A new report from the National League of Cities (NLC) and Google examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform local government operations, offering strategies to improve public services and drive efficiency. Titled AI in Cities, the report highlights practical approaches to AI adoption, emphasizing ethical, responsible, and transparent implementation for cities of all sizes.

The report breaks down AI into three main categories relevant to municipal use:

• Predictive AI, which helps forecast traffic patterns and maintenance needs,
• Generative AI, useful for tasks like translating public meeting content, and
• Perceptive AI, which powers tools for public safety, monitoring, and environmental assessment.

To illustrate these applications, the report includes case studies from U.S. cities, including Warner Robins, Georgia’s use of AI to enhance public safety. This example, among others, underscores the importance of AI literacy for city staff and the transformative potential AI brings to public service.

Ethical and Responsible AI Use

In addition to technical guidance, AI in Cities addresses ethical considerations, advising city leaders on how to adopt AI in ways that safeguard privacy, maintain transparency, and uphold fairness. The report encourages cities to establish clear guidelines to prevent biases, protect resident data, and ensure that AI’s benefits are accessible to all. Citing examples from numerous cities, the report offers a roadmap for integrating AI in ways that foster public trust.

AI Toolkit for Local Governments

The report concludes with a practical toolkit to help cities prepare for AI integration. Key components include:

• Readiness Assessments for evaluating current capabilities,
• Policy Development to establish responsible AI use guidelines, and
• Public Engagement strategies, such as community FAQs and public forums, to build trust and address resident concerns.

The report aims to support cities in building a collaborative, responsible approach to AI adoption that prioritizes resilience, efficiency, and citizen-centered services.