This Week in Government Technology – August 18th-25th, 2024

This week in government technology, AI is driving transformative advancements across the public sector. In Los Angeles, the city is implementing long-term AI policies through its new AI Roadmap, while the “Driving Public Sector Innovation” video series highlights how AI and cloud computing are improving decision-making and service delivery across agencies like the U.S. Navy and Veterans Affairs. The Texas Office of the Attorney General is using AI to streamline child support casework, and the Veterans Health Administration is exploring AI and smart home technologies to enhance veteran care.

Los Angeles is Shaping AI Policy for the Long Term

At the Los Angeles Digital Government Summit, public and private sector experts emphasized the critical need for robust AI policies that address immediate concerns and adapt to future developments. AI is becoming a cornerstone of public sector operations, streamlining processes and enhancing decision-making. Los Angeles CIO Ted Ross described AI as a “seismic shift,” highlighting the importance of staff engaging deeply with the technology. Panelists underscored the need to verify AI-generated outputs and ensure employees are well-prepared to collaborate with AI tools. Central to the discussion was the city’s AI Roadmap, unveiled in June, which outlines how Los Angeles plans to integrate AI into city services.

Driving Public Sector Innovation Video Series

Integrating AI, cloud computing, and advanced database technologies is transforming government operations, enabling more efficient decision-making, enhanced service delivery, and stronger cybersecurity. In a new video series titled “Driving Public Sector Innovation,” leaders from government and industry highlight how these technologies improve outcomes across various sectors, from the U.S. Navy’s data-driven decision-making to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to reduce clinician burnout. The series showcases how AI and database solutions empower agencies to address complex challenges, enhance security, and deliver more responsive services.

Texas Office of the Attorney General Leverages AI to Enhance Child Support Casework Efficiency

The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) developed an AI-powered search tool to help child support division field case workers reduce time spent on research and legal documentation. Built on the Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB platform, the tool consolidates nonconfidential documents into a searchable knowledge base, saving significant time and enabling faster responses. At the 2024 TASSCC conference, CIO Tina McLeod and Chief Data Officer Antonia Hernandez highlighted the tool’s success in improving efficiency while safeguarding data accuracy. This initiative demonstrates the potential for AI to streamline complex tasks and can be replicated in other agencies.

Veteran Care and AI Innovation

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is exploring healthcare for veterans through innovative technologies like AI, smart homes, and deep learning models. These initiatives aim to improve care, reduce long-term care needs, and provide early detection of health issues such as skin cancer. Joe Ronzio, VHA’s deputy chief health technology officer, highlighted the importance of smart home technologies that monitor veterans’ health within their homes, helping them stay active and safe. While acknowledging the potential risks of AI, Ronzio remains optimistic about its future role in enhancing veterans’ healthcare, emphasizing the need for cautious implementation.