GCN

07/06/2023

For decades, GCN focused on the developments in public sector technology. In the early days, our print pages featured desktops and hardware, and now we cover clouds, automation and remote work. We hope we helped you understand the government technology landscape better. Now our stellar technology coverage is moving to our sister publication, Route-Fifty.com. As part of Route Fifty, we will focus on the challenges that state and local leaders face and the technology solutions at work. Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/routefifty.

07/05/2023

Workforce gaps in local governments continue to widen as organizations struggle to fill empty spots left by increasing resignations, according to a recent survey from MissionSquare Retirement.

The poll of state and local HR managers finds that hiring has increased, but so has the number of people quitting.

07/05/2023

Earlier this year, a Connecticut lawmaker died after being struck in his vehicle by a wrong-way driver. The state soon enacted a law to deploy alert systems on highway exit ramps to prevent further wrong-way accidents, and many states are making similar efforts.

Each year, 500 people died in wrong-way collisions on divided highways between 2015 and 2018—up from 375 annual deaths in the previous five years, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The rise in these types of deadly crashes has spurred states all over the country to test out tech can help reverse the trend.
https://buff.ly/46wrCDA

07/03/2023

“You start understanding your data, you start being able to make really informed decisions, and you get into really dynamic decisions around budgeting, around policymaking, etc,” one expert says.

Tacoma, Washington, is using Snowflake’s Data Cloud to bridge information silos across its 25 departments and improve reporting.

07/03/2023

“We can’t allow this carnage to continue,” the governor says after 251 people died last year in wrecks involving a speeding driver. via Washington State Standard

“We can’t allow this carnage to continue,” the governor says after 251 people died last year in wrecks involving a speeding driver.

07/03/2023

One county’s auditor office has reduced the time it takes to process property tax audits by 91%.
https://buff.ly/3NT7STf

07/02/2023

The government faces legal restrictions on how much personal information it can gather on citizens, but the law is largely silent on agencies purchasing the data from commercial brokers. via The Conversation US

The government faces legal restrictions on how much personal information it can gather on citizens, but the law is largely silent on agencies purchasing the data from commercial brokers.

07/01/2023

The exchange ran into financial troubles after its leadership made funding deals that fell through, leading to a bitter feud over a contract. via Idaho Capital Sun

The exchange ran into financial troubles after its leadership made funding deals that fell through, leading to bitter feud over a contract.

06/30/2023

Starting in July, find GCN's tech coverage over at Route Fifty. Be sure to check out the site and subscribe to the newsletter: https://buff.ly/45BdKr4

06/30/2023

As significant a challenge as that might seem, it’s a manageable undertaking for states and municipalities that have the right capabilities in place.
https://buff.ly/3K0icXl

All over the country, states are looking for ways to reverse the trend, often relying on new technology to do so.

06/30/2023

The Department of Homeland Security is testing how remote sensors and public warning systems can deliver timely, actionable wildfire alerts to the public.

06/30/2023

AI technology can empower and augment certain jobs and make them more efficient. But it will not be as Earth-shattering as some people fear, one expert says.

Governments should help build a talent pipeline for artificial intelligence jobs, one expert advises.

06/29/2023

Last year, seven people were killed in a Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. One Illinois lawmaker, Sen. Julie Morrison, was in the crowd that day and has since championed legislation to allow public safety agencies to monitor certain public events using drones.

On June 16, the Drones as First Responders Act was signed into law.
Learn more hear:

As Illinois residents enjoy outdoor summer events, a new law allows public safety agencies to use drones to protect the public from potential threats.

06/28/2023

As the public sector faces a staffing shortage, public servants across the country offer advice on how to recruit, retain and engage new hires.

For instance, some say leaning into diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives can help widen the scope of potential employees. Creating a flexible work environment, where remote or hybrid options are available, can also attract job seekers. Learn about more tips here ⬇️

COMMENTARY | Public servants from coast to coast share their advice on how to successfully hire and retain government talent.