Best of Hot Topics 2021
December 13, 2021 by Meredith Trimble
As the public sector entered 2021, new technologies that enabled remote operations and virtual services were paving the way for the industry to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic transformed and in a stronger position. The acceleration of these valuable initiatives moved governments and communities forward in encouraging, inspiring ways.
In the coming weeks, we’ll profile some of our top stories of the year in areas of transformative technology, enterprise, and justice. Common among these were important themes that included the best uses of new federal funding sources, a renewed focus on equity, the importance of enhanced civic engagement, and the benefits of cloud-enabled solutions.
Following are some of the year’s top stories in these areas — areas that will no doubt continue to be hot topics well into 2022.
Federal Funding
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided — and continues to provide — new opportunities for state and local governments to use relief funds to invest in technology to facilitate innovative, equitable service. Jurisdictions have been working tirelessly to implement swift and smart recovery plans, and to optimize new funding sources for current and future success. Read the following for scalable ideas and inspiration.
Tyler Kleykamp, director of the State Data Officers Network and fellow at Georgetown’s Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation and Mark Funkhouser, former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, and president of Funkhouser & Associates, discuss best relief fund use.
Get the four ways data can help advance every government’s ARPA programs.
Find out how ARPA funds can enable future stability and success.
NLC CEO Clarence Anthony and NACo Executive Director Matt Chase talk about advocacy for federal funding, smart use of ARPA funds, and the important intersection between policy and technology.
Equity
Prioritizing equity has been a key aspect of COVID-19 recovery. From launching accessible cloud-based services to aiding disproportionately affected communities, read how leaders are utilizing tech to address long-standing inequities.
Cloud-based solutions are helping communities overcome many of the barriers to fair access to public service.
Data can help create a new vision of justice and public safety.
See 10 top stories for equity and recovery, plus the American Rescue Plan Act’s role.
A data-empowered city staff improves performance and equitable service.
Why is now the time to make digital inclusion a part of any public sector tech strategy?
Civic Engagement
Strong communication and two-way citizen engagement tools were essential components of success in 2021. Providing constituents and businesses with a one-stop shop for connecting with local government can enhance public participation, economic and community development, public safety, and more. Learn how civic engagement is changing the future of interactions with government.
Virtual solutions allow cities to foster stronger constituent engagement, self-service, and connection.
The use of mobile apps for services and information fosters increased awareness and active, two-way citizen participation.
See 10 top stories for equity and recovery, plus the American Rescue Plan Act’s role.
Opportunities in the Cloud
The nature of user experiences must change to be digital, mobile, and easy, just as user experiences are in the private sector. These stories show why cloud-enabled solutions are necessary to deliver this and are important for the future of the public sector.
Find out from the experts how cloud-enabled solutions help Tyler’s clients.
Two security incidents led one county to the cloud.
The public sector's future is in the cloud: find out why.
Cloud-based solutions are the best bet for future stability and success.
As we move forward into 2022 together, these key themes will remain important. Tyler’s clients are true change-makers, and we look forward to hearing about and reporting on their continued innovation in these and other areas.