March, 2024

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Africatown Is Still Trying to Breathe

Next City

Black and Hispanic communities in America's port cities are fighting an uphill battle against environmental racism and industrial expansion. Next up in Africatown, the Alabama neighborhood founded by formerly enslaved people: a new rail line.

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Ep 31: Exploring Camp Traditions: A Rapid Fire Discussion

Summer Camp Programming

SHOW NOTES Hosts Kelie and Shauna, after a series of serious episodes, decide to lighten the mood by introducing a fun, rapid-fire segment focused on camp traditions. Utilizing a wheel to randomize selections, they explore their experiences and thoughts on a variety of camp traditions, such as the Apache Relay, family/parent days, awards for campers […] The post Ep 31: Exploring Camp Traditions: A Rapid Fire Discussion first appeared on Summer Camp Programming.

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There are 100,000 fewer Election Day polling places in 2024

GCN

A major Supreme Court decision, a pandemic and localized issues have all conspired to reduce the number of physical voting locations. Advocates say that’s bad for democracy.

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Latinos in Hollywood: Amplifying voices, expanding horizons

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Improving on- and off-screen representation of Latinos, their stories, and their culture could generate billions of dollars in new revenue for the industry, according to new McKinsey research.

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The Ultimate Playground Inspection Handbook

Dive into the world of playground safety with this complimentary guide. It offers a detailed exploration of essential practices to ensure the utmost safety for children. Delve into inspection techniques, from assessing equipment conditions to evaluating surfacing materials. Gain insights into maintenance strategies to keep playgrounds in top-notch condition year-round.

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State and Local Governments Should Embrace the Geolocation Capabilities of 5G

State Tech Magazine

Research has shown that 9 in 10 companies worldwide use location data, and that use is expected to grow in significance over the next few years. However, geolocation data from telecommunications service providers is currently heavily underused. And while other sources of geolocation data, such as smartphone application data, are harder to come by after recent privacy policy changes, 5G geolocation data is only improving as the technology advances.

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February 2024 - Microsoft 365 US Public Sector Roadmap Newsletter

Microsoft Public Sector

Release News Teams Meeting organizers can now see time-zone information of participants while scheduling a meeting Share contact information of people in Microsoft Teams chat Integrate Chat notification with Meeting RSVP status – GCC February, GCCH & DoD March Mute On Air External call routing settings - GCC & GCCH Ability to block users from joining externally hosted Teams meetings Privacy link in Teams meeting join flow changing to organization's privacy statement Meeting invite improv

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Silly “Survival Kits” for Summer Camp Fun

Summer Camp Programming

Long ago, I discovered a charming concept of creating playful “survival kits” to give to friends and colleagues, bringing a smile and a moment of appreciation to their day. Recently, I stumbled upon my collection of these whimsical kit ideas, and I figured they were perfect for the challenges of camp life. These kits can […] The post Silly “Survival Kits” for Summer Camp Fun first appeared on Summer Camp Programming.

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Why is it so hard to build housing near transit stops?

GCN

Two recent studies look at the obstacles to building more apartments and other dense housing options near transit to address environmental, urban development and housing goals.

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How generative AI can help banks manage risk and compliance

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

In the next five years, generative AI could fundamentally change financial institutions’ risk management by automating, accelerating, and enhancing everything from compliance to climate risk control.

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The power of photons: A quantum leap in computing

Open Access Government - Technology News

Scientists are trying to redefine the capabilities of quantum computers Leading the breakthrough are Benedikt Tissot and Guido Burkard, who are using an advanced method to enable the smooth exchange of information between quantum bits (qubits) using photons as messengers. A future where computers can solve problems beyond expectations That’s the promise of quantum computers.

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7 Signs Your Local Government ERP Is Holding You Back: A Guide for Small Municipalities

Local governments and municipalities serving populations under 200,000 face distinctive challenges in delivering efficient and effective services to their communities. To overcome these challenges, many rely on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems tailored to their specific needs. Not all ERP systems are created equal, and some may hinder progress rather than support it.

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6 foundational capabilities you need for generative AI

AWS Public Sector Blog

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is easy to use—and that’s what makes the technology so exciting. But it’s important not to confuse ease of use with effortless deployment. The value of generative AI is inextricably linked to the technology’s reliability and traceability, as described in our earlier blog post, Generative AI: Understand the challenges to realize the opportunities.

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The Pandemic Investment That Allowed Gig Workers to ‘Break Free’

Next City

Receiving unemployment assistance and pandemic relief funds gave some gig workers space to breathe – and rethink their careers entirely.

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SCP 201: 20 Special Guests Suggestions for Your Camp

Summer Camp Programming

SHOW NOTES In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide range of ideas for bringing special guests to camps. They explore the possibility of inviting guests such as wildlife experts, celebrities, local community leaders, scientists, engineers, athletes, craftsmen like blacksmiths, motivational speakers, and artists. Additionally, they mention innovative activities like silent discos, bubble parties, […] The post SCP 201: 20 Special Guests Suggestions for Your Camp first appeared on Summe

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$3.3B in federal grants announced for communities split apart by highways

GCN

The one-time infusion of cash for highway caps, bike trails and other improvements shows the Biden administration’s priorities for one of its most high-profile infrastructure initiatives.

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ASPA TIMES Magazine: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PA TIMES Magazine is a publication of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), a not-for-profit corporation. This edition focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in public administration, including guest columns, insights for the field and interviews with city government DEI officers about their work at the local level.

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Generative AI fuels creative physical product design but is no magic wand

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Generative AI tools can shorten physical product design life cycles significantly and spark innovation, but the knowledge and discretion of design experts are necessary to mitigate potential pitfalls.

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Artificial intelligence outperforms humans in creative thinking

Open Access Government - Technology News

Artificial intelligence has overtaken humans when it comes to creative thinking, according to research into generative AI and its untapped abilities Researchers from the University of Alberta have conducted a study that compared the creative potential of humans against GPT-4, an advanced generative language model. PhD students Kent F. Hubert and Kim N.

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Maximizing Underused Hospital-Owned Land for Affordable Housing

The Stoop (NYU Furman Center)

As New York City faces its worst housing crisis in over 50 years, policymakers are looking to connect affordable housing developers with a range of institutional stakeholders from hospitals to faith-based organizations to find ways to increase the supply of homes. To assist city and state policymakers, planners, housing developers, community development organizations, and other stakeholders, the NYU Furman Center released an interactive map analyzing healthcare facility and hospital-owned (HHO)

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Early Bird Agencies Have Begun Deploying Windows 11

FedTech Magazine

Better to be an early adopter than one scrambling to do everything at the last minute. That’s how Joe Powers sees it. As associate CIO for enterprise infrastructure solutions at the Office of Personnel Management, Powers is leading the agency’s rollout of Microsoft Windows 11. The new operating system replaces Windows 10, which will reach end of life in October 2025.

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Sustainable Facility Maintenance Management for Small Local Governments

Unlock the potential of sustainable facility management! This guide empowers small local governments to lead with climate-resilient infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and more. Elevate your community's resilience, reduce costs, and embrace eco-friendly practices. Discover the role of facility maintenance teams in green cleaning, sustainability analyses, and infrastructure upgrades.

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Theme of the Week – Creative Campers

Summer Camp Programming

Does your camp have theme weeks or theme days? In this series of posts, I give you 5 ideas for different themes. Check the comments for more ideas and to add your own. Below are my five suggestions. What’s yours? OUTDOOR FUN The outdoors provides kids with many opportunities to be creative. Run an Art […] The post Theme of the Week – Creative Campers first appeared on Summer Camp Programming.

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School vouchers continue momentum in state legislatures

GCN

2023 was considered a landmark year for school choice. It’s a trend that is showing no sign of slowing down, as lawmakers push proposals with fewer restrictions and costly price tags.

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Where is customer care in 2024?

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Gen Z consumers are picking up the phone, boomers are using digital chat, and AI technologies are reshaping the contact center. For customer care leaders, 2024 could be a transformative year.

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3 Technology Trends That Improve Hybrid Work for State and Local Governments

State Tech Magazine

Whether an organization is hybrid or fully remote, having a digital-first culture and strategy for collaboration is a wise move for ensuring employees are able to do their work in any setting, at any time. This means prioritizing tools and technology that enable an agency to create a digital experience that is scalable, secure, reliable and cost-effective.

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Proactive vs Reactive Maintenance: Making the Case for Preparedness

Discover comprehensive strategies for optimizing operations and achieving cost efficiency! This document offers insights into efficient inspections, data-driven decision-making, goal alignment, and resource optimization. It empowers local governments and maintenance departments to streamline operations and ensure significant cost savings. From aligning maintenance goals with community needs to leveraging data for strategic planning, this guide provides a roadmap for smoother, more reliable opera

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ARPA 3-Year Anniversary: Documenting the Success of Direct Federal Aid to Cities and Towns

NLC (National League of Cities)

Three years after its passage, the impact of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) on America’s cities, towns and villages cannot be overstated. APRA’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) provided integral relief for local governments to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure stability for communities moving forward.

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Navigating the Tradeoffs of Good Cause Eviction

The Stoop (NYU Furman Center)

As lawmakers in Albany debate how to fix New York’s housing affordability crisis, a new research brief by the NYU Furman Center examines the possible effects of how a good cause eviction requirement might affect tenants, landlords, and the housing market. The paper also analyzes good cause legislation in other cities and states to help policymakers consider how to balance anticipated tradeoffs.

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AWS convenes public sector and industry leaders on future of AI in federal financial services

AWS Public Sector Blog

On February 22, 2024, Amazon Web Services (AWS) hosted its first Federal Financial Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia, convening leaders from the public sector and financial services industry. AI has the potential to revolutionize the financial services sector by leveraging data to enhance customer experiences, reduce risks, mitigate counterintelligence, and streamline operations.

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Can student debt relief attract workers to state and local government jobs?

GCN

More than 46% of state and local employees reported being “extremely or very worried” about paying back their student loans. A new report suggests addressing that concern could entice more people into the public sector.

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Facility Maintenance Trends for 2024: What's Changing in the Industry?

This comprehensive article delves into the transformative trends reshaping local government facility maintenance in anticipation of 2024. From embracing smart technology for efficient management, sustainability's pivotal role to data-driven decision-making, workforce upskilling, and predictive maintenance strategies, each aspect is explored. Insights into outsourcing collaborations, digital twins, safety enhancements, and the broader industry evolution highlight the critical adaptation needed.

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Implementing generative AI with speed and safety

McKinsey Public & Social Sector Insights

Generative AI poses both risks and opportunities. Here’s a road map to mitigate the former while moving to capture the latter from day one.

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Optimizing Electric School Buses for Cold Weather Climates 

The City Fix

As electric school buses hit the road across the United States, it’s important for school districts and school transportation providers to prepare for how these clean-running buses will perform in different climates. The good news? Electric school buses are tested.

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FOIA Backlogs Hinder Government Transparency and Accountability

GAO (US Government Accountability Office)

Each year, media outlets, businesses, and members of the public file hundreds of thousands of requests for government records on a wide range of topics—from consumer safety to national security. Their ability to access these records is protected.

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Bipartisan Support for CR Overcomes Shutdown Proponents, Reduces Likelihood of Deep Cuts to Grant Programs

NLC (National League of Cities)

The House and Senate passed another short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) on Thursday (February 29) to give Congress more time to finalize and approve the 12 federal appropriations bills for the FY 2024 budget. None of the 12 annual spending bills have been sent to the President for enactment despite being five months behind schedule.

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Efficiency and Sustainability: Leveraging Digital Solutions in Facility Operations

Speaker: Alan Kavanaugh, BA, CRM, CCPI ​​​​​​​Director of Loss Control & Risk Management

This session is designed to unveil the transformative potential of digital solutions in reshaping conventional practices, offering a roadmap towards greener and more efficient facilities regardless of municipality size. Attendees will learn: Insights into cutting-edge trends and strategies in sustainable facility management. Practical knowledge to effectively incorporate digital solutions for operational efficiency.