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 Skip Descant of Government Technology and Jared Brey of Governing discuss the ramifications of Hochul’s decision for transit systems across the country as concerns grow over a looming fiscal cliff from which they may not recover. At the same time, some regions are turning to new policy approaches, including fare-free rides and micromobility solutions, to reinforce the value they bring to their communities. SHOW NOTES Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: Congestion Pricing Pause in NYC:Political and Financial Implications:Post-Pandemic Public Transit Crisis:Alternative Funding and Operations Strategies:State and Local Government Responses: Related Links to stories referenced in the episode: Transit Agencies Must Replace Thousands of Maintenance Workers Why Some Cities Want to Combine Transit Agencies Resisting the Campaign for Safer Streets Eliminate Silos to Innovate Your Transportation System Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Subscribe to The Future In Context for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

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. “There is no equity without data” She also championed the Compton Pledge, America’s largest experiment with universal basic income program to help address systemic inequalities. That work has led her to the intersection public policy, philanthropy and technology where she believes data-driven solutions can be better delivered outside of government. SHOW NOTES Here are the top five takeaways from this episode: Community-Centered Leadership: Brown's tenure as mayor was defined by her community-centered approach, rooted in a comprehensive 12-point vision plan that addressed the pressing needs of Compton residents. By focusing on sustainability, economic development, and youth empowerment, she aimed to revitalize the city and empower its citizens. Innovative Policy Initiatives: Brown's implementation of innovative policy initiatives, such as the Compton Pledge guaranteed income program, showcased her commitment to addressing systemic inequalities. By directly delivering resources to residents during the pandemic, Brown demonstrated the power of combining philanthropy with policy-driven solutions to uplift communities. Technology as a Tool for Equity: Brown emphasizes the importance of technology, exemplified by platforms like Forward, in streamlining government processes and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. By leveraging data-driven solutions, technology can empower underserved communities and improve the efficiency and transparency of governance. Continued Advocacy for Change: Brown's work exemplifies a continued advocacy for change and equity in governance. Her dedication to empowering communities and driving transformative initiatives underscores the ongoing need for innovative approaches to address systemic challenges and uplift marginalized populations. Related Links to items referenced in the episode: What If Government Just Gave Everyone Cash, No Strings Attached? Several Los Angeles Cities in Dire Financial StraitsThe FORWARD Platform Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

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 the difficulties the government faces in justifying the ban, noting the lack of publicly available evidence on national security risks and the broader implications for free speech. Goldman suggests that the ban could set a precedent for digital trade barriers, leading to potential international retaliation and exacerbating political distrust among younger Americans. The conversation underscores the complex intersection of technology, law and public policy.TFIC co-host and Government Technology Staff Writer Ashley Silver along with two colleagues from Governing* — Staff Writer Zina Hutton and Digital Editor Zoe Manzanetti, react to Goldman's analysis in thinking about the future of TikTok in the lives of American users. They discuss the app's unique appeal, question whether its algorithm fosters deeper connections and consider the impact of a ban on users and the political landscape. SHOW NOTES Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:1. Legislative Actions: 2. Legal Challenges: 3. Constitutional Concerns: 4. Economic and Social Impact: 5. Public Opinion and Political Pressure: Related Links to items referenced in the episode: Questions Swirl Over Future of TikTok OwnershipWhat Would a TikTok Ban Mean? Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. *Governing and Government Technology are both part of e.Republic. Subscribe to The Futre In Context for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

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 for states to prioritize the technical components of their websites and establish dedicated digital service teams. Keywordsgovernment websites, ScanGov, report card, failing grade, transparency, domain credibility, accessibility, crawlability, civic hacking, behavioral change, digital service teams Takeaways Half of all states received a failing grade in the ScanGov report card, indicating a need for improvement in the fundamentals of government websites. The creators of ScanGov aim to educate and inspire behavioral change rather than shame governments. Positive feedback has been received, and some agencies have already made improvements based on the report card. States need to prioritize the technical components of their websites and establish dedicated digital service teams to ensure better performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Government Websites 03:15 ScanGov: Evaluating Basic Web Practices 04:43 Inspiring Change through Civic Hacking 09:30 Positive Feedback and Improvements 14:11 ScanGov Report Card: Revealing Failing Grades Related Links to items referenced in the episode: ScanGov: Government digital experience monitor A Young Civic Hacker Could Be the Next Generation of Gov Tech Subscribe to TFIC for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

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 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 HuffmanRob ManciniSam OrthKenyatta Powers-RuckerKaty Ruckle Related Links to items referenced in the episode: GovTech’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers 2024Video Overview of the GT Top 25 Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Subscribe to TFIC for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.[Placeholder for audio player embed.]

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, advocating for journalism that empowers citizens. Brown highlights the Collier Prize's role in showcasing impactful accountability journalism, fostering a national dialogue on its significance and ultimately promoting greater focus on journalistic excellence and societal accountability.

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 data literacy.Government Technology was on the ground for the event in National Harbor, Md., led by Executive Editor Noelle Knell, Managing Editor Lauren Kinkade and Senior Staff Writer Thad Rueter. The trio joined the podcast to recap the full scope of the conference. Show Notes AI’s Accelerating Role:Data Literacy Imperative:Cybersecurity Challenges:Future of Trusted Collaboration:AI and Workforce Development:Privacy and AI Ethics: Links to stories related to this episode: Is Your State Data Literate? We Asked CIOs The Answer to Ransomware? ‘Doubling Down on the Fundamentals’ NASCIO Speakers Pepper Their AI Optimism With Warnings Nevada Harnesses GenAI for Employment Claims Evaluation SLCGP Money Goes to Training, Assessments, Policy Development Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Subscribe to TFIC for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

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 data management and governance has gone a long way toward preparing the state to meet the challenges — and take advantage of the opportunities — of AI.Cooke talked about data disciplines as a precursor to the effective use of artificial intelligence on our occasional series, Government A to Z, with TFIC co-host and Government Technology Staff Writer Ashley Silver along with two colleagues from Governing — Staff Writer Zina Hutton and Digital Editor Zoe Manzanetti. Show NotesHere are the top 3 takeaways from this episode: An Evolving Strategic Role: AI’s Transformative Potential: Collaborative Approach: Related Links to stories related to this episode: Texas DIR Appoints Neil Cooke to Lead State Data Initiatives Agency's New State Chief Data Officer to Oversee Open-Data Portal Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Subscribe to The Future In Context for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

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 enhance street safety. However, administrative barriers may hinder smaller municipalities from accessing these resources.In TFIC’s occasional series, Your Mileage May Vary, and Senior Writer Jared Brey (Governing) and Senior Writer Skip Descant (Government Technology*) explore how controversies around street design interventions — so-called traffic calming — like bike lanes and curb extensions highlight the challenges of balancing various transportation needs and navigating public perceptions. Technology plays a crucial role in supporting infrastructure improvements, from speed monitoring to data-driven safety assessments. In the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse, the daunting task of rebuilding underscores the importance of robust infrastructure planning and response mechanisms. SHOW NOTES Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: Traffic Safety Trends:Challenges of Vision Zero:Federal Funding Opportunities:Controversies in Street Design:Lessons from Infrastructure Failures: Related Links to stories referenced in the episode: How Hoboken Has Gone Years Without a Traffic Death Pedestrian Fatalities Reach Record High Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

A 50-state investigation in data journalism suggests the answer is, not yet. The AI agent was insightful on a number of fronts; but, while not descending into hallucinations, its mind strayed from instructions as the experiment went on. Government Technology Data Reporter Nikki Davidson tasked Google’s AI tool Gemini (formerly Bard) to explore AI’s perspective on government technology use. Davidson’s innovative approach involved treating AI as a collaborative partner to generate insights on AI’s potential applications in government. Despite Gemini’s occasional inaccuracies and deviations from instructions, Davidson’s project yielded diverse and unexpected use cases across different areas, such as mental health, opioid use and climate change.Gemini’s recommendations extended to climate challenges and infrastructure needs, reflecting a surprisingly deep understanding of regional concerns. Gemini itself suggested it would be five to 10 years before AI is fully integrated in government operations, emphasizing that it is inevitable for government. Believing turnabout is fair play, Davidson asked Gemini for feedback on her work. It gave the article a strong numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10 but did have suggestions on how to make it better. Human reviewers, including Benjamin Palacio, a senior IT analyst with Placer County, Calif., highlighted both the promise and challenges of AI applications, particularly in sensitive areas like mental health support. Davidson views AI as a valuable tool but underscores the necessity of human oversight and awareness of its limitations. SHOW NOTES Takeaways: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Setting Up the Story 00:39 Using AI to Explore Government Use Cases 04:10 The Maps and the Impact of the Story 05:12 Surprising Use Cases of AI in Government 07:18 Ethical Concerns and Gray Areas 09:05 AI’s Role in Infrastructure and Climate 10:26 Realistic Timelines for AI Implementation 11:22 The Relationship With AI and Hallucinations 13:17 AI’s Opinion on the Worth and Accuracy of the Work 14:19 Responses from Human Reviewers 15:30 AI as a Tool With Limitations 16:23 Conclusion and Future Possibilities Related Links to items referenced in the episode: How Does AI Predict Governments Will Use AI? It Depends Where You LiveCenter for Public Sector AI, a division of e.Republic, the parent company of Government Technology and Governing. Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.[Placeholder for audio player embed]

The reinvention of a Virginia city built by railway robber barons as a biotech hub defies default strategies of trying to attract new players to do what was done by the companies that left or closed. The story of Roanoke shares the cover of the rebooted print edition of Governing magazine* with a feature on what states are doing to increase the availability and affordability of housing.Governing Editor Alan Greenblatt discusses the magazine’s return to print after five years of being web-only. Greenblatt emphasizes the value of a physical magazine for high-level government officials, providing in-depth analysis and innovative ideas on pressing issues. The magazine aims to offer a thoughtful and lasting resource that readers can reference on their desks, offering a break from the overwhelming flood of web-based information.The cover stories feature Roanoke’s successful transition to biotech and the growing concern of housing shortages addressed by state policymakers.Here are the takeaways from this episode: SHOW NOTES Solving the Economic Development Puzzle: Roanoke, Va., faced economic hardship when two Fortune 500 companies closed their headquarters. It was situation familiar to many communities that have lost major employers, leading to prolonged efforts to rebuild. However, Roanoke chose a different path. The city went all in on biotech, leveraging existing resources like Carilion Clinic and a new medical school from Virginia Tech. The shift resulted in a thriving biotech research institute that grew from one to over 500 employees.Shift in State Involvement in Housing: States are increasingly recognizing the widespread need for affordable and quality housing, leading them to take a more active role previously reserved for local governments.Zoning Policy Reform: States are reconsidering zoning policies, traditionally a local concern, as a factor contributing to housing cost increases and supply constraints. They are exploring changes to zoning laws to encourage more diverse housing options: West Coast:East Coast:Mountain West: While zoning policy reform may address higher housing costs associated with restrictive zoning, it doesn't necessarily lead to immediate cost reduction. Importance of Transit Proximity: Progressive lawmakers recognize the benefits of building dense housing near transit hubs to reduce car dependency and improve efficiency in moving people.The issue also covers the turnover among school superintendents, citizenship for American Indians, city lobbying and the impact of clean energy credits. Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

Lawmakers, industry players and parents are making moves to keep kids safe online, but their approaches vary widely. A bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate is intended to shield children by requiring social media platforms to turn off addictive product features, and require companies to minimize mental health risks. New York state proposed restricting what it called “unhealthy social media usage” by prohibiting minors from accessing addictive feeds without parental consent. In the name of parental rights, Florida legislators considered sometimes competing bills to either ban those younger than 16 from social media altogether or require platforms to perform age verification of their users. For their part, platform companies have worked to pre-empt government regulation by introducing safeguards in their software to limit what kids can do online, and with whom.The question of who should regulate access to social media — government, industry or parents — is the focus of the debut of another occasional series, this one called Government A to Z, a generational take on the intersection of society, technology and government. It features TFIC co-host and Government Technology Staff Writer Ashley Silver along with two colleagues from Governing — Staff Writer Zina Hutton and Digital Editor Zoe Manzanetti. SHOW NOTES Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: Government Regulation:Industry Self-Regulation:Parental Supervision:Nothing Resolved:Literacy: Related Links to stories referenced in the episode: States Eye Social Media Bans Despite Legal Roadblocks DeSantis Favors Toned-Down Social Media Restrictions Will Legislation Actually Keep Teens Off Social Media? Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.[Placeholder for audio player embed.]

The freedom of the open road would become a little less free if congestion pricing became widespread in America. The strategy aims to reduce traffic congestion by charging variable fees for driving at certain times in certain areas. Planners and policymakers see the potential revenue to offset declining gas tax receipts as vehicles become more fuel efficient. Decades after dynamic pricing was implemented by some international cities, only a relative handful of American cities — New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. — have adopted plans for at least partial implementations of the pricing model. In the debut of an occasional series called Your Mileage May Vary, Senior Writers Skip Descant (Government Technology) and Jared Brey (Governing) join The Future In Context to explore the efforts to bring the model to America and whether resistance is waning. The story of congestion pricing underscores the complexity of transportation and infrastructure management; and highlights the importance of strategic planning, community engagement and adaptive policies to address evolving challenges effectively. SHOW NOTES Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode: Congestion Pricing:Funding Challenges and Alternative Revenue Sources:Public Engagement and Policy Design:Economic, Social and Environmental Importance:Long-Term Perspective and Political Will: Related Links to stories referenced in the episode: To Sell Congestion Pricing Plans, Don’t Mention Climate ChangeWashington’s $15 Tolls Hope to Reduce Traffic, Increase RevenueAfter NYC, Will Los Angeles Be Next to Consider Congestion Pricing?Hope for Car-Haters Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3. Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

Work is well underway in jurisdictions across the country to prepare for the next generation of doing the public’s business. Governments have the unenviable task of coming to terms with the promise and pitfalls of generative AI through the strictures of public policy. On this cover story episode of the podcast, the writers and editors from our sister publication, Government Technology, take us into the three-story package on a policy-driven approach to AI describe a growing body of work that points the path to the future. Show Notes Here are the top 10 takeaways from this episode: AI Guardrails:Safety and Privacy:Jurisdictional Innovations:Federal Regulations:Human-Centered Policies:Data Governance:Vendor Selection:Policymaker Collaboration:Technology Education:Digital Transformation: Related Links to stories referenced in the episode: How Should Government Guide the Use of Generative AI? Where to Start With AI? Cities and States Offer Use Cases A Good AI Program Must Start With Good Data Making AI Work for Government: It All Comes Down to Trust MIT Program Fosters Early AI Education for Future Workforce Online Government Services Need a 'Human Copilot' Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

The co-author of a new book suggests that when technology, data and collective effort converge, government, the tech industry and higher education can tackle major challenges while bringing a new generation into the workforce. Arun Gupta — a venture capitalist, academic and author — champions a union of government, academia and entrepreneurship to solve societal problems, stressing tech and data’s key roles in innovation and restoring trust. In an interview with Governing’s Carl Smith, Gupta sees government data as vital for improving services and tackling climate change and geopolitical strife, urging a move to fact-based debates for a sustainable future. SHOW NOTES Here are the top takeaways from this episode: Related link to the book referenced in the episode: Venture Meets Mission: Aligning People, Purpose, and Profit to Innovate and Transform Society Our editors used GPT-4 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. Listen to this episode on the player below or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

Mental health, climate and workforce are at the core of a complex cluster of issues confronting lawmakers in this year. Legislators are under growing public pressure to address mental health challenges, implement climate policies and stabilize public pensions, while also dealing with workforce shortages. And those are just the top of the list of issues vying for attention. Even with a relatively healthy budget situation this year, it will still be a delicate balance.On this episode of the podcast, Alan Greenblatt, Jared Brey, Zina Hutton and Carl Smith return to complete the discussion of Governing’s Issues to Watch. SHOW NOTES Here are the top takeaways from this episode:Mental Health Legislation and Funding Public Health Climate and Energy Policies International Affairs and State-Level China Policies Public-Sector Workforce and Pension Reforms Related link to the stories referenced in the episode: Governing’s Biggest Issues to Watch in 2024Inflation Reduction Act Tracker Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. Listen or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible.

As legislatures in 37 states are back in session this month, with another 9 set to open before April, law makers face a daunting set of challenges. Budget prospects have improved modestly but tax tensions remain as law makers deal with complex demands to deal with crises in housing and drug overdoses. Their hoppers are also filled with bills to address criminal justice reforms, transportation funding, child tax credits, post-pandemic workforce dynamics and renewed calls for school choice and parental rights.Governing editor Alan Greenblatt and writers Jared Brey, Zina Hutton and Carl Smith join the podcast to discuss these issues and more.SHOW NOTESHere are the top takeaways from this episode:AI Policy Evolution and Concerns Budgets and Taxation Transportation Funding Challenges Child Tax Credits and Labor Force Impact Education & School Choice Dynamics Drug Overdose Crisis and Criminal Justice Governing’s editors and writers round out the discussion of the remaining issues to watch – including healthcare, mental health, climate and energy policies and the nationalization of politics during a presidential election year – on the next episode of the podcast, which drops on January 31. Related link to the stories referenced in the episode: Governing Biggest Issues to Watch in 2024 Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes.

GovTech100 companies are likely to have an outsized role in making government better. Many now come with deep pockets thanks to investments from private equity. Government Technology's ninth annual list of gov tech companies that are changing the way government works comes with an added twist — the injection of large sums of capital through the private equity market. Agencies are attracted to the promise of increased capacity and agility but are not always prepared for the disruptions that come from these increasingly well-funded players.Private equity's bullish embrace of gov tech hinges on its recession-resistant allure and pivotal role in digitizing the way governments work, seeing opportunities in closing the innovation gap between the private and public sectors in delivering services and optimizing operations. This year’s GovTech100 features companies with the majority of their revenue coming from sales to government and reflects a diverse mix of established names and newcomers, like CivicEye and Versaterm. This episode features Government Technology Associate Editor Ben Miller, who helped curate this year’s list, and Thad Reuter, who wrote the cover story on the impact of private equity on the gov tech market.SHOW NOTESHere are the top takeaways from this episode:Gov Tech's Appeal to Private Equity: ResilienceDigital Transformation Factors Driving Gov Tech's Fertility: Software-as-a-Service Growth'Amazon Effect'Modernization Needs Challenges in Emulating Amazon's Efficiency: Customer vs. Constituent ServiceLimitations of Consumer-Based Models Private Equity's Focus on End-to-End Platforms: Investment in Growth:Potential for Similar Growth GovTech 100 — Mix of Established and New Entrants: Shift in FocusNotable Newcomers Engaging with Gov Tech Startups: Disruptive SolutionsPotential for Uncovering New Approaches Anticipating Evolution in Gov Tech Companies: Flexibility and AdaptabilityEvolution in Offerings Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes.

There was nothing easy about it, nor was it a return to normal after the disruptive years of the pandemic, but state and local governments found ways to hold their own against persistent threats and challenges in cybersecurity and workforce issues in 2023. They also continued campaigns to refresh old IT systems and even found ways forward for urban mobility and public transit. Government Technology editors and writers — Lauren Kinkade, Zack Quaintance, Skip Descant and Jule Pattison-Gordon — joined the podcast hosts to make sense of the year that was. SHOW NOTES Here are the top 10 takeaways from this episode: Related links to the stories referenced in the episode: On the Rebound: Micromobility Ridership Continues to Climb Cities Experiment With Pedal-Powered Delivery Policies Seattle Partners on Curb Data Specification Project As the Cybersecurity Workforce Grows, So Does Need Federal Government Offers 4 Steps to Thwart Cyber Attackers Social Media Changes Are Impacting Government Messaging What’s New in Digital Equity: FCC Closer to Restoring Net Neutrality When You Change Social Platforms, Who Controls Your Data? Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes.

This time next year, Americans will be casting votes in the 2024 general election. State and local races (and issues) will take place in the long shadow of a carefully watched presidential rematch. The 2024 general election follows in a tradition of modern elections dating back to 1964 that are declared (or decried) as the most important of our time. In this episode that comes one year before ballots are counted, longtime political observer and Governing senior writer Alan Greenblatt joins TFIC for a wide-ranging discussion of what to expect, and who to watch, in the 365-day countdown. SHOW NOTES Here are the top 10 takeaways from this episode: “Most Important Election of Our Time”:Red, Blue and a Side of Purple:Downstream Effects:Prospect of Violence:Exodus of Election Officials and Polling Place Workers:Poll Watchers Increasingly Common:Vote-by-Mail or Vote-from-Home:State and Local Races:The Rise of Uncontested Races:Third-Party Prospects: Bonus Takeaway: The No. 4: Alan tells us, "In particular in 2024, this is a little bit wonky, but the year ending in four tends to be the most stable because you've had redistricting. So your first elections mainly were in the year ending in two. You had a lot of turnover because you had incumbents drawn into new districts and the like."Related Links to the stories referenced in the episode: Progressives Increasingly Challenged in Local Politics A Rare Successful Red State Democrat Is America Really Ready for a Third Party? Less Politics Is Local: States Get Increasingly Aggressive About Pre-Emption Taking the Temperature of American Democracy Subscribe to Governing's biweekly newsletter, Inside Politics: State & Local with Alan Greenblatt with one easy click. Listen or subscribe for free on YouTube or the podcast app of your choice — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and Audible. Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes.