MORE STATE & LOCAL NEWS

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  Reopening means contact tracing. Many states aren't ready.

  With no national plan and scant federal dollars on the horizon, states are funding their own contact-tracing initiatives for what experts predict will be a massive undertaking lasting 18 months to two years, until a vaccine is developed.
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  Dems plan COVID relief for state, local government

  Democratic lawmakers want the next stimulus package to provide state and local governments with as much as $700 billion in block aid grants and increased funding for Medicaid to help them retain workers and avoid layoffs.
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  4 ways to deliver better citizen search experience

  As many citizen interactions start on state and local government websites, powerful and accurate search features ensure citizens can quickly and effectively access the exact information they need.
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  Public coronavirus data varies widely between states

  While most states made county- and ZIP code-level information available soon after they began reporting cases, some have hesitated to localize data further because of privacy concerns.
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  Keeping the lights on in Northern Virginia’s data centers

  Loudoun County is working with local data center operators and tenants to ensure government, businesses and consumers can access telecommunications, streaming, data storage and processing services, even as they shelter in place.
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  Pandemic response surfaces security gaps

  Government’s response to the virus has revealed areas for improving cybersecurity, data sharing and emergency preparedness, experts say.
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  Demographic, economic census data for COVID-19 response

  The Census Bureau has launched a resource page that highlights demographic and economic data decision-makers can use for more effective response to the pandemic.
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  Linking self-driving cars to traffic signals might help pedestrians give them the green light

  Because pedestrians at an intersection tend to trust traffic lights more than self-driving cars, cities might be safer if cars communicated their intentions to traffic lights rather.
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  How municipalities and utilities can prepare for natural disasters

  As utilities develop systems for near-real-time alerts and warnings for their customers, municipalities must change their regulatory strategies and funding programs.
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  States navigate shortages, price-gouging and feds to secure PPE, test kits

  To acquire needed medical devices and personal protective equipment for COVID-19 response, states are facing shortages, counterfeit products, inflation and a patchwork of federal rules, according to experts, lawmakers and some former federal officials.