Cut Through the Complexity: How to Modernize Permitting Software Successfully

IT teams in state and local governments are under immense pressure. From accelerating digital transformation to supporting hybrid work and securing data from growing cyber threats, IT Teams are vital to the future of government. Yet, in a recent survey conducted by Government Technology, less than one-third of state and local government technology leaders reported that their current IT skill sets meet their organization’s needs. With renewed attention to digital transformation in government and new funding opportunities for modernization efforts, state and local agencies all over the country are innovating legacy systems to stretch their on-hand resources and meet new demands. But with new, modern tools comes a need for the right talent to manage them properly. Amid staffing shortages, governments need innovative solutions that support digitization efforts.

From 22 December 2018 to 25 January 2019 the US government experienced the longest federal government shutdown in its history. This came as a result of a failure by both Republicans and Democrats to agree on $5.8 billion of funding for a wall at the Mexican border - a key promise made by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. Although the 35-day standoff was eventually ended by the president by signing into law a funding package to temporarily reopen the federal government, congress have yet to broker a compromise on the border wall and the threat of another shutdown remains present.

While the debate rages in Washington, D.C. as to what a federal data protection statute should look like, U.S. states have led the way advancing the privacy and security of the personal data of their respective residents. In fact, over the last 12 months, at least 10 states have promulgated such protections, and each has something unique to challenge data protection professionals.

Democratic voters nationwide are eager to send a message to President Trump, but is there enough anti-Trump sentiment for Democrats to win control of the House? Are Trump’s voters unique, and will they turn out for Republican congressional candidates? In the Senate, Democrats must protect 10 incumbents in states Trump won in 2016. Can Republicans add to their narrow Senate majority, or will Democrats sweep both the House and Senate?