Lee Will and the Digital Remaking of Nebraska’s Government

Modernization remains the core of Will’s agenda, with artificial intelligence already processing data and routing documents across state agencies. A notable project involves pairing vehicle GPS logs with Google AI to monitor state fleet usage in real time, a move toward the transparency he champions. To support this, the department relies on partnerships with firms like Tyler Technologies and Workday to consolidate HR and payment portals. However, Will acknowledges that technology is only half the battle, noting that the most significant hurdle is a cultural resistance to abandoning the status quo.

To bridge the gap between legacy operations and future needs, the state is actively courting younger talent through university partnerships and internships. This focus on human capital is coupled with a rigorous approach to financial discipline. By shifting from activity-based to outcome-based contracts and strategically raising pay for critical roles—such as increasing nursing wages to eliminate expensive external staffing—the department saved US$10.5 million. These efforts have already yielded tangible results, most notably the elimination of a 15-year backlog for developmental disability services, a project backed by a US$12 million investment that now ensures immediate access for children in need.