Recent technology-related headlines from across the U.S. courtesy of Government Technology:
How Portland Is Tackling the Innovation Dilemma
Portland, Ore., is experimenting with an annual competition aimed at resolving this dilemma. Now in its second year, Mayor Charlie Hales’ “innovation fund” awards seed money to city agencies to support creative, high-risk projects with long-term payoff — the type that wouldn’t typically make the cut in a penny-pinching city budget.
Drone Repair Program Opens at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma
A partnership between Tinker Air Force Base and San Diego, Calif.-based General Atomics Aeronautical will bring to the metro area the first repair shop in the nation where privately manufactured drones will be repaired by a government entity.
Maryland Health Exchange Quietly Allows Public Early Access
Officials at the Maryland health exchange had a plan: Roll out their revamped online insurance marketplace slowly and have a tech team ready to jump on problems.
How Illinois Counties Overcame the Barriers to Next-Gen 911
Jackson County, one of 15 southern Illinois counties that formed an association for the project, was prepared to go live with the new system on Sept. 23, followed by the other 14 by the end of the year. Smith, the group’s chairman, can look back over the past eight years with a mix of pride in the group’s persistence, anticipation of the new features it promises, and disbelief that the policy and regulatory issues took so long to resolve.
Pennsylvania Filing Business Liens at Accelerated Pace with New Software
The state’s Department of Revenue is "cleaning out the queue" of old tax debts and is filing liens at an accelerated pace, thanks to the ongoing installation of a new tax software system.
Washington State University has High Hopes for $60 Million Digital Classroom Building
A new “Digital Classroom” building at Washington State University could serve as a high-tech showplace, but officials hope its flexible teaching space will be equally appealing to faculty and students.
Nevada Joins States Leaning on Private Sector
The state’s $100 million in information technology contracts highlights a growing trend in government: hiring the private sector to do public sector IT work.
Tennessee Leaders Call on the FCC to Axe State Broadband Restrictions
Representatives from state and local government, along with private-sector leaders, rallied on Tuesday in support of a petition to the FCC to vacate state laws that prevent expansion of gigabit Internet connections.
Texas “Ideal Market” for High-Speed Rail
The Dallas-to-Fort Worth connection is the subject of several public meetings, including one Tuesday evening in downtown Fort Worth, at which residents are being asked for their opinions on the proposed high-speed rail lines.
