Less Big Three, More Gen Z
The Future in Context
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...
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Public Transit's Fiscal Cliff
The Future in Context
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 of...
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Is This The Eligibility and Redistribution Engine America Needs?
The Future in Context
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....
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The Trouble With TikTok
The Future in Context
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...
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Government websites are failing at the basics: How to fix them
The Future in Context
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...
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Choosing to Lead
The Future in Context
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...
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The Importance of State Government News Coverage
The Future in Context
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,...
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Reimagining the Future of Public-Sector IT
The Future in Context
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...
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AI as a Stress Test for Government Data
The Future in Context
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...
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Resisting the Campaign for Safer Streets
The Future in Context
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...
info_outlineFrom 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.
SHOW NOTES
- 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.
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