In a pivotal year, governments enacted AI laws, strengthened defenses, bridged the broadband gap, and prioritized accessible, user-friendly digital services. As 2025 nears, most jurisdictions still lack fully mature AI frameworks.
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In 2024, state and local governments navigated a rapidly evolving technology landscape that placed artificial intelligence, cybersecurity resilience, digital equity, accessibility and user experience at the top of their agendas. These pressing issues fueled a surge in AI-focused legislation, prompted tighter security measures following high-profile disruptions, advanced broadband initiatives and inclusive design mandates, and inspired ever more user-centric digital services.
Government Technology staff writers Julia Edinger and Ashley Silver and Governing Senior Staff Writer Jule Pattison-Gordon join the podcast to talk through the magazine’s year-in-review issue.
SHOW NOTES
Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:
- AI’s Growing Role and Regulation: State and local governments moved quickly to embrace artificial intelligence in 2024, going beyond pilot projects into everyday operations. Lawmakers introduced hundreds of AI-related bills, and agencies formed task forces, appointed executive-level AI leaders and joined coalitions to develop policies and governance. Yet, most jurisdictions still lack fully mature frameworks, leaving them to catch up as employees and constituents turn to AI tools.
- Cybersecurity Threats and Responses: Cyber incidents underscored the critical need for stronger security measures. From faulty software updates at cybersecurity vendors to attacks on infrastructure players like health-care clearinghouses, governments grappled with complex challenges. The state and local cybersecurity grant program spurred greater adoption of .gov domains and fostered closer ties among jurisdictions, though concerns remain about long-term funding and political will.
- Digital Equity and Broadband Expansion: With robust federal funding, states crafted digital equity plans, securing grants and advancing broadband projects to close connectivity gaps. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program fueled progress, and states focused on making websites, services and tools more accessible, aiming for inclusivity to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and serve diverse populations.
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Government leaders turned their attention to ensuring digital content meets accessibility guidelines. States appointed chief accessibility officers, implemented training and adopted assistive technologies. The moves aim to serve people with disabilities more effectively while also providing intuitive interfaces that benefit all users.
- Evolving Government Experience: Agencies increasingly put user experience at the forefront. AI chatbots, streamlined permitting systems and mobile-friendly platforms saved constituents time and reshaped public interaction with government. While high-tech solutions often prevailed, officials balanced convenience with oversight, data governance and a renewed focus on inclusivity and trust in digital services.
