Government Technology

The sprawling IT budget at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) makes it one of the most heavily funded civilian organizations in the federal government. And almost all of that money is being laser focused on data, and how to use it securely.

The Department of Labor has taken note of New Jersey’s recent success, and some of its strategies are beginning to attract notice from other states.

Indianapolis created ParkIndy, a pay-by-phone meter system and app that’s using predictive analytics to make parking more convenient and boost infrastructure revenue.

The department expects to integrate data from multiple departments as the portal develops.

Chopra suggests that reclaiming its innovative legacy requires government to learn three important lessons from the private sector: to draw on outsiders for new ideas and solutions to old problems; to draw on insiders for nuanced expertise on how things work; and to think seriously about the force multiplying potential of 3 million government employees augmented by a crowd of 300 million citizens to do the public’s business, together.

Younger workers are going to expect to be able to use their own mobile devices to help them do their job.

On Monday, July 21, Washington, D.C., unveiled two major plans for it’s open data strategy, the first being the launch of a new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing system, and the second are its plans to hire a chief data officer to oversee an open data policy and portal.

"They are taking cues from the commercial sector, which normally leads trends like this. Especially in big organizations, they’ve started to get their hands around how valuable it can be if we reduce the silos [that keep data sets private] and bring some of those silos together."

Hundreds participated in the 12th annual survey in their respective population categories for demonstrating technological success in the areas of citizen engagement, policy, data and operations.

"This update demonstrates New York City’s commitment to government transparency and openness," O’Brien said. "New York is a national pioneer in open data, and this plan provides a road map for our continued leadership in this area," O’Brien said.