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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

Google’s Veo3 and the Future of Video Creation

In this short video, Dustin demonstrates how quickly users can produce video and audio using Google’s new Veo 3 production model.

For government agencies, Veo 3 unlocks a range of use cases, including:

  • Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Rapidly produce multilingual, accessible videos on safety, health, weather alerts, and civic events.

  • Training & Onboarding: Generate consistent, engaging training modules for new employees, volunteers, and emergency responders.

  • Constituent Engagement: Create personalized video updates from mayors, council members, or departments to explain programs, budgets, or new services.

  • Digital Services Education: Visual explainers for navigating digital portals like permit systems, license renewals, or benefits applications.

  • Tourism & Economic Development: Promote local attractions, investment zones, and community initiatives with cinematic quality content.

  • Community Participation: Encourage input on local planning and policy through compelling visual storytelling.

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

Generative AI in Education: A 2025 Outlook for Leaders

Generative AI is rapidly transforming the education sector, and a recent update I presented for the Center for Public Sector AI highlights what education leaders need to know in 2025. With 46 states passing over 100 AI-related laws in 2024 alone, and new federal actions like Executive Order 14179 directing a national AI strategy, the regulatory landscape is evolving quickly. Schools and universities are expanding AI programs, moving from pilots to full-scale deployments—like Old Dominion University’s enterprise chatbot. At the same time, challenges such as AI-assisted cheating, deepfakes, and phishing are prompting concern. The future points toward more autonomous “agentic AI” and advanced audio and image tools, underscoring the need for leaders to stay informed.

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

Texas Takes a Giant Leap in Cybersecurity with the Launch of Texas Cyber Command

It's an exciting time for cybersecurity in the public sector, and Texas is once again leading the charge. This last two weeks marked a truly historic moment with the official launch of the Texas Cyber Command, now the largest state-based cybersecurity agency in the country. Headquartered in San Antonio, with The University of Texas at San Antonio playing a pivotal role, this initiative is a testament to forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to securing our digital future.

This monumental achievement was championed by Giovanni Capriglione and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. It's a significant milestone not just for Texas, but for the broader cybersecurity landscape, setting a new precedent for how states can proactively address evolving threats and build robust defenses.

Just last week, I had the privilege of discussing Texas' innovative approach to cybersecurity with Tony Sauerhoff, State CISO for the Texas Department of Information Resources, and Dr. Don Topliff, Provost at Angelo State University. We connected at the Code for America Summit in Washington, D.C., and our conversation naturally gravitated towards the state's Regional Security Operations Centers (RSOCs).

These RSOCs are more than just security hubs; they are incubators for the next generation of cyber talent. By integrating with universities, they provide invaluable hands-on experience for students while simultaneously bolstering the state's cybersecurity resilience. This model, which Angelo State University pioneered as the first pilot, has yielded remarkable outcomes, benefiting both the state's security posture and the students' professional development. The Texas Cyber Command will undoubtedly be a key interface point for these RSOCs moving forward, further strengthening this synergistic relationship.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues its rapid evolution, the work being done in Texas offers a compelling example for other states. It demonstrates innovative ways to build resilience, address critical cybersecurity talent gaps, and foster a culture of proactive defense. This is precisely the kind of strategic thinking and collaborative effort that will be essential in safeguarding our digital infrastructure.

My sincere congratulations go out to Giovanni Capriglione, Amanda Crawford, Tony Sauerhoff, and every individual who contributed to the passage and implementation of this groundbreaking bill. Their dedication and foresight are truly commendable. I strongly encourage anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity in government to explore the resources below and learn more about the incredible work Texas is doing:

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

Talking Tech Trends & AI On The Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYLR) Podcast

Update - You can now read Tyler Technologies’ Blogpost on our episode at https://www.tylertech.com/resources/blog-articles/tech-trends-shaping-state-and-local-government-in-2025

I recently had the opportunity to join Bob Ragsdale on the Tyler Tech Podcast to talk about where state and local government is headed when it comes to technology—and more specifically, how AI is beginning to reshape operations from the inside out.

Below are a few highlights from our conversation, along with some broader reflections on where we’re seeing movement across the public sector:

1. AI is moving from concept to execution

AI is no longer theoretical. Governments are actively embedding AI into operations—from writing policies to building service models. But as adoption grows, so do the challenges—fragmented systems, disconnected data, and inconsistent governance structures all need to be addressed for AI to scale effectively. ([03:19])

2. Agentic AI will change how services are delivered

Agentic AI, or systems that can operate with autonomy and intention, opens new doors for government. These tools will redefine how we communicate, how we automate, and ultimately how we serve. This is one of the most transformative developments on the horizon. ([10:38])

3. Tech spending isn’t slowing down

Even amid fiscal uncertainty, we’re seeing public agencies double down on tech investments. Why? Because they need to. Rising expectations from residents and operational pressures are forcing governments to find smarter, more efficient ways to work. ([14:38])

4. Agility is a competitive advantage

The pace of change isn’t going to slow. Agencies that foster a culture of adaptability—where teams can learn, iterate, and adopt new tools quickly—are the ones that will lead. That starts with leadership and extends all the way to front-line staff. ([17:54])

5. Foundational infrastructure matters

Innovation can’t happen in a vacuum. Agencies need modern infrastructure, clean data, and strong governance if they want to make meaningful progress. Leaders need to think strategically about not just adopting technology, but integrating it responsibly and sustainably. ([23:55])

Final Thought:

The future of government tech is already here—it’s just not evenly distributed yet. As AI and emerging tools become more accessible, our job is to ensure they’re implemented with purpose, backed by sound infrastructure, and used to serve the public good.

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

GovTech in 2025: An Early Look At What To Expect The Rest of This Year

Over the past 8 years, the GovTech market has consistently outpaced both GDP and broader US IT spending—and 2025 is shaping up to be no exception.

GovTech growth has surged during times of economic downturns, even growing 3.16% in 2020 while GDP contracted. Now in 2025, GDP is once again showing early signs of contraction, but we are still projecting GovTech to grow 6.4%, outpacing projected US GDP and IT Spending.

So what does this tell us?

➡️ Government is increasingly counter-cyclical in tech investment.
➡️ When uncertainty hits, state and local agencies double down on modernization, efficiency, innovation, etc.
➡️ GovTech is no longer a niche, and the latest market moves are showing that the PEs, VCs, and others know that GovTech is a resilient market that performs.

This is why we believe the GovTech decade is just beginning. As agencies prioritize AI, cybersecurity, and digital service delivery, GovTech is just warming up.

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

My Conversation with Noam Maital on the GovAI Podcast: Top 10 Takeaways on AI Adoption in Government

I recently had the opportunity to join Noam Maital, CEO of Darwin, on the GovAI podcast to discuss a topic I’m deeply passionate about: AI adoption in the public sector. We explored the complexities, opportunities, and the path forward for integrating artificial intelligence into government.

Here are the top 10 takeaways from our conversation and you can watch/listen to the conversation at the video below.

  1. AI in government is complex from day one - Deploying AI involves immediate challenges—ethical, operational, and scalability considerations.

  2. Both sectors are learning together - Government and the private sector are navigating AI adoption in parallel, each figuring it out as they go.

  3. Government faces unique challenges with AI adoption - Regulatory requirements and the need for transparency make public-sector AI adoption distinct from the private sector.

  4. Policy is lagging behind practice - There’s a gap between how quickly AI is being used and how slowly policies are catching up.

  5. Defining and regulating AI is difficult - AI encompasses many components, making it hard to define, standardize, and regulate effectively.

  6. AI adoption in government is inevitable - Public servants are already using AI tools. The shift is happening—whether we plan for it or not.

  7. Proactive management is essential - Since adoption is inevitable, government must manage AI intentionally to mitigate risks and guide responsible use.

  8. Vendors must align to government needs - AI companies should tailor their solutions to agency budgets and specific public-sector challenges.

  9. Focus on foundational data, not just chatbots - Real value lies in improving data infrastructure. Simpler applications like chatbots are often distractions.

  10. Human oversight and new job creation are key - Human involvement remains critical. AI will also create new roles, particularly in specialized and oversight areas.

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

AI Demo: Manus AI

In Dustin’s latest Center for Public Sector AI demo, he previews Manus AI’s approach to agentic AI with a state and local government policy use case.

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Dustin Haisler Dustin Haisler

AI Demo: Pickle AI

For my latest AI demo for the Center for Public Sector AI, I showcase a trending new AI service called Pickle that allows you to create a virtual version of yourself to join your Zoom, Teams, or other meetings. Don't worry, real you is still there as the audio behind the virtual version of you, but this is definitely one major attempt to allow you to be in multiple places at once and maybe cut a bit of the always-on video fatigue in the process. Check it out in the video below.

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