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In 2024, state and local governments responded to a rapidly evolving technology landscape by making artificial intelligence, cybersecurity resiliency, digital equity, accessibility, and user experience top priorities. These pressing issues have prompted a proliferation of AI-focused legislation, strengthened security measures following high-profile disruptions, advanced broadband initiatives and inclusive design mandates, and It has inspired more user-centric digital services than ever before.
Government Technology Office Staff Writers Julia Edinger and Ashley Silver and Government Senior Staff Writer Jules Pattison Gordon join the podcast to talk about the magazine’s annual roundup issue.
Show memo
Here are my five main takeaways from this episode. The growing role and regulation of AI: State and local governments are moving rapidly to adopt artificial intelligence in 2024, moving beyond pilot projects and into day-to-day operations. Lawmakers have introduced hundreds of AI-related bills, government agencies have formed task forces, appointed executive-level AI leaders, and joined coalitions to develop policy and governance. However, most jurisdictions still lack a fully mature framework and need to catch up as employees and constituents turn to AI tools. Cybersecurity threats and responses: Cyber incidents have highlighted the critical need for stronger security measures. From flaws in cybersecurity vendor software updates to attacks on infrastructure players such as health care clearinghouses, governments are grappling with complex challenges. State and local cybersecurity grant programs have spurred greater adoption of .gov domains and fostered closer ties between jurisdictions, but concerns about long-term funding and political will remain . Digital Equity and Broadband Expansion: With strong federal funding, states have developed digital equity plans. Secure grants and advance broadband projects to close the connectivity gap. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program fosters progress and states aim for inclusivity to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and serve diverse populations through websites, services, and more. , focused on making tools more accessible. Accessibility and Inclusion: Government leaders will pay attention to ensuring that digital content meets accessibility guidelines. Countries have appointed chief accessibility officers, conducted training, and introduced assistive technology. This move aims to more effectively serve people with disabilities while providing an intuitive interface that benefits all users. Evolving government experience: Government agencies are increasingly putting user experience at the forefront. AI chatbots, streamlined permission systems, and mobile-enabled platforms have saved voters time and reshaped public interactions with government. While high-tech solutions are often prevalent, authorities have placed a new emphasis on the comprehensiveness and reliability of digital services, balancing convenience with oversight and data governance. Related links to stories referenced in the episode:
2024 is a year in review: AI will impact every area of government technology
Editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize episodes in bullet point format to help create program notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.
