AI, budget and accessibility are rising concerns for state CIOs

The past year has brought shifting priorities for states’ top technology officials. Artificial intelligence tops the annual list of priorities published by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. Accessibility is also in the spotlight as states rush to remediate their websites ahead of an April deadline set by the Department of Justice. And budget concerns are mounting. “It’s the reality of what the states are seeing and the CIOs realize that,” NASCIO Executive Director Robinson says on the latest Priorities Podcast. “The warning flags are up in terms of revenue shortfalls. … CIOs are hearing from agency customers that their budgets are going to be tapped.”

This week’s top stories:

Following months of protest from state lawmakers, attorneys general and civil rights organizations, President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week banning states from enforcing their laws regulating artificial intelligence, potentially setting the stage for widespread legal challenges.

The Dallas City Council voted last week to install cameras backed by artificial intelligence on yard waste and trash collection trucks, in an effort to combat illegal dumping and improve neighborhood cleanliness. The new system is hoped by officials to provide a more accurate picture of what’s happening across the city.

New York City officials last week announced the launch of a free digital learning hub for residents of the city’s public housing developments. The resources, which are available thanks to a broadband subsidy program called Big Apple Connect, are designed to help residents complete basic tasks like connect to the internet or use digital devices.

New episodes of StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast are posted each Wednesday. For more of the latest news and trends across the state and local government technology community, subscribe to the Priorities Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts,Soundcloud or Spotify.