Author Archive
Daniela Altimari
Staff Reporter, Route Fifty
Daniela Altimari covers state and local trends for Route Fifty. She previously worked as a statehouse reporter at The Hartford Courant in Connecticut. A native of Massachusetts, Daniela holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Public Safety
States take new steps to stop election mistruths from going viral
To combat the rising misinformation threat, some states are bringing on cybersecurity specialists to comb social media and flag posts that spread falsehoods about the voting process.
- By Daniela Altimari
Data & Analytics
Detroit sues the U.S. Census Bureau over alleged undercounts
The Census Bureau contends that Detroit lost 7,100 residents from 2020 to 2021, but Mayor Mike Duggan said that number is inaccurate.
- By Daniela Altimari
Emerging Tech
Cities and towns embrace 'summer Fridays' for their workers
The trend towards more flexible and shorter work weeks in the summer months comes amid tight competition for public sector talent. "We’re seeing a strong push for quality-of-life enhancements," says one town administrator.
- By Daniela Altimari
Cybersecurity
Election laws in red and blue states are changing. Here's how
With primaries underway and this year's November elections approaching, lawmakers in Republican and Democratic states have overhauled laws to both increase and tighten ballot access.
- By Daniela Altimari
Data & Analytics
How cities and states track pandemic relief spending
Despite its challenges, data tracking has helped jurisdictions encourage transparency, uncover fraud and abuse, launch new initiatives and share ideas and best practices.
- By Daniela Altimari
Emerging Tech
States and cities are moving to make virtual hearings permanent
In the nation's statehouses and city halls, officials want remote meetings to outlast the Covid-19 crisis. Disability advocates are among those who support the idea. Others worry about the loss of in-person interactions and diminished oversight.
- By Daniela Altimari
State & Local
How cities are tapping federal aid to make major tech upgrades
Some local officials say setting aside ARPA funds for computers, software and other equipment to make government more efficient and accessible is one of the best ways to use the historic infusion of federal money.
- By Daniela Altimari