Contributed Content
As state and local governments modernize critical technology systems, they must also meet growing demand for cybersecurity, reliability, operational efficiency, and fiscal accountability. From citizen services and public safety operations to transportation networks, education systems, and emerging AI initiatives, agencies are managing increasingly complex environments with limited resources.
October 13, 2026 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM CT | Virtual
More than half of government organizations now use AI, but fewer than half have a formal AI policy. Here's the legal and security case for closing that gap and how to write an AI policy your agency will actually follow.
As artificial intelligence became embedded across everyday workplace tools, CapMetro moved early to establish policy before expanding AI adoption. With Darwin AI, the agency gained real-time visibility into how AI was actually being used across departments, replacing assumptions with data.
Darwin AI Announces the Nation’s First Bulk Purchase Agreement for AI Governance Through the State of Texas
The biggest risk facing state and local governments is waiting too long to modernize. In a previous blog, I explored five trends shaping state and local government as AI, cloud and data change the way agencies fulfil their mission. Here, I explore one trend in greater depth: why the cost of delaying modernization now outweighs the cost of change.
Building identity infrastructure that is ready for modern risks
Delivering Content at Scale With AI: 4 Ways to Maintain Control
Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:00am - 3:30pm AT&T Hotel and Conference Center - Zlotnik Ballroom
Federal dollars are flowing, and plans are moving fast. The states that succeed won't just have bold clinical agendas, they'll have the infrastructure to measure, defend and sustain results.
When commercial networks flood, first responders can't afford lag. Verizon Frontline 5G Network Slicing guarantees secure, prioritized bandwidth when seconds count.
Cloud has become the backbone of public sector modernization. What began as a cost and infrastructure play has evolved into a strategic enabler of digital services, resilience and innovation. More than a decade of adoption has also helped organizations develop the experience and operational maturity needed to manage cloud environments with increasing confidence.
Procurement in the Age of AI — June 16, 2026
State and local governments are under growing pressure to move artificial intelligence (AI) from pilot programs to real-world operations. Legislators want measurable progress, residents expect faster and more responsive services and agencies face ongoing budget and workforce constraints.
H.R. 1 has significantly reshaped the operating environment for health and human services agencies, increasing both oversight and administrative demands across programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The legislation raises the stakes by tightening expectations around payment accuracy — placing SNAP agencies at risk of financial penalties if error rates exceed 6% by 2028 — while also expanding eligibility verification requirements, such as requiring certain Medicaid recipients to undergo recertification twice a year instead of annually.
AI is already inside your organization. The question is whether you are in control of it, or it is in control of you.
Why Traditional IT Cost Metrics Fail in the AI Era—and What Leaders Should Measure Instead
Latest News
What to Know:
- The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is requesting about $110 million in exceptional items with IT components.
- The largest technology-related request would support contraband interdiction, drone detection, secure connectivity and command center operations.
- The agency also requests funding for DIR Shared Technology Services and existing technology maintenance and support.
Industry Insider — Texas is pleased to welcome Black Duck to the Industry Insider family.
What to Know:
- Ward spent 12 years as Bell County CIO after previously serving as the county’s assistant director.
- The Austin CTO role oversees more than 130 employees and a technology budget exceeding $60 million.
- Ward brings more than 24 years of IT and management experience, including enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity and IT governance.
