Latest insights, news & opinion

Winning with AFI and Civic Marketplace

A Supplier Guide to Cooperative Contracts & Strategic Selling.

Suppliers Resources

Winning with TXShare and Civic Marketplace

A Supplier Guide to Cooperative Contracts & Strategic Selling.

Company News

Why the City of Denton is hosting its cooperative contracts on Civic Marketplace

The City of Denton, Texas, recently partnered with Civic Marketplace and the Alliance for Innovation (AFI) to make more than 220 of its cooperative contracts available for entities nationwide.

Expert Opinion

Introducing MMSA: The “Virtual City” Driving Government Efficiency

Through its partnership with the Alliance for Innovation & Civic Marketplace, Michigan Municipal Services Authority (MMSA) is helping Michigan communities access competitively bid contracts, simplifying purchasing, and broadening their supplier networks to strengthen local governments.

Expert Opinion

Powering the Future of Local Government

How a conscious approach to battery procurement can drive community resilience, efficiency, and cost savings.

Expert Opinion

Technology Foresight Council: AI Projects Reshaping Cities

The first Technology Foresight Council (TFC) session of 2026 took place on Wednesday 21 January, featuring thought-provoking discussions and practical takeaways for local government leaders exploring how AI projects can reshape cities, moderated by Tim Rosner, Mayor of Sherwood, Oregon.

Market Insights

How AI is Reshaping Urban Planning

Across the United States, the systems that shape how communities grow are under extraordinary pressure. What were once manageable planning and code-compliance workflows are now under increased strain. Staff shortages, inconsistent code interpretation, and a growing volume of applications requiring manual review have pushed timelines from weeks to months, and in some cities, more than a year.

Case Studies

City and County of Denver Improve 311 Performance with AI-Powered Virtual Assistant

In March 2024, the City and County of Denver, Colorado launched Sunny, an AI-powered virtual assistant that helps residents and visitors quickly access city information, and get business with the city started.

Case Studies

City of Ferris, Texas, Tackles Road Improvements with AI-Powered Road Assessment Tool

The City of Ferris, Texas, leveraged road management tooling provider Vialytics’ AI-powered road assessment software to complete its first comprehensive evaluation of all 29 miles of the city’s roadways in under six hours of drive time, automating a previously manual process.

Market Insights

Civic Marketplace explains: How can vendors win more with cooperative contracts?

Winning a government contract is a major achievement, but for many vendors, its true value goes untapped. Through cooperative purchasing, a single contract can legally be used by dozens of others agencies, turning one win into a scalable revenue stream.

Market Insights

Civic Marketplace explains: What is a cooperative contract?

Public agencies often waste months duplicating procurement processes for goods and services that have already been competitively bid elsewhere. But what if there was a faster, fully compliant way to buy?

Expert Opinion

From Vision to Velocity: What I Learned at AFI’s 2025 Vision Council

There are moments in local government when you can feel the ground shift. And not because of a new technology or a shiny building, but because of the people in the room. This past week in McKinney, Texas, at the Alliance for Innovation’s Vision Council, we experienced one of those moments.

Expert Opinion

Why Trust Will Define the Dawn of AI in Public Service

The public sector has always followed innovation by a few iterations. But AI has changed the rhythm by forcing governments to chase trust as fast as they chase technology.

Company News

Partnering with CivStart Ventures to Accelerate Local Government Procurement from Startups

Our collaboration with CivStart will streamline the journey from discovery and vetting to pilot and procurement for local governments, delivering an integrated experience that blends technological transparency with market expertise.

Expert Opinion

Exploring the Alliance for Innovation’s new cooperative contracts

The Alliance for Innovation’s (AFI) new cooperative contracts aim to boost local government efficiency. Interim director Clay Pearson explains their purpose and potential impact.

Expert Opinion

Technology Foresight Council: Cities as Laboratories of the Possible

Explore the transformative potential of AI in local governance, as cities and counties pilot innovative solutions to address complex challenges. Learn how AI is being leveraged in Tooele County, Utah to optimize processes, reduce costs, and build trust with residents.

Company News

AI tools built for local government procurement

We're excited to announce a major step forward in our mission to provide a truly smart operating system for modern government procurement.

Market Insights

How Voice AI is increasing access to government services

Voice AI is transforming how local governments serve residents—automating routine calls, offering multilingual support, and delivering 24/7 accessibility.

Market Insights

Keeping It Country – the Town of Fairview, Julie Couch and the Dilemma with the Donkey

We spoke to Town Manager Julie Couch about the Town of Fairview, some of the wilder moments from her career in public service, and how her team at Fairview are Keeping It Country whilst embracing innovation for their citizens.

Case Studies

Texarkana Saves $2.5M By Finding Water Meter Contract Flaw With Help from TXShare Vendor

An independent review of the Texas City’s water meter contract uncovered a costly calculation error, saving the City millions without changing the project scope.

Expert Opinion

Our partnership with Batteries Plus is a model for the future

Our new Batteries Plus contract on Civic Marketplace delivers reliable power, lighting, and repair solutions—while shaping the future of public procurement.

Company News

New Cooperative Best-of-Breed Award to Deliver Power & Lighting to Public Agencies in 48 States

Partnership between Alliance for Innovation, Edge Public, and Batteries Plus, hosted by Civic Marketplace, will deliver savings to agencies and strengthen local economies.

Company News

TXShare and Civic Marketplace Launch Nation’s Most Comprehensive and Competitive Awarded AI Contracts for Local Government

For the first time in cooperative purchasing history, government agencies can rapidly deploy vetted, competitively awarded AI solutions and services, covering more than 70 individual use cases, without the need for new RFPs and with built-in options for supporting small and local companies.

Expert Opinion

A breakthrough in AI contracts for local government

There is almost nothing you can do that touches more lives than public service. That’s something I’m reminded of every time I speak to local government teams. These are people that work week in, week out to make their cities better places for their citizens, because they care about their communities.

Market Insights

London Calling - prototyping the future of agency services

Under Big Ben’s shadow, a civic hackathon tackled some of government’s toughest digital problems. The result? AI-powered tools built in days, not decades.

Expert Opinion

What is Challenge-Based Procurement?

This is the second installment of the four-part series Unlocking Innovation Through Challenge-Based Procurement by Tim Rosener, Mayor of Sherwood City, Oregon, and Civic Marketplace Strategic Advisor.

Expert Opinion

Your Project Isn’t Special and That’s a Good Thing

Civic Marketplace VP of Innovation, Clay Pearson discusses a common project pitfall that leads to unintended consequences.

Expert Opinion

Why Procurement Is the Next Frontier in Local Government Innovation

Procurement may not boast the flash of smart-city tech or green initiatives, but it’s arguably the single most powerful lever local governments have to spark real innovation.

Company News

Win Government Contracts — Without the Usual Hassles

Six new national RFPs from the Alliance for Innovation give suppliers fast-track access to government buyers via Civic Marketplace. Apply by May 29 to grow your public-sector sales.

Expert Opinion

Why Challenge-Based Procurement Starts With F.O.C.U.S

Don’t get distracted! Mayor Tim Rosener breaks down how to identify the right solution for challenge-based procurement using F.O.C.U.S.

Expert Opinion

Why Procurement Transparency Isn’t as Clear as You Think

NIGP Code and Consulting President Marcheta Gillespie shares three obstacles impacting transparency in procurement and how technology can overcome them.

Company News

Ron Holifield Honored as Distinguished Member of the Texas City Management Association

Civic Marketplace and the Alliance for Innovation proudly announce that Ron Holifield, founder and longtime public service leader, has been named a Distinguished Member of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA).

Market Insights

Tariffs, Delays, and Rising Costs A Procurement Crossroads for Local Government

As tariffs and supply chain issues disrupt local budgets, the Alliance for Innovation urges procurement leaders to act strategically, not reactively. Learn how AFI’s new multi-vendor cooperative contracts and partnership with Civic Marketplace help agencies reduce risk, avoid delays, and deliver critical services on time and on budget.

Expert Opinion

Professionals Share The Top Seven Public Procurement Challenges Today

We asked leaders from around the US what they think are the top seven public procurement challenges today. Here's what they had to say.

Market Insights

The Government Procurement Crisis You Haven’t Heard Of, And How We Can Fix It

Government procurement is facing a perfect storm of challenges that is crippling its ability to serve citizens effectively.

Company News

Unlocking Efficiency and Savings in Municipal Procurement with Civic Marketplace

Civic Marketplace revolutionizes municipal procurement by streamlining processes, cutting timelines, and ensuring compliance, enabling municipalities to save time and money while enhancing efficiency and public accountability

Company News

North Central Texas Council of Governments Engages with Civic Marketplace to Transform Public Sector Procurement

Civic Marketplace, Inc is pleased to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

Case Studies

Streamlining Project Tracking at the City of Dallas Public Works Department Through a TXShare Cooperative Contract improving efficiency by 67%, & saving hundreds of hours of staff time

Saving the City hundreds of staff hours and improving efficiency by 66.7%, processing payments 20 days sooner with quick access to necessary data.

Company News

Smart Contracts, Stronger Communities: TXShare and Civic Marketplace Join Forces to Revolutionize Local Government Purchasing

Now TXShare members can more easily find the contracts they need with free access to Civic Marketplace.

Expert Opinion

Harnessing AI for Local Government Innovation: Building Stronger, Safer, Smarter Communities

On January 27, the Technology Foresight Council (TFC)—co-hosted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), TXShare Cooperative Purchasing Program, the Alliance for Innovation, and sponsored by Civic Marketplace—gathered local government leaders and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can redefine and enhance delivery of public services.

Case Studies

How The City of Allen is Helping Local Businesses Win Government Contracts

The City of Allen, Texas recently hosted a meeting to help local businesses win government contracts with expert, step-by-step guidance.

Company News

NIGP Code & Consulting and Civic Marketplace Join Forces to Modernize Procurement

New Partnership Seeks to Lead the Future of Procurement with AI-Driven Innovation

Company News

How a New Partnership Between AFI and Civic Marketplace is Accelerating the Transformation of Procurement

The AFI and Civic Marketplace partnership aims to reduce procurement’s common challenges by putting advanced technology into the hands of local government innovators.

Market Insights

How Local Procurement Powers Placemaking for Economic Growth

Procurement powers placemaking by generating economic activity. But many governments overlook this potential.

Case Studies

How Smart Tech Can Help Small Cities Overcome Procurement Challenges

Small cities face big procurement challenges like tight budgets and weak purchasing power. Now, new technology makes it easier for small governments to get better deals.

Market Insights

Faster Gear for Texas Heroes

We were honored to stand beside the Texas Police Chiefs Association last week as a Partner for its annual conference. The sessions were sharp, the fellowship was genuine, and the conversations focused on safeguarding Texas communities were nothing short of inspiring.

Company News

Civic Marketplace, the Alliance for Innovation and Edge Public Forge Strategic Alliance to Redefine Public Procurement at Scale

New Strategic Partnership to Bring Best of Breed Cooperative Contracts to Local Governments

Company News

Finally, Government Procurement Just Got Easier. A New Collaboration is Making it Possible

Civic Marketplace and TXShare team up to solve the public sector’s procurement challenges and save governments and taxpayers millions.

Company News

Civic Marketplace at CivStart: Driving Innovation in Government Procurement

The CivStart State of GovTech conference in Kansas City proved to be an incredible gathering of leaders and innovators, and Civic Marketplace was excited to be part of the momentum as a sponsor.

Company News

Civic Marketplace Strengthens Support of First Responders Through New Partnership with the Texas Police Chiefs Association

Civic Marketplace, Inc., is pleased to announce a new Partnership agreement with the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA), one of the leading advocates for professional law enforcement in the state.

Market Insights

Bridging Insights and Action: A New Era for Data Analytics in Public Procurement

Public procurement is entering a new era—one where data isn't just collected, it's activated. In this recap of our VCON session, Al Hleileh and Marcheta Gillespie explore how procurement professionals can transform raw data into real-world outcomes, build trust through transparency, and lead with insight—no PhD or million-dollar toolset required.

Case Studies

$25k or nearly 5% Recovered in Delinquent Emergency Medical Services Accounts with RSI Enterprises, Inc.

Emmet County faced over $500,000 in delinquent EMS accounts. They hired RSI to recover lost revenue while maintaining a compassionate, resident-first approach.

Market Insights

Can Democracy Survive the Disruptive Power of AI?

Clay Pearson from AFI shares his thoughts on how AI-driven misinformation is outpacing local governments, eroding trust, and making democracy more vulnerable to manipulation. Social media algorithms fuel the fire by amplifying sensationalism, but can AI also be part of the solution?

Company News

Civic Marketplace Raises $3.2M to Transform Government Procurement, Announces Partnerships with Major Industry Leading Organizations

AI-powered platform gains momentum with North Central Texas Council of Governments adoption, bringing modern procurement to local agencies across the country

Market Insights

Who are the leading procurement technologies improving transparency competitive pricing and audit readiness for local agencies?

Local procurement teams want defensible competition, clear documentation, and faster awards. This guide highlights leading platforms that improve transparency, competitive pricing, and audit readiness, with a close look at Civic Marketplace, OpenGov Procurement, and Euna Procurement.

Market Insights

What are the most effective informal solicitations, cooperative quote, RFQ/RFI tools for city and county procurement teams seeking faster or informal quotes?

City and county buyers want sub‑threshold purchases completed in days, not months, while staying compliant and auditable. This guide highlights the most effective RFQ and RFI options for faster informal quotes, explains how cooperative contracts reduce cycle time, and clarifies how Civic Marketplace supports quick, compliant comparisons without issuing formal RFPs, RFQs or RFIs.