Philly weekly roundup: City website turmoil; PA vote security; Trump and the CHIPS Act

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How Philly officials keep your vote secure

Just like the rest of the commonwealth, Philadelphia uses the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors system to track voter registration and mail-in ballots. Pennsylvania’s Department of State is in charge of maintaining the database’s data security, while the City Commissioners Office handles physical security. 

The office also maintains voter security through other technological and physical measures. They use RFID technology, for example, to track voting materials as they move between the warehouse and polling centers. 

➡️ Read more about how technology is used for voter security

City employees question website update

Last week, the city government’s website, Phila.gov, was relaunched with a design update. The new look includes a carousel of photos of Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city employees and moved voting information to a clearer spot. 

However, some city employees questioned the timing of the update, saying that the office usually avoids major site changes before big events like the election. One employee also said the update wasn’t widely shared with citywide communications teams. 

➡️ Find out how the site update aligns with accessibility recommendations

News Incubator: What else to know today

• Check out this guide to tech policy on Pennsylvania ballots this year. [Technical.ly]

• Last week, Donald Trump snubbed the CHIPS and Science Act. Since being enacted in 2022, the federal program has supported regional economic development. [Technical.ly]

• PACT hosted Lion’s Den, its version of Shark Tank, at the annual Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference last week. Carbon Reform, FairNow and Integrated Reality Labs pitched to a panel of six investors, who offered over $1 million to the founders. [Technical.ly Slack]

• Every Cure, a nonprofit that is developing an AI platform for drug repurposing, received a five-year, $60 million commitment from TED’s social impact initiative, the Audacious Project. [Technical.ly/Every Cure]

•  First Carolina Bank will acquire Radnor-based fintech company BM Technologies for $67 million. [Philly Biz Journal]

• Wireless electric vehicle charger company InductEV was named to TIME’s Best Invention for 2024 list. [InductEV]

• Delivery giant Gopuff announced it will now accept SNAP payments. The company recently fired its CTO after he was arrested in June and faced a stop work order from the city’s Department of Revenue. [La Salle/Technical.ly]

• Microscopy equipment company ZEISS opened a new lab space at CIC Philadelphia. [CIC]

A global firm that gives back locally

Working at Accenture means you’ll help power the digital systems and enhance operations at some of the world’s most important companies. But it also lets you deploy your skills to give back and have impact.

“Creating value in communities around the world — from developing skills to supporting refugees — is core to our belief in shared success,” said Jordan Rambo, managing director of the Accenture’s Philadelphia office. “We collaborate with our clients, ecosystem and nonprofit partners and others to create positive, lasting change and help build stronger, more vibrant communities.” 

➡️ Learn more about Accenture and its culture of belonging

This sponsored blurb supports our journalism. Want to see your message here? Get details and book online.

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Makerspace Hive76 is hosting its monthly miniatures painting night on Wednesday, Nov. 6 [Sign up]

• Iffy Books is hosting a workshop about Electronic Music Machines on Wednesday, Nov. 6 [Register here]

• Join Philly Tech Entrepreneurs for its monthly marketing webinar on Thursday, Nov. 7. This month is about how startups can “outmaneuver” bigger companies.  [Sign up]

• Venture Cafe is back on Nov. 7 and will feature two panels about healthtech investing. [Register here]

• Code and Coffee Philly is trying a new spot for its weekly meetup. The group will get together at Human Robot Schuylkill Banks on Nov. 9 [Details here]

• Partner Event: The Young Smart & Local conference is back for another year. Join 1,000+ emerging professionals and mentors in Philadelphia on Nov. 12-14 for learning, networking and fun. [Register here]