Embracing the Future AI’s Influence on Local Government

By Kevin Benson, Director of Application Development, VC3

News reports have had plenty of hype and excitement about the wonders of artificial intelligence. Often called AI, it can prepare tax returns, respond to emails and even make music. There are also horror stories about AI replacing jobs, taking over decision making or surpassing human intelligence.

In reality, AI mostly operates beneath the surface, similar to how it’s already a part of daily life when asking a smartphone questions or using GPS to get directions. That’s where its true potential for local government lies.

Already municipalities are leveraging AI in subtle but powerful ways to become more efficient, improve decision-making and offer tools to residents that empower their interactions with local government.

Use cases in local government

Municipalities are often data-rich in key areas. Envisioning some practical applications of AI within local government helps us recognize its potential.

Waste management optimization: Waste collection involves a lot of data — volume of waste generated, locations of waste bins, waste collection times, the weather forecast, road conditions, traffic patterns, etc. Much of this data is probably sitting within some municipal database. It’s possible to leverage that data with an AI tool focused on waste management optimization. With the results, managers can optimize collection routes and schedules, reduce fuel consumption and more efficiently route for collection services.

Municipal planning: Data related to population growth, housing demand, transportation, traffic, etc. can be used to predict future demand for housing and transportation. AI can analyze vast datasets regarding road use, infrastructure conditions and utility usage to prioritize maintenance and development projects. This predictive analysis aids in extending the lifespan of public assets, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and accommodating growth.

Public service delivery and resident engagement: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can offer residents 24/7 access to information and services, reducing wait times and improving overall resident satisfaction. These tools can handle queries ranging from service requests to informational inquiries, streamlining communication between the government and the public.

Emergency preparedness and response: Through the analysis of past weather patterns and real-time data such as traffic patterns, AI can enhance emergency preparedness for natural disasters such as hurricanes. Providing residents with actionable steps and optimizing evacuation routes can significantly reduce disaster impact.

Law enforcement: Law enforcement has a lot of data — dispatch logs, incident reports, arrest records, etc. There is potential to use AI on top of existing data for a variety of purposes. For example, what if departments could predict if there's a certain amount of domestic violence in a certain area and then focus more proactively on those areas to address this problem?

AI has the potential to revolutionize local government operations, from efficiency enhancements to better service delivery. While the journey to AI adoption may present its challenges, an informed and forward-thinking approach will help local governments harness the full potential of AI to create tangible benefits for their communities.

Kevin Benson is the director of application development at VC3, the Municipal Association’s technology partner.