Key Takeaways:

State governments are quietly reshaping how public services get built. Over the past decade, a growing number of states have launched dedicated digital service teams designed to tackle some of the governmentʼs most visible failures, like confusing websites, slow forms, fragmented systems, and services that donʼt reflect how residents actually live and work.

These teams typically operate differently from traditional IT departments. Rather than focusing on infrastructure or long procurement cycles, digital service teams work in small, cross-functional units that combine designers, engineers, product managers, and policy experts. Their mandate is narrow but powerful: pick a broken service, talk directly to users, redesign the experience, and ship improvements quickly.

The model has gained traction because it delivers tangible wins. States have used digital service teams to streamline unemployment insurance, modernize business registration, improve disaster-response tools, and simplify access to health and social services. Still, the approach isnʼt easy to sustain. Recruiting experienced digital talent into government remains hard, especially when private-sector pay is far higher. Teams often rely on temporary funding or political champions, making them vulnerable to leadership changes. And cultural friction persists, as agile, iterative methods clash with compliance-driven government processes.

Even so, the trajectory is clear. As expectations for digital government continue to rise, state digital service teams are becoming a core capability. The states that succeed will be the ones that treat these teams as long-term institutions.

L Marks CEO Daniel Saunders joins Kent Justice to introduce Jax Hub, a new corporate innovation initiative rooted in Jacksonville but connected to a global startup network. They outline how the program will accelerate fintech growth, pair local companies with emerging ventures, and deepen collaboration among businesses, universities, and international partners. The goal is to position Northeast Florida as a premier innovation hub where regional firms can test new ideas, attract talent, and scale without leaving home.

This federal workforce and HR modernization forum focuses on human capital management (HCM) in the public sector, exploring how AI and modern tools can streamline recruitment, skills-based hiring, workforce planning, and employee engagement. Attendees will hear from government and industry leaders about transforming agency HR systems to build a resilient, adaptable workforce and unlock efficiencies across the employee lifecycle.

This on-site technology expo brings together government and industry professionals across defense and intelligence communities to explore emerging mission-focused technologies. With 20-50 exhibitors typically showcasing innovations across cyber, communications, AI, and other domains, the event offers a hands-on forum for networking, live demos, and evaluating solutions that support mission requirements.

This directive lays out CBPʼs governance framework for how AI systems must be reviewed, approved, tracked, and monitored across the full lifecycle, from planning and development through deployment and retirement. It clarifies roles and reporting requirements, and calls for risk assessment protocols, including high-impact determinations and AI Impact Assessments for systems that could affect civil rights, safety, or access to services. Read→

More state corrections leaders and community partners are turning to secure tablets and digital tools to modernize re-entry, giving people behind bars 24/7 access to education, job readiness resources, and re-entry planning so they can build digital skills, explore careers, and connect to support services long before release, ultimately aiming to cut recidivism and strengthen public safety.

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