On this episode, we look at Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness, budget challenges and systemic inequality. Crowley is among those recognized by Governing’s returning Public Officials of the Year award series.

Created three decades ago to spotlight solutions, not scandals, the Public Officials of the Year (POY) awards are back. Governing magazine, the sister publication of Government Technology*, is again recognizing a select group of people who make government work.

For its part, The Future In Context podcast is dedicating October to deep dives on POY’s Class of 2024. You’ll hear from public officials themselves and the writers who profiled them in the fall issue of Governing.

In this episode, we examine Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and his work to reduce homelessness, reshape public health, lead collaboratively and think strategically about the community’s next chapter. Governing Editor Alan Greenblatt joins the podcast to put Milwaukee’s future in context.

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. The Revival of Public Officials of the Year: Greenblatt discusses the return of Governing magazine’s Public Officials of the Year awards after its print edition was discontinued in 2019. The awards celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to state and local government. The focus is on recognizing solutions rather than highlighting conflicts or scandals.

2. Collaborative Leadership in Milwaukee: David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson are highlighted as prime examples of close political collaboration. Their longstanding relationship and cooperative work have led to legislative successes, like allowing Milwaukee County to raise local sales taxes, which has helped address long-standing budget issues. The two were together so often that they joked they should have carpooled.

3. Systemic and Long-Term Vision: Crowley is praised for taking a long-term, systems-based approach to governance. His focus on integrating various government initiatives (housing, health, etc.) under a strategic vision contrasts with the short-term crisis management that often dominates government action. His approach is aimed at improving health outcomes, housing and other critical public services in Milwaukee.

4. Success in Reducing Homelessness With Housing First: Milwaukee County’s successful implementation of the Housing First model has resulted in a 92 percent reduction in homelessness over a decade. Greenblatt emphasizes the collaborative efforts between the county, city and nonprofit organizations as key to this achievement.

5. Challenges and Future Aspirations for Milwaukee: Despite significant progress, Milwaukee still faces challenges, including opioid addiction, traffic fatalities and income disparities. Both Crowley and Johnson have ambitious goals to change the perception of Milwaukee, with hopes for future growth, although there is skepticism about whether it will achieve the rapid development seen in cities like Nashville or Austin.

Related Links to stories referenced in the episode:

· Public Officials of the Year: A Special Note from Our Publisher

· After Decades, a County’s Budget Gets Back on Track (Crowley POY profile)

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As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, a longtime broadcast journalist and historian calls for addressing economic inequities, corporate monopolies, and restoring effective governance grow stronger.

The country’s 250th birthday comes on July 4, 2026. Technically, it is called the quarter millennium or semi-quin-centennial. The word is hard to say but once you get it out, the coming anniversary does provide a reminder that it is not too early to take stock of how the republic is doing, and what its prospects look like.

Alexander Heffner is a journalist, civic educator, and the host of The Open Mind on PBS, a role he has held since 2014. He also created "Breaking Bread with Alexander" on Bloomberg TV, where he engages in conversations with political figures over shared meals. Heffner is known for his in-depth discussions on democracy, media, technology, and ethics, continuing the legacy of the show, which was founded by his grandfather in 1956.

As a passionate advocate for civil discourse, he has written and spoken widely on the state of public media and the challenges facing American democracy in the digital age. Heffner's work spans contributions to major publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, as well as teaching and lecturing at universities across the U.S.

Show Notes

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Legacy of The Open Mind: Heffner discusses his role as the host of The Open Mind, a program founded by his grandfather, Richard Heffner. He reflects on the show's mission of promoting thoughtful dialogue and deliberation, which stands in contrast to the divisive and superficial nature of much modern media.

2. Challenges of Effective Policy: Heffner shares his experience interviewing public officials and policymakers, noting the difficulty in enacting sound policies due to a dysfunctional political landscape. However, he highlights efforts by state leaders to innovate and compromise for effective governance.

3. Breaking Bread Initiative: Heffner talks about his show Breaking Bread, where he uses food as a common ground to have in-depth, non-adversarial conversations with politicians. The aim is to create a culture of peacebuilding and to foster genuine exchanges that can inspire effective policy-making.

4. Economic Inequality and Governance: Heffner points to the stark economic imbalances in the U.S., contrasting the economic landscape of today with that of 50 years ago. He discusses the negative impact of monopolistic corporate power on American governance and the challenges this presents to achieving equitable policies, especially in housing, healthcare, and education.

5. The Future of American Democracy: As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Heffner expresses concern over the state of democracy, citing key national crises like the Great Recession, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocates for a political culture that prioritizes fairness, happiness, and meaningful improvement in the public's quality of life through systemic change.

Related Links to resources referenced in the episode:

• · Host, The Open Mind on PBS

• · Creator, Breaking Bread with Alexander (now running on Bloomberg TV)

• Coauthor, A Documentary History of the United States (Penguin Random House)

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As state CIOs prepare to gather in New Orleans for their association’s national conference next week, it is worth taking stock of the public-sector IT community — strategic and operational complexities, leadership, strategic planning, partnership-building and relentless change in technologies and citizen expectations.

National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Executive Director Doug Robinson is uniquely positioned to reflect on the status of state IT. Marking his 20th year at the head of the membership organization, his two-decade tenure is significantly longer than his peers. He joins the podcast to remember the lessons hard-learned over the years, and to look ahead at what lies around the next corner.

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. The Continuing Evolution of the State CIO Role: The interview delves into the evolution of state CIOs from a back-office, technical role into a central leadership position that drives government transformation. The focus has shifted from managing “boxes and wires” to leadership in public service delivery and digital innovation.
2. 2. Technology, Digital Services, and Future Challenges: The future of state IT focuses on improving the delivery of digital services to citizens. Robinson emphasizes the need for states to embrace new technology, human-centered design, and improved digital identity management, while also preparing for emerging trends like AI. He stresses that public-sector IT must modernize to meet citizen expectations, akin to the private sector.
3. 3. From Nothing to Permanent Presence in Government Affairs: Robinson traces NASCIO’s evolving focus on government affairs, emphasizing the importance of engaging with federal partners and state legislators. He recounts how the association’s advocacy efforts have grown over the years, including the establishment of an office in Washington, D.C., to represent state IT interests more effectively.
4. 4. Balancing Member Expectations and Equity: As a membership organization, NASCIO faces the challenge of balancing diverse and sometimes conflicting member needs. Robinson discusses how NASCIO ensures member equity by treating all states and corporate members fairly, regardless of size or influence.
5. 5. Chief AI Officers and Emerging Leadership Roles: The conversation touches on the rise of new technology-related leadership roles in state governments, such as chief AI officers, chief privacy officers, and chief information security officers. Robinson notes that these roles may or may not report to the CIO and discusses how NASCIO has embraced these emerging leaders by creating communities of practice to foster collaboration among them.

Related Link to coverage of previous NASCIO conferences, including reporting by Government Technology from annual and midyear conferences.

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Fifteen years after putting the civic in civic tech, Code for America is pivoting to come alongside local governments to take on the challenges they face today — bringing collaborative expertise to the use of AI in the public sector and defending gains made through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in government.amanda.jpgThe organization made its name by helping government better use (and often liberate or democratize) the data it holds and developing citizen apps through early hackathons, and making a network of volunteer developers available to public agencies that could not marshal those resources by themselves.Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, joins the podcast this episode to talk about the organization’s mission, track record and what comes next.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

1. Diverse Collaboration and Problem Solving: Code for America remains focused on the collaborative efforts of individuals from various backgrounds, including government, technology and nonprofit sectors. Renteria emphasizes the importance of leveraging diverse talents to address societal challenges, and the positive correlation between the evolution of Code for America and effective governance.
2. Growth and Evolution of Civic Tech: The interview traces the rise of civic technology, from early hackathons to its integration into mainstream digital government initiatives. Code for America has been a catalyst in making government better, particularly during crises like COVID-19, and continues to shape its future through partnerships and innovation.
3. Measuring Impact and Systems Change: The organization initially measured success by volunteer participation and project outcomes but has since shifted toward evaluating systemic changes. For example, proactive government behavior, such as Louisiana’s response to disaster relief, is now a key indicator of success, showing a broader impact on governance. The interview highlights ongoing initiatives like Direct File for tax filing, integrated benefits systems in states like Minnesota and efforts to improve child-care services.
4. Ethics and AI in Government: The role of AI in government is a critical concern. Code for America prioritizes transparency, ethical use of data and addressing biases in AI systems. Its AI Studio aims to educate government officials on how to use AI responsibly, ensuring that it serves people fairly and equitably, while keeping ethical considerations at the forefront.
5. Pushing Back Against Bug Tech’s DEI Pullback: Renteria expresses disappointment about the decline of tech industry programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. She acknowledges that some large tech companies, like Google, Meta and Lyft, have backed away from their DEI efforts, which she finds disheartening. However, she also emphasizes a deeper sense of responsibility to continue working toward equity and inclusion, regardless of the political or industry climate. Amanda notes that while the term "equity" has become politically charged, she believes most people still want a government that works for everyone. She says Code for America remains committed to ensuring government services are inclusive, even if the term “equity” itself falls out of favor.

Related Links to Code for America resources referenced in the episode:

• Building a Practice of Responsible AI
• A hands-on, human-centered approach to AI for government

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SHOW NOTES

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Rural Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Small and rural communities face significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure like utilities, with limited resources making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
2. Whole-of-State (WOS) Cybersecurity Programs: WOS initiatives, supported by federal grants, provide comprehensive cybersecurity support across state and local government levels, with various states adopting unique strategies to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
3. Sector-Specific Cyber Threats: Critical sectors such as water, energy, and space are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, with outdated systems and the integration of new technologies introducing additional vulnerabilities.
4. Sustainability of Cybersecurity Initiatives: There are ongoing concerns about the long-term sustainability of WOS programs, particularly the continuity of federal funding, which is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of these initiatives.
5. Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies: Collaboration between federal, state, and international entities is essential in developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies, focusing on guidelines, technical assistance, and raising awareness of cyber risks.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction: Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Challenges of Protecting Critical Infrastructure

01:06 - Threats to Water Sector: Ransomware and Nation-State Actors

08:39 - Vulnerabilities in the Power Grid: Legacy Systems and Fragility

11:15 - Cybersecurity in Space: Multiple Layers of Vulnerability

13:52 - Vulnerabilities in Legacy Systems and Networks

15:49 - Challenges Faced by Small and Rural Communities in Implementing Cybersecurity

18:01 - The Debate: Diversifying Providers vs. Relying on the Best in the Business

20:32 - Collaboration and Real-Time Alerts: Key Elements of Effective Cybersecurity

The former Rust Belt state is betting its future on a sought-after natural resource — people — guided by one person in particular. Hilary Doe, the first state chief growth officer anywhere, discusses what’s next.

Michigan is putting its future in the hands of a single person — its first-in-the-nation chief growth officer. Hilary Doe, chief growth officer, expressed her excitement about the transformation of Michigan Central Station into a dynamic hub of innovation. This revitalized landmark in Detroit is not only fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, but also pioneering cutting-edge infrastructure projects like the first self-charging road. As a collaborative community for entrepreneurs and innovators, the station is positioning Detroit and Michigan as nationally recognized centers of opportunity and technological advancement.In this episode of The Future In Context, Doe speaks with Governing Senior Staff Writer Carl Smith about what’s new — and different — in her role, and the state’s approach to economic growth and competitiveness.

Here are the top five takeaways from this episode:

1. Revitalization of Michigan Central Station: The station is being transformed into a hub of innovation, serving as a key focal point for Detroit and the entire state of Michigan.
2. Startup Ecosystem Growth: The area around the station, particularly Newlab in the book depository, is fostering a burgeoning startup scene with 99 new startups already established.
3. Innovative Infrastructure: It’s ground zero for cutting-edge developments such as the first self-charging road, which exemplifies the forward-thinking projects attracting entrepreneurs and innovators.
4. Collaborative Community: The station and its surroundings are becoming vibrant ecosystems where entrepreneurs and innovators can connect, share ideas and collaboratively build future technologies.
5. National Recognition and Opportunity: The transformation of Michigan Central Station is positioning Detroit and Michigan as nationally recognized centers for innovation and opportunity, attracting talent and investment from across the country.

Related Link to an item referenced in the episode:

• One State Is Putting a Single Person in Charge of Its Growth Strategy

Our editors used ChatGPT 4.0 to summarize the episode in bullet form to help create the show notes. The main image for this story was created using DALL-E 3.

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