In today’s digital world, no organization is immune to cybersecurity threats. It is a common misconception that high-profile organizations or federal governments are the primary targets for cyber attackers. However, developments have revealed a shift in this landscape. State and local government agencies are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals, demonstrating the indiscriminate nature of cyber
One year following the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act by President Joe Biden, municipalities throughout the nation are harnessing the allocated $350 billion from the relief package, specifically intended for state and local administrations, to facilitate diverse enhancements in technology. The legislation affords considerable flexibility to states, counties, cities, and tribal governments in
As state and local governments struggle with the increasing need for digital transformation, IT infrastructure modernization has taken center stage. With the current pace of technological innovation, outdated IT systems can impede efficiency, hinder progress, and increase vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. However, the journey toward modernization presents unique challenges, including budget constraints, data privacy concerns,
Innovation for the public sector has always required significant testing and development within a controlled environment before subjecting agencies to real-world testing and ultimately presenting them to residents and constituents. Developers operate within virtual and limited testing environments known as “sandboxes,” where they can freely experiment, evaluate software programs, and proactively detect any potential challenges,
Technical debt is the cost of maintaining and updating outdated or poorly designed technology systems that are critical to government operations. This can include legacy systems that are no longer supported by vendors, systems that are difficult to integrate with newer technologies, or systems that have been poorly designed or implemented. According to a 2022
In a 2021 Center for Digital Government survey, 90% of local government leaders agreed that constituent engagement represents a key part of their mission. Further, over 60% point to digital tools and an important way to engage with constituents and promote transparency. In the past, constituent engagement meant in-person community forums, direct mail campaigns, or
The public sector has generally been slower than other industries to adopt technology advancements. As a result, state and local government agencies are not innovating at the rate their constituents have come to expect. Creating a data-driven culture within municipalities can help them set and measure progress toward goals, create operational efficiencies, and boost the
Technology has the power to transform the public sector. Improving the efficiency of public services can mean happier, healthier communities. Especially in regard to communication with constituents where government technology can help agencies connect with constituents. But technology and the move toward digital transformation can also leave people behind. How can state and local governments
Government agencies that rely on legacy systems and hardware struggle to meet citizens’ needs. Outdated IT infrastructure poses significant challenges ranging from increased risk of cyber vulnerabilities to inefficient and reactive processes. In an increasingly digital world, constituents expect fast, smooth and safe digital interactions. By modernizing IT infrastructure, public sector organizations can harness the
More than half of the world’s 8 billion people live in cities, generating more than 80% of the global GDP. Today, cities are getting smarter. The smart city movement promises to improve urban services and boost quality of life. Contrary to what you may believe, big cities don’t have a monopoly on smart city technologies.
