Author Archive
Data & Analytics
Where states can learn to turn data into decisions
The Data Labs program helps participating states design data projects that deliver operational efficiency and improved services.
Data & Analytics
Better data management makes digital services shine
Leveraging metadata and establishing data sharing frameworks across agencies can help government achieve higher data quality and security.
Data & Analytics
Dashboard helps city track diversity, equity, inclusion progress
Philadelphia’s workforce diversity dashboard collects and visualizes demographic data on city employees.
Data & Analytics
Urban heat map reveals priority spots for cooling efforts
Citizen scientists in Milwaukee collected air temperature and humidity data to help state officials focus where heat prevention efforts are most needed.
Data & Analytics
How AI helps one city spot damaged rooftops
The Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Department is using a mix of artificial intelligence, GIS-based flyover imagery and building code enforcement data to automatically detect at-risk buildings.
Data & Analytics
Stitching together health data and GIS for better decision-making
An enterprise geographic information systems platform is how the Washington Department of Health aims to get more useful data into the hands of health officials.
Data & Analytics
Data index helps officials allocate opioid settlement funds
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a county-level social vulnerability index that officials can use to make data-driven decisions on how to efficiently spend opioid settlement funds.
Data & Analytics
State eyes sports betting kiosks
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission wants to know if and how it can safely and profitably introduce sports betting machines at retailers.
Emerging Tech
AI-enabled robots may increase recycling, workplace safety
Automating the recycling sorting process can increase waste management efficiency and play a valuable role in reducing environmental contamination.
Emerging Tech
Facial recognition: Can fake data produce real results?
Diversifying training datasets with computer-generated faces may help break down bias in the technology, but one expert says using synthetic images is a step too far.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Challenges quickly test creative solutions to operational snags
Long Beach’s annual smart city challenge focuses on improving customer satisfaction with service delivery.
Data & Analytics
How data sharing amplifies benefits programs
When information is shared across agencies, leaders can craft more equitable solutions and unlock the full potential of available resources.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Future-proofing smart cities with open standards
Open standards can help smart cities prevent tech obsolescence and maximize growth.
Cloud & Infrastructure
City to integrate fleet vehicles with GPS network
Cincinnati aims to modernize its fleet using GPS that tracks vehicle location, collects engine data and improves communication among drivers and dispatch.
Cybersecurity
No good deed goes unpunished: How phishing exploits gov workers
Phishing attacks target employees’ natural curiosity and their commitment to public service, experts say.
Emerging Tech
NIST cooks up modified yeast for responder biothreat training
The yeast reference material has qualities similar to harmful biological agents, enabling first responders to practice detecting biothreats.
Emerging Tech
Portable gunshot detector senses firearms’ sound and flash
The system uses the sound and flash of the fired gun to identify and validate each shot, reducing response times and false positives.
Data & Analytics
Caltrans serves up dashboard, metrics for local transit agencies
An interactive dashboard designed to track implementation of contactless fare payments helped local California transit agencies see where they could make travel simpler and more cost-effective.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Language accessibility a growing priority for cities
City websites using machine translations still look to humans to ensure accuracy.
Data & Analytics