The Future in Context

• 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.

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

From digital inclusion to AI innovation, we take a closer look at Government Technology's honorees in the 23rd year of its annual awards. In conversation with editorial staff, we focus on the work of five particular leaders.

The editors of Government Technology recently released their annual Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers for this year. The class of 2024 is noteworthy for continuing a multiyear trend toward gender equity among recipients, with women making up 44 percent of the group. The cross section of public leaders is recognized for their work on digital inclusion, government modernization, innovative application of generative AI, and a collective commitment to improving government services.The episode focuses on five recipients, emphasizing their dedication and humility and underscoring their role in driving positive change at the local, state and national levels. The hosts are joined by Government Technology Managing Editor Lauren Kinkade, Associate Editor Zack Quaintance, Senior Staff Writer Thad Rueter and Data Reporter Nikki Davidson.

• Amy Huffman, policy director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), stands as a crucial adviser to localities in vying for slices of the federal government's historic investment of $65 billion in broadband and $2.75 billion in digital equity. The funds are now trickling down to states, where the monumental task of allocation lies. Huffman is helping to guide states in effectively utilizing the funds, facilitating coordination through NDIA's toolkit and state cohorts.
• Rob Mancini leads Prince William County, Va.'s IT department, which topped the 2023 Digital Counties Survey, following strong placements in previous years. He helmed the county's modernization efforts and fostered an inclusive work environment. Mancini's focus is now on enhancing government services, including the implementation of a new AI-powered 311 platform, as part of ongoing efforts to transform the county's IT infrastructure.
• Sam Orth, chief technology officer and director of technology in Columbus, Ohio, owes his career trajectory to an early interest in personal computers and a stint at a local computer store in the 1980s. His private-sector sales background informs his current role, emphasizing customer-centricity and the understanding that technology drives change and business outcomes. Orth's approach, rooted in intrinsic motivation and a focus on trust and authentic communication, shapes initiatives like deploying body cameras for police and establishing the city's data analytics program, highlighting the importance of people alongside technological tools in building successful IT programs.
• Kenyatta Powers-Rucker, Maryland Department of Human Services CIO, highlights the absence of mentorship as a significant hurdle in her tech journey — emphasizing the importance of support, particularly for underrepresented groups. With more than 12 years in leadership, Powers-Rucker's commitment lies in facilitating access to tech resources for those in need while advocating for greater diversity in the industry through speaking engagements, networking and mentorship initiatives.
• Katy Ruckle, Washington's chief privacy officer, has spearheaded the state's privacy initiatives, establishing foundational principles and training programs while leveraging grants for workforce upskilling. In her role since January 2020, Ruckle aims to navigate the evolving landscape of technology, particularly AI, by fostering responsible data usage through collaborative partnerships and community engagement — ensuring Washington remains at the forefront of privacy standards.

Related Links to items referenced in the episode:

• GovTech's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers 2024
• Video Overview of the GT Top 25

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State government coverage faces a decline amidst journalism's broader struggles, with Pew Research Center revealing a rise in statehouse reporters, yet a decrease in full-time coverage. The University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communication combats this trend, sponsoring the $25,000 Collier Prize for State Government Accountability, awarded this year to a collaboration between Texas Tribune, ProPublica, and "Frontline" for their Uvalde school shooting investigation. Hub Brown, the college's dean, notes the endangered state of state government journalism due to dwindling resources, advocating for journalism that empowers citizens. Brown highlights the Collier Prize's role in showcasing impactful accountability journalism, fostering a national dialogue on its significance and ultimately promoting greater focus on journalistic excellence and societal accountability.

With a crowd of more than 900 people, the NASCIO Midyear Conference buzzed with energy about generative artificial intelligence, along with concern that humans remain in charge.

Generative AI can fill a room. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear Conference attracted some 938 registered attendees. And that's for a membership organization that represents 50 appointed tech officials. Not surprisingly, AI dominated the agenda — but not to the exclusion of longstanding NASCIO priorities of cybersecurity, workforce development, business transformation and data literacy.Government Technology was on the ground for the event in National Harbor, Md., led by Executive Editor Noelle Knell, Managing Editor Lauren Kinkade and Senior Staff Writer Thad Rueter. The trio joined the podcast to recap the full scope of the conference.

Show Notes

1. AI's Accelerating Role: The rapid rise of generative AI to production-level implementation is surprising state tech leaders, prompting important policy and practice discussions about how best to integrate the technology in ethical decision-making and service delivery.
2. Data Literacy Imperative: Minnesota and Texas have pioneered innovative approaches to data literacy, which they see as fundamental to the future of state IT programs.
3. Cybersecurity Challenges: AI compounds cybersecurity challenges for states, while giving the public-sector IT community powerful new tools in combatting bad actors. Long a priority for NASCIO, state-level defenses against cyber threats have been aided by federal support and collaboration.
4. Future of Trusted Collaboration: NASCIO's newly updated strategic plan emphasizes "trusted collaboration" as pivotal in navigating complex partnerships among public-, private- and civic- sector players.
5. AI and Workforce Development: The intersection of AI and workforce development puts a premium on attracting younger tech professionals to government by showcasing AI's potential impact in public service and the opportunities for skill development.
6. Privacy and AI Ethics: State officials highlight the importance of addressing privacy concerns and ethical considerations in AI implementation, emphasizing compliance with record series laws and the imperative of building trust among citizens regarding AI use cases.

Links to stories related to this episode:

• Is Your State Data Literate? We Asked CIOs
• The Answer to Ransomware? 'Doubling Down on the Fundamentals'
• NASCIO Speakers Pepper Their AI Optimism With Warnings
• Nevada Harnesses GenAI for Employment Claims Evaluation
• SLCGP Money Goes to Training, Assessments, Policy Development

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The rise of generative artificial intelligence is a stress test for data governance and management. And an opportunity for data stewards to shine.

When Neil Cooke became the Chief Data Officer at the Texas Department of Information Resources in 2022, generative artificial intelligence (GenA) was not on the horizon. The role was focused on data governance and collaborating with state agencies in overseeing the shared open data portal. It is tempting — and a little clickbaity — to say GenAI changed all that. But that would be factually incorrect. In fact, all the behind-the-scenes work on data management and governance has gone a long way toward preparing the state to meet the challenges — and take advantage of the opportunities — of AI.Cooke talked about data disciplines as a precursor to the effective use of artificial intelligence on our occasional series, Government A to Z, with 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.

Show NotesHere are the top 3 takeaways from this episode:

An Evolving Strategic Role:

• Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and data management officers play pivotal roles in navigating government challenges by overseeing data governance practices and promoting collaboration across agencies.
• Their responsibilities include breaking down data silos, ensuring data quality, and fostering a culture where data is valued and managed effectively.

AI's Transformative Potential:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool in addressing governmental challenges, offering opportunities for automation, enhanced decision-making, and predictive analytics.
• However, the effectiveness of AI models heavily relies on the quality and security of the data they're trained on, emphasizing the importance of robust data governance frameworks.

Collaborative Approach:

• Collaboration between government entities, AI advisory councils, and technology experts is essential for responsible AI development and effective data governance.
• Initiatives such as data literacy programs and AI user groups facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices dissemination, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing governmental challenges.

Related Links to stories related to this episode:

• Texas DIR Appoints Neil Cooke to Lead State Data Initiatives
• Agency's New State Chief Data Officer to Oversee Open-Data Portal

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Reducing traffic deaths is a compelling proposition, but it gets complicated when trying to make it so.

Reduced enforcement of traffic laws, increased rates of driver impairment, cellphone distractions and street designs that prioritize speed have helped reverse long-standing traffic safety gains in American cities.Programs like Vision Zero, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths, face challenges in implementation and efficacy, though success stories like Hoboken, N.J., offer hope. Federal initiatives such as Safe Streets and Roads for All provide substantial funding opportunities for cities to enhance street safety. However, administrative barriers may hinder smaller municipalities from accessing these resources.In TFIC's occasional series, Your Mileage May Vary, and Senior Writer Jared Brey (Governing) and Senior Writer Skip Descant (Government Technology*) explore how controversies around street design interventions — so-called traffic calming — like bike lanes and curb extensions highlight the challenges of balancing various transportation needs and navigating public perceptions. Technology plays a crucial role in supporting infrastructure improvements, from speed monitoring to data-driven safety assessments. In the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse, the daunting task of rebuilding underscores the importance of robust infrastructure planning and response mechanisms.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Traffic Safety Trends: Despite long-term declines in traffic fatalities, American cities have experienced a concerning uptick in traffic-related deaths and collisions, particularly during the pandemic, attributed to factors like reduced enforcement and increased impairment.
2. Challenges of Vision Zero: While programs like Vision Zero aim to eliminate traffic deaths, implementation faces hurdles, with mixed success in cities like San Francisco. Strategies include redesigning streets for safety and setting ambitious goals, but efficacy varies across contexts.
3. Federal Funding Opportunities: Federal initiatives such as Safe Streets and Roads for All offer substantial funding to enhance street safety, but smaller municipalities may face administrative challenges in accessing these resources, highlighting the need for capacity-building support.
4. Controversies in Street Design: Controversies around street interventions like bike lanes and curb extensions underscore the challenges of balancing diverse transportation needs and navigating public perceptions, with technology playing a crucial role in supporting infrastructure improvements.
5. Lessons from Infrastructure Failures: Infrastructure failures like the Baltimore bridge collapse highlight the importance of robust planning and response mechanisms, underscoring the daunting task of rebuilding and its potential impacts on regional and global trade.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• How Hoboken Has Gone Years Without a Traffic Death
• Pedestrian Fatalities Reach Record High

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A 50-state investigation in data journalism suggests the answer is, not yet. The AI agent was insightful on a number of fronts; but, while not descending into hallucinations, its mind strayed from instructions as the experiment went on.

Government Technology Data Reporter Nikki Davidson tasked Google's AI tool Gemini (formerly Bard) to explore AI's perspective on government technology use. Davidson's innovative approach involved treating AI as a collaborative partner to generate insights on AI's potential applications in government.

Despite Gemini's occasional inaccuracies and deviations from instructions, Davidson's project yielded diverse and unexpected use cases across different areas, such as mental health, opioid use and climate change.Gemini's recommendations extended to climate challenges and infrastructure needs, reflecting a surprisingly deep understanding of regional concerns. Gemini itself suggested it would be five to 10 years before AI is fully integrated in government operations, emphasizing that it is inevitable for government.

Believing turnabout is fair play, Davidson asked Gemini for feedback on her work. It gave the article a strong numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10 but did have suggestions on how to make it better. Human reviewers, including Benjamin Palacio, a senior IT analyst with Placer County, Calif., highlighted both the promise and challenges of AI applications, particularly in sensitive areas like mental health support. Davidson views AI as a valuable tool but underscores the necessity of human oversight and awareness of its limitations.

Takeaways:

• AI can be used as a tool to explore the best uses of technology in government.
• Surprising use cases of AI in government include mental health and opioid abuse awareness.
• Ethical concerns arise when AI suggests analyzing sensitive data like social media and medical records.
• Human intervention is necessary to ensure the accuracy of AI.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting Up the Story

00:39 Using AI to Explore Government Use Cases

04:10 The Maps and the Impact of the Story

05:12 Surprising Use Cases of AI in Government

07:18 Ethical Concerns and Gray Areas

09:05 AI's Role in Infrastructure and Climate

10:26 Realistic Timelines for AI Implementation

11:22 The Relationship With AI and Hallucinations

13:17 AI's Opinion on the Worth and Accuracy of the Work

14:19 Responses from Human Reviewers

15:30 AI as a Tool With Limitations

16:23 Conclusion and Future Possibilities

Related Links to items referenced in the episode:

• How Does AI Predict Governments Will Use AI? It Depends Where You Live
• Center for Public Sector AI, a division of e.Republic, the parent company of Government Technology and Governing.

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The reinvention of a Virginia city built by railway robber barons as a biotech hub defies default strategies of trying to attract new players to do what was done by the companies that left or closed. The story of Roanoke shares the cover of the rebooted print edition of Governing magazine* with a feature on what states are doing to increase the availability and affordability of housing.Governing Editor Alan Greenblatt discusses the magazine's return to print after five years of being web-only. Greenblatt emphasizes the value of a physical magazine for high-level government officials, providing in-depth analysis and innovative ideas on pressing issues. The magazine aims to offer a thoughtful and lasting resource that readers can reference on their desks, offering a break from the overwhelming flood of web-based information.The cover stories feature Roanoke's successful transition to biotech and the growing concern of housing shortages addressed by state policymakers.Here are the takeaways from this episode:

Solving the Economic Development Puzzle: Roanoke, Va., faced economic hardship when two Fortune 500 companies closed their headquarters. It was situation familiar to many communities that have lost major employers, leading to prolonged efforts to rebuild. However, Roanoke chose a different path. The city went all in on biotech, leveraging existing resources like Carilion Clinic and a new medical school from Virginia Tech. The shift resulted in a thriving biotech research institute that grew from one to over 500 employees.Shift in State Involvement in Housing: States are increasingly recognizing the widespread need for affordable and quality housing, leading them to take a more active role previously reserved for local governments.Zoning Policy Reform: States are reconsidering zoning policies, traditionally a local concern, as a factor contributing to housing cost increases and supply constraints. They are exploring changes to zoning laws to encourage more diverse housing options:

• West Coast: States like Oregon, Washington and California are permitting multifamily buildings in single-family areas to increase housing density.
• East Coast: Pennsylvania's Whole-Home Repairs policy offers grants to homeowners for essential repairs, aiming to preserve existing housing stock. Meanwhile, Rhode Island explores a public developer model, inspired by Montgomery County, Md., to build mixed-income housing.
• Mountain West: Colorado purposefully introduced multiple housing reform bills with overlapping coalitions to build a broad base of support for legislative change. It has also taken administrative action to reduce turnaround for permitting and eliminate mandatory parking. Colorado took a page from what worked in Montana, which pursued policies that require cities to allow duplexes and accessory dwelling units in single-family areas to address housing affordability and supply issues.

While zoning policy reform may address higher housing costs associated with restrictive zoning, it doesn't necessarily lead to immediate cost reduction.

Importance of Transit Proximity: Progressive lawmakers recognize the benefits of building dense housing near transit hubs to reduce car dependency and improve efficiency in moving people.The issue also covers the turnover among school superintendents, citizenship for American Indians, city lobbying and the impact of clean energy credits.

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Lawmakers, industry players and parents are making moves to keep kids safe online, but their approaches vary widely. A bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate is intended to shield children by requiring social media platforms to turn off addictive product features, and require companies to minimize mental health risks. New York state proposed restricting what it called "unhealthy social media usage" by prohibiting minors from accessing addictive feeds without parental consent. In the name of parental rights, Florida legislators considered sometimes competing bills to either ban those younger than 16 from social media altogether or require platforms to perform age verification of their users.

For their part, platform companies have worked to pre-empt government regulation by introducing safeguards in their software to limit what kids can do online, and with whom.The question of who should regulate access to social media — government, industry or parents — is the focus of the debut of another occasional series, this one called Government A to Z, a generational take on the intersection of society, technology and government. It features 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.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Government Regulation: There are common themes in state-level legislation aimed at protecting the mental health of underage social media users. Measures address safeguards against concerns over bullying, harassment, sexual exploitation, anorexia, self-harm and predatory marketing. The 2024 legislative sessions in Florida, Arkansas and Utah all sought to regulate social media access for minors.
2. Industry Self-Regulation: Meta's introduction of nighttime nudges is the latest industry attempt to provide teens with automated tools to manage social media time. The panel discusses its potential effectiveness and compares it to similar tools on YouTube and TikTok.
3. Parental Supervision: The introduction of parental supervision tools highlights the importance of privacy, autonomy and collaboration between parents and tech companies but also raises the specter of permanent infantilization.
4. Nothing Resolved: The rapidity of change in the tech industry and changing societal norms and expectations require continuing refinement of legislation and regulations concerning social media access for minors. It is reasonable to expect further legal battles, as lawmakers, parents and tech companies contend for the ability to shape the online experience of minors.
5. Literacy: The panel emphasized the need for education, media literacy and ongoing dialog to address the complex challenges posed by teen social media usage.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• States Eye Social Media Bans Despite Legal Roadblocks
• DeSantis Favors Toned-Down Social Media Restrictions
• Will Legislation Actually Keep Teens Off Social Media?

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The freedom of the open road would become a little less free if congestion pricing became widespread in America. The strategy aims to reduce traffic congestion by charging variable fees for driving at certain times in certain areas. Planners and policymakers see the potential revenue to offset declining gas tax receipts as vehicles become more fuel efficient.

Decades after dynamic pricing was implemented by some international cities, only a relative handful of American cities — New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. — have adopted plans for at least partial implementations of the pricing model.

In the debut of an occasional series called Your Mileage May Vary, Senior Writers Skip Descant (Government Technology) and Jared Brey (Governing) join The Future In Context to explore the efforts to bring the model to America and whether resistance is waning. The story of congestion pricing underscores the complexity of transportation and infrastructure management; and highlights the importance of strategic planning, community engagement and adaptive policies to address evolving challenges effectively.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Congestion Pricing: The concept of congestion pricing, though controversial, is gaining traction as a means to manage traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fund transportation infrastructure. It involves charging drivers for road usage, especially in congested areas, to incentivize alternative modes of transportation.
2. Funding Challenges and Alternative Revenue Sources: Traditional funding sources like the gas tax are becoming insufficient due to factors such as increased fuel efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles. Policymakers are exploring alternative revenue sources like vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fees to sustainably fund transportation infrastructure projects.
3. Public Engagement and Policy Design: Effective policy design requires thorough public engagement to understand community needs and concerns. Policymakers should align their goals, whether reducing congestion, cutting emissions or improving driving experiences, with the preferences of the public to garner support and ensure successful implementation.
4. Economic, Social and Environmental Importance: Transportation and infrastructure are vital for economic growth, social well-being and environmental sustainability. They affect various aspects of life and are crucial for governments to manage effectively.
5. Long-Term Perspective and Political Will: Implementing significant changes in transportation and infrastructure requires a long-term perspective and political will. Policymakers must navigate complex challenges, including public resistance, competing interests and the need for sustainable solutions that address both current and future needs.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

• To Sell Congestion Pricing Plans, Don't Mention Climate Change
• Washington's $15 Tolls Hope to Reduce Traffic, Increase Revenue
• After NYC, Will Los Angeles Be Next to Consider Congestion Pricing?
• Hope for Car-Haters

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