Julia Edinger
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🍉(she/her) published poet, essayist, journalist, and storyteller 📝 ||
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Articles by Julia Edinger
Illinois’ New Chief AI Officer Has Federal, State Experience
IE 11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. Illinois’ New Chief AI Officer Has Federal, State Experience The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology has tapped Tamara Roust to serve as chief AI officer. She previously served as the state’s chief data officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) has appointed a former state executive, Tamara Roust, as its second-ever chief AI officer (CAIO).
What’s New in Digital Equity: Vermont’s Speed Check Tool
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) has launched VT Speed Check, a tool providing the state’s residents with increased transparency about broadband coverage. The website does several things. First, it allows Vermont residents to check their Internet speed.
Colorado’s AI Leader Wants to ‘Normalize’ Its Technologies
Colorado’s first principal director of AI architecture, Jane Yang, said she views AI technology as one tool that can help improve service delivery across the state government amid a broader restructuring effort. “Ultimately, what is happening with AI is a lot of change management and helping people adapt to this new AI-augmented world,” Yang said. OIT’s operating reset is also largely a matter of change management, she said.
How Can Government Move Beyond the AI Pilot Phase?
Public-sector AI professionals are teaming up for the AI4Gov project, a book designed to serve as a field guide to help practitioners move beyond the pilot phase, and the project’s editors are seeking input through a practitioner survey. The endeavor is led by Amarda Shehu as managing editor; she serves as the inaugural vice president and chief AI officer at George Mason University (GMU).
What’s New in Digital Equity: Digital Inclusion Week 2026
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: DIGITAL INCLUSION WEEK 2026 Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) 2026 is the latest in a series of annual, nationwide events dedicated to raising awareness and engagement around digital equity. This year, DIW is Oct. 4-10.
With AI, Water Utilities Can Manage Assets More Closely
Public water utilities are tasked with managing many assets while constrained by limited resources; with AI, they can enhance their approach, and they may be able to access additional opportunities for investment. In Michigan, the Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s Division of Water and Waste Services (GCDC-WWS) started using AI to manage the large quantities of available data, according to Terry Biederman, the division’s assistant director of water.
Pittsburgh Mayor Taps Veteran Exec as City’s Next CIO
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor has appointed Sylvia Harris to serve as CIO and director of innovation and performance (IP) for the city. “I am so grateful and humbled,” Harris said in a weekend post on LinkedIn. Harris has been serving as acting CIO following the departure of former CIO Heidi Norman in January; her acting CIO status was effective Jan. 5, per an email from Molly Onufer, press secretary for the Office of the Mayor.
What Is Tokenomics? Government Budgets Grapple With the AI Era
In government — where every tax dollar must be accounted for and spent responsibly — it is, to be blunt, a budget nightmare for costs to run over an expected price. Let alone become double or triple an estimated price. Yet, this nightmare is now a possibility government agencies must actively account for in the age of AI. Indeed, many AI software providers run on token-based pricing models, wherein a token represents a unit of data processed by AI.
What’s New in Digital Equity: $30 Million Middle-Mile Project
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: $30 Million Middle-Mile Project BEAD Guidance Needed Maine’s Digital Resilience Grants New Mexico’s Literacy Initiative Colorado Recaptures Funds After Mismanagement $30 MILLION MIDDLE-MILE PROJECT Pima County, Ariz., officials and their partners broke ground on the $30.3 million Middle Mile project...
NASCIO Honors 11 State Technology Projects for Innovation
State technology leaders are using AI, automation and modern digital tools to tackle everything from aging infrastructure and cybersecurity threats to the everyday friction of interacting with government. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) announced the 2026 State IT Recognition Awards recipients Wednesday at its Annual Conference in San Diego.
Colorado’s New CIO Wants to Deliver a Better UX Across Govt.
Colorado CIO Sarah Tuneberg’s approach to IT leadership involves, she said, a “relentless focus on the user.” Tuneberg was selected to lead Colorado’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) starting June 1 amid a large-scale restructuring. Prior to her appointment, Tuneberg had been serving as deputy executive director for digital and delivery; before that, she had been director of the Colorado Digital Service (CDS) since 2024. These experiences have shaped her approach to state IT leadership.
Precisely Diagnosing Challenges Helps Governments Modernize
A new analysis from CivStart explores commonalities across five operational friction points for state and local government leaders which all require precise diagnosis to solve, per the report.
Better Government Forms Start With Trust, Not Technology
When forms unlock access to essential government services, their design process is a key part of delivery, which was the topic of multiple sessions during FormFest 2026. FormFest, presented in partnership by Code for America and the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University, showcases governments’ work to make services accessible and usable through forms. Previous FormFests have addressed topics like digitizing benefits applications, accessibility testing, and AI.
What’s New in Digital Equity: Understanding the Token Divide
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: UNDERSTANDING THE TOKEN DIVIDE AI models are increasingly leveraging a pay-per-use purchasing structure, in which units of data serve as tokens.
After an IT Consolidation, What's Ahead for Idaho's New CIO
Idaho's new CIO Jake Reynolds will use his experience with the state government to build relationships with leaders across agencies that will support technology implementations. Reynolds was tapped to serve as interim administrator of the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and state CIO in July, following the departure of Alberto Gonzalez. Reynolds was named permanent director and state CIO in August.
After an IT Consolidation, What’s Ahead for Idaho’s New CIO
Jake Reynolds Idaho’s new CIO Jake Reynolds will use his experience with the state government to build relationships with leaders across agencies that will support technology implementations. Reynolds was tapped to serve as interim administrator of the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and state CIO in July, following the departure of Alberto Gonzalez. Reynolds was named permanent director and state CIO in August.
What’s New in Digital Equity: Federal Program Funding
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: FEDERAL PROGRAM FUNDING The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a new round of funding for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Government leaders are reacting with cautious optimism to the development. Other stakeholder reactions are mixed.
After NTIA Announces New BEAD Round, Governments Adjust
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced a new round of Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding and initial reactions indicate that governments see it as an opportunity to expand connectivity. This round of funding is intended to fill a gap identified through public input about how BEAD savings could be used most effectively: to connect unserved locations identified after the submission of Final Proposals.
AI Helps Remodel Recycling to Meet a Modern Waste Stream
New recycling technology leveraging AI-powered sortation capabilities is expected to increase the percent of materials diverted from landfills and support the waste management process in Kent County, Mich. The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced in August that it is partnering with AMP to deploy its municipal solid waste processing system AMP ONE over the next 12 to 15 months.
What's New in Digital Equity: Trailblazer Applications Open
This week in "What's New in Digital Equity" - our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news - we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: * Trailblazer Applications Open * NYC Racial Equity Plan * GAO Recommends Improvements to Broadband Rollout * Communications Legislation Advances * Iowa State Innovation Zone TRAILBLAZER APPLICATIONS OPEN The application period for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)'s 2026 National Digital...
What's New in Digital Equity: Trailblazer Applications Open
This week in "What's New in Digital Equity" - our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news - we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: * Trailblazer Applications Open * NYC Racial Equity Plan * GAO Recommends Improvements to Broadband Rollout * Communications Legislation Advances * Iowa State Innovation Zone TRAILBLAZER APPLICATIONS OPEN The application period for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)'s 2026 National Digital...
What’s New in Digital Equity: Trailblazer Applications Open
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: TRAILBLAZER APPLICATIONS OPEN The application period for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)’s 2026 National Digital Inclusion Trailblazers recognition is now open. Applications for the program are open through Oct. 13.
State Audit Finds NYC’s AI Oversight Efforts Incomplete
Although New York City has made progress on the oversight of its AI systems since a 2023 audit, a new report from the Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) indicates that gaps remain. “We appreciate the State Comptroller’s partnership and focus on this important topic and are reviewing the report and its recommendations,” a spokesperson for the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) said in an email. The Aug.
What’s New in Digital Equity: New BEAD Proposals Approved
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: NEW BEAD PROPOSALS APPROVED The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved all 56 final proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
What’s New in Digital Equity: FCC Reports Increased Access
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: FCC REPORTS INCREASED ACCESS The FCC has voted to adopt the annual Section 706 Report, which indicates that “prices are down, competition is stronger than before and the digital divide has narrowed substantially,” according to a statement from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Oklahoma Library Portals Offer ‘Infrastructure for Dignity’
The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) is deploying community access portals in libraries around the state to expand access to digital services, with the first two of as many as 175 debuting at the Kingfisher Memorial Library on July 30. The American Library Association said in its Library Bill of Rights — adopted in 1939 and periodically amended — that the institutions should protect patrons’ privacy.
Missouri Flood and Drought App Builds Disaster Preparedness
Missouri has launched a new app to raise awareness of flooding and drought across the state. The Missouri Flood and Drought app was created by the state's Department of Natural resources, and it is intended to be usable by everyone, regardless of their data literacy. In Missouri, significant 2019 floods spurred action from the state, leading to the creation of the Missouri Hydrology Information Center, an information hub for drought and flooding information.
Missouri Flood and Drought App Builds Disaster Preparedness
Missouri has launched a new app to raise awareness of flooding and drought across the state. The Missouri Flood and Drought app was created by the state's Department of Natural resources, and it is intended to be usable by everyone, regardless of their data literacy. In Missouri, significant 2019 floods spurred action from the state, leading to the creation of the Missouri Hydrology Information Center, an information hub for drought and flooding information.
What’s New in Digital Equity: FCC Commissioner Nomination
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: FCC COMMISSIONER NOMINATION Last week, President Donald Trump nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She is currently senior counsel to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
AI Assistant Is Sandy Springs, Ga.’s Latest Innovation Move
The city of Sandy Springs, Ga., has launched an AI assistant to improve residents’ access to information and their experience in obtaining it. Officials have been advancing the city’s Digital Innovation Initiative, established in 2025, through AI and efforts such as digital signage, to make the permitting process more efficient. The Sandy Springs AI Assistant, which debuted June 23, builds on this work. It gives residents self-service 24 hours a day in more than 100 languages.
What’s New in Digital Equity: Massachusetts Funds Literacy
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: MASSACHUSETTS FUNDS LITERACY The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) has announced nearly $1.5 million in grant funding to support digital inclusion efforts for 10 public and affordable housing organizations.
Pittsburgh and Its Robotics Industry Are Working Together
Pittsburgh has become a hub of GeoAI and robotics development, and the industry is helping the city adopt new technologies to better serve residents. “I really think Pittsburgh has the potential to be the home of physical AI in government — of using AI technology and robotics in government,” Steve Wray, its director of economic development, said.
What’s New in Digital Equity: New Mexico Internet Subsidies
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: NEW MEXICO AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has begun the rulemaking process for its statewide affordability initiative, the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program (LITAP).
Cities Use Robots to Support Federal Disabilities Planning
U.S. cities are leveraging robots to more efficiently and accurately evaluate sidewalk conditions, and the data they get can improve their communities’ physical accessibility. Better data can help governments make cities more accessible and, as a result, they are actively seeking it. Technologies such as GIS and AI can help improve the built environment as officials seek to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Colorado Names First Principal Director of AI Architecture
Colorado Names First Principal Director of AI Architecture Jane Yang has joined the state Office of Information Technology in the newly created role. She was previously chief AI officer for the U.S. Administration for Children and Families. Headshot of Jane Yang Jane Yang has been named the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT)’s first-ever principal director of AI architecture, bringing her public- and private-sector technology experience to the new position.
What’s New in Digital Equity: Court Ruling on DEA Funding
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: COURT RULING ON DEA FUNDING Last year, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) filed a lawsuit — NDIA v. Trump — in U.S. District Court challenging the repeal of the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program.
Residents Look to Governments for Essential AI Skills
Governments and other organizations are working to integrate AI skills into digital literacy initiatives, but the curriculum may vary based on the skills their target audience — staff or residents — seeks. Members of the public do want to see government support AI tool and training initiatives, according to Beth Simone Noveck, founder of InnovateUS, a nonprofit created for and by public professionals that governments across the U.S. are using to upskill their workforces.
Essential AI Skills for Government Literacy Programs
Digital literacy is evolving, and it now includes teaching the essential AI skills needed to participate in the digital age. Today, the majority of jobs require digital skills, and AI skills are part of that. AI widens the digital divide because even a rudimentary digital skill like searching a web engine now often requires an understanding of AI to navigate AI-powered results.
Essential AI Skills for Government Literacy Programs
Digital literacy is evolving, and it now includes teaching the essential AI skills needed to participate in the digital age. And, notably, an AI skills training program can sometimes require a different approach for government staff versus the public. AI SKILLS FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES “The most needed skill, I think for everybody, is to think about how we can use this or any kind of tool in the public interest,” Beth Simone Noveck, founder of InnovateUS, said.
Minnesota Uses Accessibility to Improve Maps' Communication
Governments are developing maps to share information on a variety of topics with the public, but there are necessary considerations to ensure these digital products are accessible for all users. The state of Minnesota has been focused on the accessibility of its online products and content for years. In 2019, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) announced a significant effort to make maps accessible. MNIT has established a map accessibility resource center and made training modules available.
What’s New in Digital Equity: Oklahoma Digital Access Portals
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: OKLAHOMA DIGITAL ACCESS PORTALS A new $14.5 million initiative in Oklahoma will make available up to 175 broadband-enabled community access portals to libraries across the state.
NYC Mayor Launches Tech Teams to Tackle Agency Issues
NYC Mayor Launches Tech Teams to Tackle Agency Issues The city will deploy groups of technologists to work with its agencies on public interest challenges that can benefit from tech. First up is a solution helping enforce the city’s new “Click to Cancel” law. New York City will deploy teams of technologists as part of its new Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crew initiative to help agencies solve challenges swiftly.
A City’s AI Upskilling Program Empowers Staff to Build Tools
The city of San Jose, Calif.’s AI Upskilling Program, which has trained no fewer than 1,000 employees, has given staff across departments the know-how to build their own AI-powered tools. San Jose’s program has helped employees across the enterprise — from the IT Department to the Department of Transportation to the Fire Department — develop their own unique AI use cases to support and streamline their own work processes.
What’s New in Digital Equity: Millions for Telecom Workforce
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has been selected to receive $29.9 million in funding through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to help employers create registered apprenticeship programs for the telecommunications workforce.
Tucson, Ariz., Seeks AI Agent to Support Service Delivery
The city of Tucson, Ariz., has announced its first major agentic AI platform investment — specifically, an automated support agent — as outlined in a recently opened request for proposals (RFP). Now, Tucson is “seeking proposals from qualified vendors to deliver an AI-powered service automation solution,” per its RFP. Tucson’s RFP marks the city’s “first foray into agents and the potential for future agentic solutions,” according to an email from the city’s CIO Chris Mazzarella.
What’s New in Digital Equity: New Mexico Wi-Fi, Device Access
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below: NEW MEXICO WI-FI, DEVICE ACCESS New Mexico has launched several new initiatives to expand access to broadband service, including a new Wi-Fi deployment program and a permitting tool to expand Internet access.
Idaho CIO Tapped to Lead State’s Transportation Department
Idaho CIO Tapped to Lead State’s Transportation Department Alberto Gonzalez, Idaho’s CIO and the administrator of its Office of Information Technology Services, will start a new position in July as director of the state transportation department. Alberto Gonzalez, who has been serving as Idaho’s CIO and administrator of the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) for nearly four years, has been appointed director of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
Newport News, Va.’s, First CIO Tackles Security, Upskilling
Hassan Janjua, CIO of Newport News, Va. Newport News, Va., recently appointed Hassan Janjua to serve as the city’s inaugural CIO, and as such, he is empowered to shape the city’s IT strategy.
Ex-Philadelphia CIO Mark Wheeler Has Taken a County Role
Montgomery County, Pa.’s CIO Mark Wheeler brings with him more than a decade of public-sector IT experience, both locally with the adjoining city of Philadelphia and federally with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). He started as the county’s technology leader March 9, according to an email from the county’s Communications Director Megan Alt. Before his appointment, Deputy CIO Gordon McGowan served as interim CIO for about eight months.
Mapping the Masses: GIS for World Cup Preparedness
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is attracting crowds in cities across the U.S., and government officials are using technology — including GIS and AI — to address the impacts during the events. The U.S. portion of the World Cup is taking place in 11 host cities over 38 days, expected to attract 5 million visitors from across the world. Technology is supporting government efforts to prepare for these events from a security standpoint to protect critical infrastructure against adversaries.
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