Katya Schwenk
StateScoop
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Past articles by Katya:
Sustainable electronics a growing trend in state and local government
“Ecolabels” like the Green Electronics Council’s EPEAT are encouraging sustainable buying in governments that can exert outsized influence on the environment. → Read More
Oklahoma takes first steps toward digital driver's licenses
Oklahoma is testing an app that it plans to take statewide in October, bringing it to the forefront of states turning their identification systems digital. → Read More
Seattle puts $320,000 toward digital literacy
A community newspaper, indigenous artists and a handful of other community groups represent the latest participants in the 22-year-old program. → Read More
Hackers deface Minnesota state, county websites
Anti-government messaging was found on a refugee services page before being taken down and eventually restored. → Read More
Oklahoma latest to buy mobile 'panic buttons' for schools
The state is spending $3 million to outfit more than 500 districts with mobile public safety tech used in a growing number of schools around the country. → Read More
California has a new plan to upgrade 911
After years of false starts, Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state could now be getting the support it needs to deploy the next generation of 911 technologies. → Read More
How cities and states are preparing for the first digital census
Technology is playing a central role in community preparation efforts, as organizers attempt to ensure that no one is left uncounted in 2020. → Read More
Pew’s new broadband tool shows how states are taking action
New data compiled by Pew Charitable Trusts shows legislative interest in high-speed internet is rising, with states passing 156 broadband laws last year. → Read More
Transit Tech Lab pilots solutions for NYC’s transit woes
For transit systems with shaky performance and unclear futures, the city is turning to small tech companies for a leg up. → Read More
Chicago CIO Danielle DuMerer steps down
After 11 years with the city’s information technology arm, DuMerer will become the CIO at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. → Read More
Pennsylvania to centralize digital services, hire chief data officer
Gov. Tom Wolf has announced a new position within the state’s technology leadership and a plan to “transform” digital government. → Read More
Audit uncovers 'pervasive' problems in Illinois technology agency
The Department of Innovation and Technology was faulted for a history of cost overruns, security concerns and a refusal to cooperate with the state comptroller. → Read More
CIOs endorse Senate bill to grow state and federal cybersecurity collaboration
The legislation would open new cybersecurity tools, training and grants to state IT offices while boosting engagement with federal authorities. → Read More
Ohio opens 540-acre testing ground for 'smart' vehicles
The facility, called SMARTCenter, is the latest addition to the state’s investment in autonomous and connected vehicle research. → Read More
Driverless trucking approved in Louisiana under new law
The technology for autonomous trucking isn’t expected for some years, but lawmakers said they wanted to encourage the industry’s growth in their state. → Read More
Innovation labs take a gamble to improve city government
Institutions seeking new ideas in government often fizzle out before their projects find solid footing. But their champions say that risk is the entry cost to realizing substantive change. → Read More
Facial recognition technology is here to stay, say analysts
Recent bans of the surveillance technology are popping up around the country, but the consensus is that facial recognition will stick around. → Read More
‘Tech for Rural Districts’ brings new resources to remote schools
“Like a focus group on steroids,” a new initiative created by two education groups will provide online resources for remote communities. → Read More
Vermont takes rural broadband into its own hands under new law
Gov. Phil Scott signed a law enabling the state to fund homegrown broadband providers to bring high-speed internet to areas ignored by the private sector. → Read More
Tariffs on China limit students’ access to technology, warn educators
Edtech companies say they must raise prices to stay profitable, which schools say is forcing them to cut back on critical resources for students. → Read More