Municipalities that prepare for AI reap greater benefits, report finds

Many government officials are betting on artificial intelligence to be a force multiplier and improve their spending, as the tech has shown promise to streamlining processes like permitting approvals, procurement and public benefits administration. But a new report underscores the importance of laying the groundwork for AI adoption to ensure its long-term success among agencies and businesses deploying the technology. 

The report, released last week by the National Academy of Public Administration and commissioned by Google, offers a framework for municipal leaders to consider when looking for opportunities to introduce or expand the use of AI in their communities. 

Local leaders play a critical role in the adoption of AI, as they can serve as the tech’s enabler by providing the assets and resources that are necessary for the expansion of AI’s use across communities, according to the report. 

Municipalities that prepare for and embrace AI could benefit more from the technology’s potential impact on local economies and businesses than communities that do not, according to the report. For instance, AI could “supercharge efficiency,” reducing the time needed to complete some tasks by an estimated 20% to 30%, researchers wrote. 

To reap the benefits of AI, the study suggests that municipalities prepare “fundamentals of AI” like broadband infrastructure, workforce readiness and data governance and policies, said Marcelo Giugale, a fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration, speaking during a panel discussion in D.C. about the report’s findings. 

One essential piece to the successful deployment of AI is a “robust foundation” of technical infrastructure, according to the report. High-speed and reliable broadband and fiber optics are critical for enabling data transfers, real-time processing and computing power that AI systems rely on. 

To build counties’ capacity for AI demands, “infrastructure is extremely important,” said Gail Roper, chief information officer for the Montgomery County Government Office of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions in Maryland. 

Montgomery County, for instance, operates two broadband services that provide internet for public spaces like affordable housing facilities and government, school and community college operations, she said. The networks help residents access AI-enabled tools offered by the county, such as its 311 chatbot that people can use to get information like how to order a recycling bin or where ballot drop boxes are located. 

Roper also said the county engages with residents, college students and local vendors to collect community feedback on where and how they think AI could be deployed to inform the county’s AI strategy. 

When it comes to community-wide AI adoption, "there's a real recognition that no one entity can do this on their own,” said Brenna Isman, director of academy studies at NAPA. 

Indeed, the report highlights the value of public-private partnerships as another way for municipalities to prime themselves for AI. Such partnerships, for example, can promote workforce training and education opportunities to ensure agencies and businesses have staff equipped with the expertise needed to leverage AI. 

“A skilled workforce attracts AI companies, ensures residents can access new job opportunities, reduces displacement, and increases local income,” the report stated. 

Since 2014, for example, New York City has supported the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline, an initiative that aims to increase and improve the city’s tech workforce. Through the initiative, individuals can receive training or private organizations can hold apprenticeships and fellowships to ultimately connect more tech graduates with companies, according to the report. 

Municipalities should also consider how to enforce the responsible use of data for AI initiatives, which can help improve the accuracy of AI tools but also ensure that sensitive information about the community and its residents is protected, according to the report. 

“Data owners should create governance structures that provide transparency, ease of access, quality and integrity,” researchers wrote. Data owners, for instance, should consider making public datasets that are machine-readable while redacting personally identifiable information, according to the report. 

Leaders may also consider if they have conducted a data audit, developed data privacy and consent policies or used privacy impact assessments, the authors note. 

“Community-level open data can significantly enhance AI applications across various sectors, such as real estate, transportation, health and finance,” the report stated. “While not all data is suitable for open sharing, and privacy laws must be observed, the availability of high-quality open data can improve AI learning and performance.” 

With appropriate foundations in place, city leaders have a better chance of seeing AI solutions succeed, which is challenge enough, given how quickly the tech changes, Giugale said. That’s why, beyond the foundational resources and tools that municipalities should have prepared, city leaders should consider approaching AI projects with “short, testable cycles [of] constant learning,” he said. 

“Without a clear picture of current assets, communities risk overestimating their readiness or underutilizing valuable resources,” the report stated.