Posted on the Internet during the week ending January 16, 2026

Procuring a Modern Payment Platform Payments are a critical but often underprioritized factor in user experience. As governments work to become more responsive and resident-centric, payment strategies should emphasize enterprise platform approaches and innovative capabilities like digital wallets and recurring payment options. This paper offers practical advice for procuring modern payment solutions that support a superior user experience. DOWNLOAD

Future Forward Government A space created for state and local IT leaders and decision-makers who are charting the course of tomorrow's public sector. EXPLORE

4 Ways SLED Organizations Are Driving Efficiency Government and education organizations are under growing pressure to do more with fewer resources. This thought leadership white paper explores four proven ways SLED organizations are driving efficiency through modernization, from process mapping and AI-powered automation to cloud adoption and improved constituent experiences. DOWNLOAD

Five Ways Government Leaders Boost Transparency and Trust Learn how public-sector agencies strengthen community confidence through improved transparency and accountability. READ NOW

Secure Payments Without the Staff Burden Accept cash, checks and cards automatically, securely, and without added overhead. See Government Payment Solutions

Modernize Government Payouts for Better Service Discover how agencies can deliver fast, secure and equitable payments. READ MORE

How AI-Powered Agents Streamline State and Local Service Delivery Explore how AI agents can help state and local governments handle routine tasks, streamline operations, and give staff more time for complex issues. DOWNLOAD

From the Trenches: Why Every Government City Manager Needs Better Meeting Documentation Poor documentation erodes trust and slows government action; modern tools help preserve institutional memory. READ NOW

Build an AI Policy in Minutes Create a free, editable AI policy aligned to public sector expectations. Create Your Free AI Policy

New Federal AI Rules Just Dropped What the latest executive order means for state and local AI governance. Read the EO Impact Guide

Government Webinar Roundup Register for the week ending January 16, 2026!

 

Weekly Government Webinar Roundup Register now and watch at your leisure!     All registrants will have the opportunity to download a certificate of attendance at the completion of a webinar.

AI-Powered Data Pipelines: Smarter, Safer Infrastructure AI See how state and local agencies can build secure, AI-ready data pipelines with automation, governance and real-time vectorization. WATCH NOW   Success in the Cloud: Modernizing Without Disruption IT leadership from Florida's Brevard County will share how the county is tackling modernization challenges head-on. WATCH NOW   The Future of Government Public Records Learn how state and local agencies can tackle rising public records complexity with practical steps for managing new data types, AI and compliance. WATCH NOW   Modernizing and Funding: Cybersecurity in the Age of AI Learn how to fund and modernize whole-of-state cyber defense with AI-powered tools and strategic collaboration. WATCH NOW   Who's Really Logging In? What Every Public Sector Team Should Know About Verifying Identities Learn how agencies can confidently verify users without disrupting access to critical systems. WATCH NOW   Making AI Work for Smarter Cities and States AI industry experts convene for a candid conversation about what it really takes to adopt and scale AI responsibly. WATCH NOW

New York State Local Government "Efficiency Grant" applications

 

Local Government Efficiency Grant Application Open Until February 4, 2026 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for a Local Government Efficiency (LGE) grant. The New York Department of State’s Division of Local Government is offering an $8 million opportunity to help municipalities innovate, collaborate, and build a more efficient future for residents. Local Government Efficiency benefits include: Long-term savings for your community Grant funding that helps ease municipal budget pressures and reduce government spending Your municipality could receive up to: $1,250,000 for implementing innovative collaborative projects (each participating municipality eligible for up to $250,000; 10% local match required) $100,000 for planning projects (each collaborating municipality eligible for up to $20,000; 50% local match required) Learn more on the DOS website

Act now to ensure your municipality is considered before the deadline Find out how to apply today by emailing LGEprogram@dos.ny.gov or calling 518-473-3355. Learn more on the DOS website:  New York Department of State Announces Opening of $8 Million Local Government Efficiency Program | Department of State

New York State Department of Education's denial of petitioner's request for approval of petitioner's employment as a teacher challenged

In this action the petitioner [Plaintiff] contended that the New York State Department of Education's [SED] denial of his application for clearance for employment as a teacher was arbitrary and capricious. 

The Appellate Division, noting that "In a CPLR article 78 proceeding to review a determination of an administrative agency, the standard of judicial review is whether the determination was made in violation of lawful procedure, was affected by an error of law, or was arbitrary and capricious or an abuse of discretion", agreed with the Supreme Court's holding that SED's determination was not arbitrary and capricious, and affirmed the Supreme Court's dismissal of Plaintiff's petition challenging the SED's determination.

In the words of the Appellate Division, "An action is arbitrary and capricious when it is taken without sound basis in reason or regard to the facts. When a determination is supported by a rational basis, it must be sustained even if the reviewing court would have reached a different result".

Click HERE to access the Appellate Division's decision posted on the Internet.

Selected links to articles posted on the Internet that may be of interest:

New York lawmakers plot more AI regulations after RAISE Act Capitol Confidential with Dan Clark

State & Local Employment Law Developments: Q1 2026 (and Beyond) - Faegre Drinker

New York State Bans Use of Consumer Credit History for Employment Purposes | JD Supra

NYC Expands Construction Safety Training to Include Mental Health - The National Law Review

EXPERT INSIGHTS—New York's Trapped At Work Act - VitalLaw.com