Author Archive

Kaitlyn Levinson

Assistant Editor, Route Fifty

Kaitlyn Levinson
Kaitlyn Levinson digs into how data and analytics are used by state and local governments to boost efficiency, streamline operations and improve services delivery.
Data & Analytics

Data for safely routing carbon-capture pipelines

The National Energy Technology Laboratory is developing data tools for state and local agencies making pipeline routing decisions for carbon capture and storage projects.

Data & Analytics

How local leaders can make complex data understandable

As governments strive for data-driven decisions, one expert breaks down how data stewards can make complex issues understandable and impactful for nonexperts.

Emerging Tech

AI in the workplace: Local officials explore responsible use

As more governments experiment with artificial intelligence, local leaders are considering how to leverage AI’s benefits safely and responsibly.

Data & Analytics

A closer look at ID verification across state benefits applications

The Digital Benefits Network’s open dataset details the identity proofing requirements of 158 applications for benefits programs.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Solving digital inequity with resident input

The Golden State wants to hear from the public about their broadband connections and device accessibility to better understand how to address digital equity barriers.

Data & Analytics

User-friendly data reporting helps one agency tackle hate acts

When hate incidents are underreported, victims are underserved. That’s why the California Civil Rights Department launched a phone- and web-based system for individuals to safely and securely report their experiences.

Data & Analytics

Is the census still the only reliable population data source?

While the census is still the "gold standard" of data, state and local governments are exploring alternative sources to supplement missing or unrepresentative datasets, experts say.

Emerging Tech

City greenlights autonomous vehicle testing for public transit

Phoenix wants AV providers to test automated driving systems to help it make decisions about future public transit.

Cloud & Infrastructure

How one city managed an IT staff consolidation

Lessons from Seattle’s years-long effort to consolidate IT workers from different city departments into a single agency.

Data & Analytics

How agencies can clean up criminal records to automate expungement

Automatic record clearance is a growing priority for states as criminal records delay individuals’ ability to reenter society and fill open job slots.

Data & Analytics

One city’s growing opioid crisis brings data-driven solutions to the front lines

Two decades of overdose data helps the Baltimore City Health Department understand drug use trends to shape treatment programs.

Public Safety

6G promises immersive communications for public safety

The next-generation cellular network is poised to massively upgrade situational awareness for public safety agencies, experts say.

Data & Analytics

Optimization model delivers faster emergency response

Researchers used historical traffic data to develop a model that calculates the most efficient routes for police and medical personnel traveling from dispatch locations to vehicle accident sites.

Public Safety

Camera, sensor, drone data lights up disaster response

ALERTCalifornia’s network will provide actionable natural disaster data for public safety agencies and researchers responding to wildfires, floods, landslides and other climate-driven events.

Data & Analytics

Data gaps curtail innovation, digital equity

Insufficient or incomplete information limits governments' ability to leverage data-driven solutions and innovations, according to a recent report.

Public Safety

How sports data can help public safety agencies up their game

Technology originally developed for athletes can help public safety agencies to track first responders’ performance during training to sharpen real-life mission efficiency.

Public Safety

Finding the right drone for the job

With MITRE’s Drone Selector, public safety agencies input their desired tasks and locality to see details on all drones that meet their requirements and can operate under current state and local regulations.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Pension systems’ built-in modernization deadline: IT staff retirements

The Washington Department of Retirement Systems is modernizing its pension administration infrastructure before the soon-to-be retirees managing it take their skills and knowledge with them.

Public Safety

Twitter turmoil prompts agencies to plan for social media upsets

Agencies must find ways to adapt to changes in Twitter’s operations to ensure residents still receive the information they need, experts say.

Cloud & Infrastructure

What early adopters get wrong

Long-term smart city success is more likely when leaders take the time to establish data and tech governance frameworks with community input, one expert says.