receives $50,000 Lenfest 'Every Voice, Every Vote' grant to investigate local IT and tech policy
Summary
Deploying technology in smart ways is critical to progress.Thats especially true right now in US cities, and its why the Lenfest Institute awarded Technical.ly $50,000 to report on local IT and tech policy.This fall brings a presidential election where AI is likely to play a role, in messaging and cybersecurity battles that pivot around voter-rich urban centers. Meanwhile, the potential for a flood of federal funding via the CHIPS and Science Act and other initiatives means local leaders have a unique opportunity to seize the day.With help from this generous Lenfest grant, Technical.lys coverage will pull back the curtain on these scenarios.Weve recently investigated shakeups in Phillys IT department and looked at the ways tech policy can make it easier for more residents to economically thrive. We reported on a database leak of up to 13 million pieces of personal information from 311 callers in Baltimore.Were honored to once again bring our work to the journalism nonprofits Every Voice, Every Vote project, which launched to advance civic engagement leading up to Philadelphias 2023 mayoral election. Our reporters will examine Philadelphias preparedness both in ensuring cybersecurity and in responding to possible skepticism fueled by deepfakes now easily created with generative AI and contrast it with how other cities are handling the new tech.Artificial intelligence stands as an opportunity, and threat, for the local economy in general. Well dig into the latest of whats happening on that front, which cities are doing it well, and who cares about pushing it forward or doesnt.As part of our Every Voice, Every Vote work, Technical.ly will also produce explainer videos that share info across platforms and communities.