Attributes: Commentary

Commentary

How one city is proactively managing AI use—and what local governments can learn from it

AI (artificial intelligence) had a big year last year. A topic once reserved for tech circles, it became a frequent news headline and a regular dinner table conversation piece. Governments across the world began shaping policies for AI. In the U.S., President Joe Biden enacted his executive order in October, which created several initiatives to […]

Vision Zero

Commentary

What is going on with Vision Zero

In 2019, the Dallas County Council gave the green light to incorporate Vision Zero strategies into all future traffic planning in an effort to curb vehicle fatalities while increasing safe and healthy mobility for all. When a local TV station conducted a progress report in late 2023, however, investigators found that traffic crashes had killed […]

process

Commentary

The art of dismantling the “unfortunate process”

Procurement/supply chain work is comprised of a series of steps or processes needed to complete the project. As a public procurement leader for more than a few years, I have had experiences and exposure with the phenomenon that I term “unfortunate process.” Instead allowing my “inner Deming” the immediate impulse to blurt out “bad process! […]

diverse hiring

Commentary

How state governments can help revitalize workforce development

Siloed and disjointed workforce development ecosystems can’t keep up with the dynamic needs of today’s economy. Isolated departments across government, business, nonprofits and academia are sometimes too slow to adapt to new workforce needs or to adjust to new technologies—resulting in significant skills gaps and talent shortages. To keep pace, state agencies across the country […]

natural disasters

Commentary

Getting ahead of natural disasters: Field-tested planning best practices from San Mateo and Santa Cruz

Over 16 days at the beginning of this year, a state of emergency was declared in 51 of California’s 58 counties due to atmospheric rivers and winter storms. From storm surges, mudslides, downed trees, heavy snow, avalanches, power outages and road closures, to river and tributary floods, potential dam spills, as well as urban, residential, […]

partners

Commentary

Five attributes every government agency needs from a successful partner

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how state and local governments work with outside partners to support government benefits programs. The pandemic brought new challenges and increased demand for services. State and local government leaders had to re-evaluate the role private companies could play. These leaders were able to understand which partners were best suited to help […]

hurricane

Commentary

Supporting hurricane response in Puerto Rico with aerial imagery

When Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico in September of 2022, resultant flooding and landslides caused significant damage on the island. Local and federal government agencies and insurance companies needed to determine the location and extent of this damage in a timely manner for restoration and assessment. With such a large area of potential impact—Puerto Rico […]

green

Commentary

The future of carbon emissions and cities lies in green buildings

When you envision the future, what do you see? For me, it’s a place where people of all generations live, work and thrive. And it’s a place where green, efficient buildings are integrated with nature and resilient infrastructure ties our healthy and productive places together into communities. However, in the face of climate change, that […]

Rebuild

Commentary

With an historic investment in public spaces, Philadelphia’s Rebuild program is committed to equity in the process

Jobs in the construction industry are family-sustaining careers that have proven to lift families out of intergenerational poverty. Historically speaking, those same opportunities have traditionally been reserved for white men. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, in 2020 more than 60 percent of construction workers were white, with only 5 percent identifying as Black […]

water systems

Commentary

4 reasons to maintain natural water systems

It has never been more important to understand the significance of preserving natural water systems, which are essential for sustaining the environment, providing economic benefits and defending nature. Here are four key reasons why we should take action to protect and preserve natural water systems. Protecting nature Preserving natural water systems is essential for protecting […]

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