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In 2024, state and local governments faced a rapidly evolving technology landscape that has put artificial intelligence, cybersecurity resilience, digital equity, accessibility and user experience at the forefront. their priorities. These pressing issues have fueled a surge in AI-focused legislation, prompted stronger security measures following high-profile disruptions, advanced broadband initiatives, and design mandates inclusive, and have inspired ever more user-centered digital services.
Government Technology staff writers Julia Edinger And Ashley Silver And Governing Senior Editor Jule Pattison-Gordon join the podcast to talk about the magazine’s year in review issue.
SHOW NOTES
Here are the five main takeaways from this episode:
- The growing role and regulation of AI: State and local governments have rapidly adopted artificial intelligence in 2024, moving beyond pilot projects to everyday operations. Lawmakers have introduced hundreds of AI-related bills, and agencies have formed task forces, appointed executive-level AI leaders, and joined coalitions to develop policy and governance. Yet most jurisdictions still lack fully mature frameworks, forcing them to play catch-up as employees and citizens turn to AI tools.
- Cybersecurity threats and responses: Cyber incidents have highlighted the critical need for stronger security measures. From faulty software updates at cybersecurity vendors to attacks on infrastructure players such as healthcare clearinghouses, governments have faced complex challenges . The state and local cybersecurity grant program has spurred greater adoption of .gov domains and fostered closer ties between jurisdictions, although concerns remain about long-term funding and political will.
- Digital equity and broadband expansion: With robust federal funding, states have developed digital equity plans, securing grants and advancing broadband projects to close connectivity gaps. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program has fueled progress and states have focused on creating more accessible websites, services and tools, with the goal of inclusiveness to meet BEAD standards. Americans with Disabilities Act and serving diverse populations.
- Accessibility and inclusion: Government leaders ensured that digital content complied with accessibility guidelines. States have appointed accessibility officers, implemented training, and adopted assistive technologies. These measures aim to serve people with disabilities more effectively while providing intuitive interfaces that benefit all users.
- Evolving government experience: Agencies are increasingly putting user experience at the forefront. AI chatbots, streamlined authorization systems, and mobile-friendly platforms have saved voters time and reshaped the public’s interaction with government. Although high-tech solutions have often prevailed, officials have balanced convenience with oversight, data governance, and a renewed focus on inclusiveness and trust in digital services.
Related link to the stories referenced in the episode:
2024 Year in Review: AI Impacts Every Area of Government Technology
Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet points to make it easier to create show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.
