Julia Edinger

Created by Gov. Phil Murphy in October 2023, the group wrapped up last month by issuing a required report with recommendations. It could be re-formed if needed, but the state’s work in artificial intelligence continues.

Officials in Austin, Texas, received a racially targeted public comment during a recent City Council meeting, generated by artificial intelligence. They are now working to ensure this time is reserved for actual constituents.

Plus, Kansas will soon open funding applications to expand connectivity, a Colorado county is receiving federal funding for broadband, the economic benefits of improving Internet access in Harlan County, Ky., and more.

John Toney, the state’s chief information security officer, has been appointed a visiting fellow by the National Security Institute. Through this position, he will learn from cyber execs, building his knowledge to better serve Vermonters.

“With the Broadband Master Plan initiative, we look forward to learning how to better serve San Diego and eliminate the digital equity divide,” Jonathan Behnke, the city’s chief information officer, said in a statement.

Many organizations have incorporated technology into their hiring processes. The Center for Democracy and Technology studied how one hiring technology — digitized assessments — impacts job seekers with disabilities.

Plus, the Federal Communications Commission is pushing for greater network security measures after a cyber attack, additional funding has been awarded through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and more.

Several recent initiatives from the Beeck Center are intended to assist the public sector in digital service delivery, including FormFest 2024 and the Digital Government Hub, an innovation-focused fellowship.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program has seen significant advances in 2024, and its program director expects this path will continue in 2025 under a new presidential administration.

Plus, North Carolina launched a new website to support digital inclusion, Massachusetts is investing in connecting public housing properties, CISA issued mobile communications guidance, and more.