued Advocacy for Change: Brown's work exemplifies a continued advocacy for change and equity in governance. Her dedication to empowering communities and driving transformative initiatives underscores the ongoing need for innovative approaches to address systemic challenges and uplift marginalized populations.

Related Links to items referenced in the episode:

• What If Government Just Gave Everyone Cash, No Strings Attached? Several Los Angeles Cities in Dire Financial Straits
• The FORWARD Platform

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Eric Goldman, associate dean of research at Santa Clara University School of Law, assesses concerns around the impending TikTok ban or buyout. It faces significant First Amendment challenges, he said.

The debate over the potential TikTok ban, or forced sale under recent federal legislation, hinges on significant legal and constitutional challenges. Eight TikTok influencers have already filed a lawsuit, arguing the ban infringes on their First Amendment rights. Santa Clara University School of Law Associate Dean of Research Eric Goldman joins our Government A to Z, panel, drawing attention to the difficulties the government faces in justifying the ban, noting the lack of publicly available evidence on national security risks and the broader implications for free speech. Goldman suggests that the ban could set a precedent for digital trade barriers, leading to potential international retaliation and exacerbating political distrust among younger Americans. The conversation underscores the complex intersection of technology, law and public policy.TFIC co-host and Government Technology Staff Writer Ashley Silver along with two colleagues from Governing* — Staff Writer Zina Hutton and Digital Editor Zoe Manzanetti, react to Goldman's analysis in thinking about the future of TikTok in the lives of American users. They discuss the app's unique appeal, question whether its algorithm fosters deeper connections and consider the impact of a ban on users and the political landscape.

SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:1. Legislative Actions:

• President Joe Biden signed a bill to ban TikTok if ByteDance, its Chinese owner, doesn't divest within a year.
• ByteDance has nine months to sell, with a potential three-month extension if it can demonstrate progress.

2. Legal Challenges:

• Eight TikTok influencers are suing the U.S. government, claiming the ban violates their First Amendment rights.
• Prior bans by the federal government, states and universities have already restricted TikTok usage on government devices.

3. Constitutional Concerns:

• Goldman argues the ban faces significant First Amendment challenges, as it affects users’ and the platform’s rights.
• The lack of public evidence on national security risks weakens the government’s case.

4. Economic and Social Impact:

• TikTok is a major platform for income and social interaction for millions, raising questions about the fairness of the ban.
• The ban could set a precedent for future digital trade barriers, affecting international relations.

5. Public Opinion and Political Pressure:

• Younger generations view the ban as a diversion from more pressing issues like housing and climate change.
• There’s a concern that a ban could increase distrust in the government, particularly among Gen Z and Alpha.

Related Links to items referenced in the episode:

• Questions Swirl Over Future of TikTok Ownership
• What Would a TikTok Ban Mean?

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. *Governing and Government Technology are both part of e.Republic.

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A new report card called ScanGov monitors and evaluates the fundamentals of government websites in all 50 states and the federal government. The report reveals that half of all states received a failing grade, indicating a need for improvement in transparency, domain credibility, accessibility, and crawlability. The creators of ScanGov, Elias and Luke Fretwell, emphasize that their goal is not to shame governments but to educate and inspire behavioral change. The project has received positive feedback and has already prompted some agencies to make improvements. However, there is still a need for states to prioritize the technical components of their websites and establish dedicated digital service teams. Keywordsgovernment websites, ScanGov, report card, failing grade, transparency, domain credibility, accessibility, crawlability, civic hacking, behavioral change, digital service teams Takeaways

• Half of all states received a failing grade in the ScanGov report card, indicating a need for improvement in the fundamentals of government websites.
• The creators of ScanGov aim to educate and inspire behavioral change rather than shame governments.
• Positive feedback has been received, and some agencies have already made improvements based on the report card.
• States need to prioritize the technical components of their websites and establish dedicated digital service teams to ensure better performance.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Government Websites 03:15 ScanGov: Evaluating Basic Web Practices 04:43 Inspiring Change through Civic Hacking 09:30 Positive Feedback and Improvements 14:11 ScanGov Report Card: Revealing Failing Grades   Related Links to items referenced in the episode:

• ScanGov: Government digital experience monitor
• A Young Civic Hacker Could Be the Next Generation of Gov Tech

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