Cyber breaches are destructive, costly and horrific incidents. Government agencies, hospitals and big retailers are primary targets because of the massive data they hold. They are especially attractive to cyber sleuths because that data is critical to ongoing operations. Last month, Atlanta was the victim of such a cyberattack. SamSam, a targeted ransomware virus, breached […]
Two words – blockchain and cryptocurrencies – became major buzzwords in 2017. By 2018, citizens, taxpayers and the public at large have no option – we must understand these concepts because both will likely touch our lives in the very near future. Governmental agencies are already beginning to use blockchain – an incredibly interesting and […]
Municipal and county leaders throughout the country are in a bind. Coming off a year scarred by devastating multi-billion-dollar natural disasters, they are grappling with historic rebuilding efforts…while also dealing with the demands of dozens of other critical issues. These public officials were already facing growing budget gaps, aging technology, critical infrastructure needs, a continual […]
Major disasters became almost commonplace in 2017. Regions within the U.S. suffered more than $300 billion in damages and many cities and counties were decimated. Wise people know that when the pain is great enough, change usually occurs…that is definitely happening now. That change is focused currently on rebuilding efforts – and it relates primarily […]
Hundreds of local government officials are scrambling because their 2018 plans for affordable housing projects have been turned upside down as a result of the new tax bill. Most were planning to use federal tax credits for upcoming projects. The federal tax credits in the past have accounted for funding at least half of all […]
2017 was a banner year for technology sales in government. One of the largest contracts of the year came from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. That agency awarded a $723 million contract to overhaul its ticketing program to allow passengers to pay with their smartphones.
Mixed-use development, which was once rather unique to urban renewal and commercial endeavors, is now a hot new trend on university campuses. Throughout the country, college campuses are being transformed into communities and it is typical to see restaurants, retail shops, hotels, green space, offices, parking garages and other amenities adjacent to dorms and classrooms. […]