Explainers & Practical Guides
22 storiesTypical coverage includes plain-English explainers, step-by-step guides, FAQs and checklists and deadline resources, with attention to voter guides and local service guides. In Explainers & Practical Guides, follow-up centers on the next verifiable decision or milestone.
California Agencies Face New Rules for Public Participation and Trust
California's updated Brown Act now requires local agencies to offer two-way remote participation and expanded language access, but experts say real public trust depends on showing how community input shapes decisions
Four Michigan Colleges Launch Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Programs
Davenport University, Adrian College, Northwood University and the College for Creative Studies are now offering three-year bachelor's degrees, aiming to reduce costs and attract more students as enrollment challenges persist across Michigan.
Most States Progress on Website Accessibility, But Gaps Remain
A new report finds most states are on track to meet federal website accessibility rules by 2027, but many lack resources to fully investigate and fix issues, raising concerns as the deadline approaches
Mobile Driver's Licenses Expand as States Push Toward Digital IDs
Mobile driver's licenses are now available in 21 states and Puerto Rico, with over 8 million active credentials. Wider adoption and remote verification could soon make digital IDs a practical tool for banking, employment, and age verification.
University of Michigan to Pilot Hiding First-Semester Grades in 2027
Starting fall 2027, the University of Michigan will launch a pilot program withholding first-semester letter grades from transcripts and GPA calculations for new LSA students, aiming to support academic exploration and student well-being.
New Toolkit Offers Solutions for State and Local Government Hiring
A nonprofit has released a practical toolkit to help state and local governments streamline hiring, address bottlenecks, and attract skilled workers as public sector roles evolve and private sector layoffs continue.
Maricopa County's AI Assistant Reveals High Demand for Pet Services
Maricopa County's new AI chatbot, Mari, is seeing strong interest in pet adoption and animal services, with nearly 8% of early user questions focused on pets. County officials hope the tool will improve access to local programs and boost resident engagement.
States Shift AI Focus From Competition to Community Impact
California, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina are rethinking artificial intelligence oversight, prioritizing public benefit and risk over industry competition as new systems enter workplaces and public services.
Census Bureau Finds Over Half of U.S. Workers Now Use AI Tools
A new Census Bureau survey shows 55% of American workers have used AI for job tasks, with most reporting time savings. The findings highlight how AI is becoming routine in workplaces and raise questions for government adoption strategies.
How Tool Sprawl Is Complicating Local Government IT Operations
State and local agencies are facing mounting challenges from fragmented technology systems, increasing manual workloads and security risks. Leaders are now rethinking how to streamline IT tools and improve service reliability.
New Guide Helps Cities Build Digital Service Teams for Residents
A new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance for city and state officials looking to launch digital service teams, aiming to improve access to government services and address challenges with technology and staffing.
Cloud Security Gaps Challenge Local Governments Adopting New Systems
Local governments are moving finance operations to cloud-based ERP systems, but experts warn that misconfigurations and overlooked security practices can leave sensitive data at risk despite modern technology.
Iowa Launches Tool to Guide Local Data Center Decisions
A new online tool from University of Iowa experts aims to help local governments evaluate the benefits and challenges of proposed data centers, as more communities weigh the impact of these large facilities on resources and infrastructure
Oklahoma Libraries Add Digital Access Pods in Statewide Broadband Push
Oklahoma is installing private digital access pods in up to 175 libraries statewide, aiming to bridge the digital divide for rural and underserved residents by 2026. The $14.5 million project is funded by federal COVID-era relief.
El Niño Expected to Bring Wetter, Warmer Winter to Connecticut
Connecticut is likely to see a warmer and wetter winter as forecasters predict a very strong El Niño for the 2026-27 season, with above-normal precipitation and temperatures expected across the state
Colleges Urged to Prioritize Support for Military-Connected Students
With traditional college enrollment declining, U.S. colleges are being called to treat military-connected students as a core population, not a niche group, by building coordinated support systems that go beyond processing benefits.
California's Former CISO Reflects on Cybersecurity Challenges in Government
After two decades in California state agencies, Vitaliy Panych discusses the evolution of cybersecurity, the launch of Cal-Secure, and the growing risks facing public sector organizations as technology and AI reshape government operations.
Over 100 License Plate Cameras Now Monitor Lansing Area Roads
More than 100 automated license plate reader cameras are now installed across the Lansing region, with the highest concentration near Michigan State University. Residents can check camera locations and learn how their data may be used.
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards for Government Data Sharing
As state and local governments expand data sharing to improve services, experts warn that privacy, security, and accountability must be prioritized to prevent errors and protect public trust. New guidance outlines key steps for agencies.
OpenAI Foundation Launches $100M AI Fund for State Health Projects
The OpenAI Foundation is investing $100 million to help states and local organizations use artificial intelligence in public health research, starting with hepatitis C treatment development in Alabama, Illinois, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.
Cities Turn to AI for Services, Raising Questions About Oversight
Local governments across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to manage services like traffic, waste, and resident inquiries, but experts say stronger oversight and public trust are needed as use expands.