Trends
Massachusetts is showing the way by going to the end users of the products and services governments buy. It’s good for suppliers as well, and produces better results for everyone.
After trying Internet voting for overseas voters, West Virginia is expanding the option for those with physical disabilities. But MIT researchers now say they’ve found worrying flaws in the app the state has been using.
California is working to consolidate all of its geographical data, with the longer-term goal of providing a central portal for everything. It's a chance to enrich governmental collaboration.
Carroll County is just one county with drone laws that conflict with the state of Maryland’s laws, and nobody knows which ones to follow. If the laws aren’t sorted out, local governments could struggle in legal battles.
In December the Connecticut DMV issued the needed approval to Tesla, allowing it to lease vehicles in the state. Officials and residents alike are pleased with the change and “applaud Tesla for its persistence.”
The newest generation in wireless networking represents a major boost in both capacity and speed, opening the door to transformative public services. But the technology is both costly and controversial even as states and localities begin to legislate and regulate around 5G.
Madison, Wis., proposed an ordinance that would make electric vehicle (EV) charging stations easier to install and, by extension, encourage more residents to buy EVs. “It’s an investment in the future.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved deployment of 5,000 driverless, electric delivery vehicles on California streets, reviving debate in Congress over need for regulation of autonomous transportation.
A new study details dramatic economic benefits and large cuts in carbon emissions for California from the impact of electric vehicles over the next 10 years. Other states can profit from the lessons learned.
Due to new technology’s inherent likelihood to leave segments of the population behind, experts and interested observers say government must work to ensure small-cell network rollouts benefit the whole of communities.
The transportation network or rideshare company has received approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles to begin testing self-driving cars on state roads. Uber will begin tests in San Francisco and the state’s DMV will oversee the testing.
Cyberattack assistance for local governments varies a lot: Some states provide large sums but others claim they don’t have jurisdiction. Local governments are getting targeted more, so cybersecurity protection needs to become all-inclusive.
A senator hopes the increase would put more money into road maintenance. Alaska currently has the lowest gas tax in the nation, and increasing the tax as proposed in the bill would still make it the 48th-lowest gas tax in the nation.
The city will bring in a team of experts to discuss future technology implications, opportunities in transportation with local leaders. “We’re talking about the now of transportation, and how we incorporate that.”
The Dallas-based company Alto differs from other ride-hailing companies in that it’s “an accessible luxury.” The membership-based service owns its own fleet of SUVs, uniformed drivers and has a signature scent.
Technology-driven disruption is going to accelerate exponentially, the authors of a new book predict. Government is going to have to figure out how to keep up.
A study by AAA found that range anxiety decreases after purchase of an EV and it will only cost about $600 annually to maintain, a comparable figure to gas. But others are skeptical that the initial cost is still too high for most motorists.
Some lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban Deepfake technology for its ability to mislead and manipulate voters. “It’s not hard to imagine how destructive this technology could be in an election.”
High costs, driven by permitting, building code and regulatory red tape, could hamper growth of stations needed to power the EV market, but some states and localities are starting to change the status quo.
The popular Tampa ride service Downtowner was launched in 2016 but has since run out of funding. But officials don’t want to spend the money especially when Uber and Lyft offer similar services.
The state will open a graduate school and research center with hopes of bringing in tech learners and workers to pair them “with a great place to live and work …. We really see that [as] a great opportunity.”
Insatiable demands for data have triggered startling projections on how much electricity is consumed to power the Internet. But technology itself — along with strategic regulations — could keep our energy needs in check.
California and Oregon have climate change policies that allow farmers to capitalize on the manure-turned-gas market and other states, including Minnesota, want in. “It’s the new gold rush.”
Little Roady, an autonomous and electric vehicle that operates on a 5-mile loop, carries 150 happy riders each day. Some think the limitations of Little Roady are what make it successful.
Based upon legislation from North Carolina, Sen. Bergstrom wants to implement a drone permitting system for commercial operators. Officials hope the system would preserve residents’ privacy.
The University of Michigan’s Center of Ethics, Society and Computing (ESC) will study ethical limitations and practices of artificial intelligence. “We’re looking ahead to difficult debates about the future path we are steering with technology in society.”
Cyberattacks, Internet shutdowns, online bullying, and other types of behavior threaten the rights of citizens. Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, offers a contract to regulate Internet norms.
The troubled plane model was grounded last year won’t receive clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly again until at least mid-2020. The FAA is doing detailed reviews to ensure the planes “meet the highest certification standards.”
Stories about drones in mysterious formations across Nebraska and Colorado have been flying around for days, but officials still don’t have any answers. “It baffles me. I don’t know why someone would be doing this for fun.”
The bill is intended to create incentives for electric and plug-in vehicles, but bills like this have failed before and lawmakers are split on the issue. This would be more than just passing legislation, “People are going to have to think differently.”
The idea of driverless vehicles is great but, as of now, doesn’t work in our reality. Unresolved issues like crash liability, battery lifespan and outdated infrastructure make autonomous vehicles a next-generation prospect.
