Among the $1.9 trillion worth of federal COVID-19 relief in the newly signed American Rescue Plan Act is $350 billion for “Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.”

The COVID-19 public health crisis and resulting economic crisis have put state and local governments under unprecedented strain. The American Rescue Plan provides $350 billion in emergency funding to eligible state, local, territorial and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs.

In our age of digital connectivity, cities and counties across the country must meet the ever-increasing demands of citizens and businesses for efficient and effective digital government.  The coronavirus pandemic has only intensified these demands; socially distanced employees and citizens need digital-first services now more than ever, and organizations that lack a robust digital infrastructure are struggling to cope with COVID’s new normal.

By Louis Schiavone Jr., Avenu President & Chief Customer Officer

By Louis Schiavone Jr., Avenu President & Chief Customer Officer

By Paul Colangelo, Avenu CEO

By Keith Ellery, Avenu Justice Solutions Leader

By Kennon Walthall, Avenu Senior Vice President

We learned many things in 2020, but one of the most important lessons is the value of building crisis-resistant government by adopting a digital strategy. As we slowly start returning to a “new normal,” it appears that remote work, virtual conferencing, and a more digital-first economy are all here to stay. Avenu’s Ann Kirkbride explains in her recent op-ed, the importance of having a digital strategy and steps you can take today.