Local Government - Page 2
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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.
Lowndes County Residents Press for Data Center Transparency
More than 150 residents gathered at the Hayneville courthouse to demand answers from county officials about the proposed 800-acre Project Red Clay data center, which has requested enough power for one million homes and raised concerns over local oversight
World Cup Drives Major Advances in U.S. Drone Security
More than 700 illegal drones were intercepted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting new investments and coordination among U.S. cities and states to strengthen airspace security for major events and future drone operations.
Michigan Proof-of-Citizenship Ballot Proposal Blocked After Deadlock
A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment requiring voters to prove U.S. citizenship was blocked from the November ballot after a split decision by the Board of State Canvassers. Organizers plan to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Farmington Hosts 2026 Michigan Mayors Workshop and Downtown Tour
Municipal leaders from across Michigan gathered in Farmington August 5-7 for the Michigan Association of Mayors Summer Workshop, featuring sessions on local government issues and a tour of Farmington's revitalized downtown
Virginia County Adopts AI Tool to Safeguard Sensitive Data
Prince William County, Virginia has implemented the Liminal platform to help employees use generative AI tools without risking exposure of sensitive or personally identifiable information, aiming for compliance across 20 departments.
South Dakota Local Governments Face Cybersecurity Funding Deadline
South Dakota's $7 million SecureSD program, which helps local governments defend against cyberattacks, will run out of state funding in 2028, leaving counties and cities to cover ongoing cybersecurity costs themselves
Data Center Debate Shapes Pennsylvania Governor's Race
Pennsylvania's race for governor is now centered on data center development, with new state standards, campaign attacks, and public opposition influencing both candidates' positions ahead of the November election.
Lafayette Cancels City Council Election, Appoints Three Members
Lafayette, California will not hold a City Council election this November after only three candidates filed for three open seats. The city council appointed all three, saving at least $48,000 in election costs and ensuring uninterrupted leadership.
Michigan Officials Face Recall Efforts Over Data Center Projects
Local leaders across Michigan say they have little authority to block new data centers, as residents frustrated by recent approvals struggle to get recall votes on the ballot. Only one recall will proceed this November despite dozens of attempts.
TeraWulf Pledges to Meet Kentucky Data Center Rules at Hancock Site
TeraWulf plans to build a 482-megawatt data center at a former Hancock County aluminum smelter, promising to follow Kentucky's new requirements on taxes, transparency, and environmental compliance as state regulators review its energy contract.
Cities and Counties Sue DHS Over New Election Grant Conditions
Four local governments are challenging new Department of Homeland Security rules that tie counterterrorism grants to state election security measures, arguing the requirements overstep federal authority and could disrupt upcoming elections.
Fairfield Sets August 26 Workshop on Safe Streets for All Plan
Fairfield will host a public workshop on August 26 to present its Safety Action Plan under the Safe Streets for All initiative, inviting residents to review findings and discuss recommendations for safer local roadways.
Jay O'Grady Appointed Rhode Island House Policy Director
Jay O'Grady, a former Rhode Island state representative, has been named House Policy Director after serving four terms in the legislature and holding leadership roles in community development organizations
Farmington Public Safety Names Shane Wash as Deputy Director
Shane Wash has been promoted to Deputy Director of Farmington Public Safety after more than 20 years with the department, bringing extensive leadership and training experience to the city's top public safety team
How Local Governments Are Using Data to Tackle Climate Risks
Local agencies are shifting from passive data collection to proactive strategies, using external datasets and local expertise to strengthen infrastructure resilience against severe weather and climate threats.
Cities Use AI to Cut Housing Permit Delays and Speed Up Reviews
Cities across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to reduce housing permit backlogs, with new federal funding supporting automated systems aimed at eliminating costly application errors and shortening approval times.
Missouri Unveils Flood and Drought App for Real-Time Updates
Missouri has launched a new mobile app and website to help residents and officials monitor flood and drought risks, offering real-time data, alerts, and predictions statewide. The project is funded by $10.4 million in federal relief.
Oakland County Targets Invasive Plants Along Major Roadways
Oakland County will treat invasive Phragmites and knotweed along main roads through October, aiming to protect native plants and prevent infrastructure damage in dozens of local communities.
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.
Newtown Borough Council Rejects Canopy at Brick Hotel Restaurant
A proposed canopy at Donetelli's Italian Steakhouse in Newtown Borough was denied after a 3-3 council vote was broken by the mayor, requiring the structure to be removed or modified before the restaurant's opening.
Cheshire Schedules Public Hearing on 2026-27 Capital Budget
Cheshire residents can weigh in on the Town Manager's proposed capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at a public hearing set for August 26 at Town Council Chambers. The council will vote on the budget following the hearing.
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.
Petoskey Rejects Settlement, Will Go to Trial Over Miracle Mile Trail
Petoskey City Council has voted to prepare for trial rather than accept a settlement that could have ended public access to the Miracle Mile section of the Little Traverse Wheelway, a popular lakeside trail closed since a 2020 collapse.
Farmington Public Safety Promotes Four Leaders at City Ceremony
Four Farmington Public Safety Department members were honored with promotions during the August 17 City Council meeting, recognizing decades of combined experience and new leadership roles within the department.
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.
Pennsylvania Sets New Rules for Data Center Projects Statewide
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order making stricter standards mandatory for new data center developments in Pennsylvania, responding to mounting criticism and concerns about local impacts and energy use
Loudoun County May End Fast-Track Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County supervisors are proposing to require public hearings and board votes for more than 20 pending data center applications that were previously exempt from new zoning rules, potentially changing the approval process as soon as September 1
Rochester Approves Downtown Social District to Boost Local Business
Rochester City Council has approved a new social district downtown, allowing customers to carry alcoholic beverages outdoors within a designated area. The plan aims to increase foot traffic and support businesses, pending state review.
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
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