Author Archive
Emerging Tech
A State Becomes the First to Suspend Facial Recognition Technology in Schools
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there are “serious and legitimate privacy concerns” with the technology—but only prohibited its use until 2022.
Artificial Intelligence
Figuring Out School Bus Routes Is More Complicated Than Ever. Districts Are Turning to Technology for Help.
In places where kids go to in-person school, buses will look different this year as systems deal with the challenges of transporting kids during a pandemic.
Artificial Intelligence
One City Rejected a Policing Algorithm. Could It Be Used For Other Purposes?
In Pittsburgh, an algorithm that deployed law enforcement officers to predicted crime “hot spots” might be repurposed to send social services to areas in need instead.
Emerging Tech
States Sue Trump Administration Over 3D-Printed Gun Regulations
The state attorneys general say they fear making online designs to create “ghost guns” more accessible will lead to violence.
Emerging Tech
One State May Become the First to Ban Law Enforcement Use of Genealogy Databases
A Utah state representative said he believes lawmakers are prepared to continue their “strong record of protecting individual privacy.”
Modernization
After 30 Years, the Last State Finally Automated Its Child Support System
South Carolina struggled for decades to switch from manual process run by counties to a largely automated system run by the state.
Emerging Tech
Six U.S. Cities Make the List of Most Surveilled Places in the World
A new report found that CCTV surveillance is increasing in certain areas of the U.S., with one city government watching its citizens from 35,000 cameras.
Artificial Intelligence
How One City Saved $5 Million by Routing School Buses with an Algorithm
The Boston Public School District held a contest to determine the best solution for busing around 25,000 students to school every day. The winning algorithm improved the efficiency of the routes in 30 minutes.
Modernization
In This City, Residents Can Search And Apply for Affordable Housing Online
San Francisco took a laborious paper process and transformed it into an easy-to-use online application system for open affordable housing spots.
Modernization
Digital Driver’s Licenses Could Become a Real Option in Some States
Several states have run pilots for digital driver’s licenses, which would allow residents to supplement plastic ID cards with smartphone apps. But as the technology becomes more of a reality, experts are worried about the privacy implications.
Modernization
Pennsylvania Becomes First State to Use Automated System to Expunge Criminal Records
After passing the country’s first ‘clean slate’ bill, Pennsylvania is debuting a system that will automatically clear the records of all who are eligible.
Featured eBooks
Digital Government
It’s Not Just the Citizenship Question—the Digital Divide Could Hurt the Count of Latinos in the Census
Fear of government, a question about citizenship, and uncertain internet connections have created the perfect storm for an undercount of the Latino population, a new report argues.
Policy
Federal Infrastructure Funding is Good, but Local Governments Want Flexibility Too
Accessing federal funds for infrastructure projects is much too difficult, county leaders say. With reauthorization of the FAST Act on the table, they want a bigger say in how money can be spent.
Modernization
One City’s Journey to Filing Complaints About Police Online
Austin, Texas, debuted an anonymous online feedback form that eases the process for residents to describe interactions they have with police officers
