Finance

The mistakes in the courts’ distribution system resulted in more than $26 million in fees going to the wrong sources over a five-year period, the Iowa Judicial Branch has said. The branch is examining its case management system.

Plus, a federal digital equity program received hundreds of applications, a tracker illustrates the rising trend of digital service teams, new research quantifies the positive effects of fiber broadband on rural communities and more.

Gov tech supplier Civic Marketplace is offering a procurement platform backed by AI for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The deal could promote more use of cooperative purchasing, according to backers.

Three existing government technology firms, including Black Mountain Software, comprise the new company, which said it has 2,000 clients out of the gate. The deal includes backing from Black Mountain owner Peterson Partners, an investment firm.

Chief Information Officer Mark Raymond is on a mission to convince decision-makers that technology doesn’t just cost money — it provides value. “It’s how we improve in government at all.”

A look at Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness, budget challenges and systemic inequality. Crowley is among those recognized by Governing’s returning Public Officials of the Year award series.

Major IT modernizations are underway, but strict budgets and rising software prices can mean a greater role for the CIO in vendor negotiations. At the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, Montana CIO Kevin Gilbertson discussed working with companies of varying sizes.

At NASCIO, Illinois CIO Sanjay Gupta says he has won direct appropriations for tech from state officials. He wants to move away from the chargeback model eventually, which he says will result in better services.

Plus, Kansas has announced funding for digital skills training, a map illustrates municipal networks across the country, and more.

A tech startup is leveraging AI to empower tribal nations in navigating the complex landscape of grant funding. Their solution is tailored to address these communities’ unique challenges and data sovereignty concerns.

The two government technology companies are working together to help agencies adopt a new way of budgeting, and to make the process more transparent for both public servants and their constituents.

A new report from IANS Research and Artico Search suggests that cybersecurity budgets are growing at a much slower pace than they were previously. Here are the details.

“How government chooses to make spending reductions is just as important as how it creates new programs,” writes Dan Kim. “The time to cut budgets is also an opportunity to rethink what the government does, how it does it, and whether it’s working.”

A new survey from Euna Solutions dives into the issues that worry people who do government procurement. The results also show how those professionals are reacting to the challenges in their vital gov tech field.

Plus, a broadband report card ranks ARPA-funded projects, more states see their initial proposals for BEAD funding approved, $2.7 million will support libraries’ digital literacy programming, and more.

Plus, the FCC has launched a new mobile speed test app, HUD’s ConnectHomeUSA program has expanded to new communities, more states have seen their initial proposals for BEAD program funding accepted, and more.

The money, allocated by a budget trailer bill, will enable the California State Payroll System Project to hire a system integrator. The initiative, underway since 2016, will replace a significant piece of legacy.

The company offers the Gravity platform and sells budgeting, compliance and other tools to local and state governments. A gov tech veteran will join the board of directors following the growth equity investment.