Is AI Ready for Local Government?
By Judge Andy Brown
Travis County (Austin-area) Executive, and Co-Chair, National Association of Counties AI Exploratory Committee
While AI has its drawbacks and advantages in the corporate world, it’s finding its niche in a variety of industries, from healthcare to retail to tech. One of the most surprising areas in which it has found a place is in local government. In fact, several local governments across the US are pioneering the use of AI to make everyday tasks more efficient and to operate more accurately.
One example of that is in the City of San Francisco – there, local leaders are implementing AI and machine learning in some departments, even if policies around AI are still in the works. For example, the Assessor-Recorder’s Office uses a machine-learning model to predict property values and identify properties in need of appraisal. The 311 mobile app harnesses AI technology to guide users to the correct service request, and Hayden AI has even developed an AI-based camera technology for government-owned vehicles like buses to automatically catch scofflaws.
The City of Philadelphia has also partnered with an AI company to automate enforcement of parking regulations and ensure safe travel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA). They will also begin working with the city’s streetcar system to ensure that streetcars steer clear of illegally parked vehicles.
Counties are also implementing AI, including here in Texas. For example, Presidio County uses AI in its 911 dispatch centers to provide real-time translation services. The Tarrant County Clerk’s office uses AI to streamline its operations and increase the rate that cases can pass through, and several cities and counties are using AI to monitor land and prevent wildfires.
What are local leaders saying about AI? The National Association of Counties argues that for local/county agencies to responsibly adopt and benefit from artificial intelligence, the most important foundation is strong data governance. Even if a jurisdiction is just beginning to experiment with AI (or is still evaluating its potential), reliable AI outcomes depend on data that is well-managed, accessible, trustworthy, and secure.
How are governments specifically adopting AI? Local governments across the country are beginning to use AI to improve transportation management, streamline public safety operations, enhance constituent services, strengthen environmental monitoring, and make city operations more efficient. The National League of Cities’ new report aims to demystify these tools for local leaders, offering a practical toolkit that covers responsible use, governance, community trust, and implementation steps tailored to cities of all sizes. As NLC CEO Clarence Anthony notes, “Technology has always been an essential tool to help local governments respond to the changing needs of their residents… Our AI report is a collection of both the potential pitfalls and the overwhelming opportunities that exist for our local communities with AI.”
While some governments are effectively adopting AI, they are in the minority. In a 2024 survey of 635 local government practitioners, ICMA found that while there is growing awareness of AI, adoption remains limited: about 48% of respondents say AI use is a low priority for their local government, while fewer than 6% consider it a high priority. Only around 10% of communities have appointed personnel to lead AI efforts, and only 9% have a formal organization-wide policy governing AI usage. This may be because AI is deeply unpopular; one survey found its popularity at an all time low of 21%.
This unpopularity is not unfounded; risks with AI in local government are abundant. One risk is proper oversight – the use of “shadow AI,” or unregulated use of AI by public employees to do their jobs, risks inaccuracy and data insecurity. Data insecurity is a broader concern, with sensitive government data often being put at risk by processing it through AI. As a result, many governments have set strict regulations for their employees on if and how they are allowed to use AI.
Equally as concerning, AI is known for being relatively inaccurate. AI hallucination and poor data source quality are major concerns, especially when it comes to AI being used for detailed policy work or sensitive issues. In fact, one study found that AI systems fail accuracy tests in as much as 70% of cases.
Finally, there are ethical and environmental concerns over whether governments should be using and encouraging the use of AI. Data centers are a recent concern, including in Travis County. Explosive growth in electricity-hungry data centers could drive up utility rates and strain water and energy systems, and many wonder if it is ethical for governments to adopt AI systems knowing these concerns. Overall, potential risks and concerns with AI adoption should not be ignored, and federal and state guardrails are necessary to address them.
Despite these concerns, the USCM is working to launch a guide for mayors and city leaders aimed at helping municipalities thoughtfully adopt AI. The guide proposes that cities begin with an “AI Adoption Workshop,” a structured session bringing together civic leaders to explore how AI could enhance city operations. The ultimate goal of the workshop is to spark the creation of a city-level AI policy, strategy, or playbook that reflects local needs and values. The process helps cities explore possibilities in a collaborative, informed, and responsible way, before committing to specific technologies or deployments.
While AI adoption in local government is still uneven, its momentum is unmistakable. Cities and counties across the country are demonstrating that when thoughtfully deployed, AI can streamline services, strengthen infrastructure management, and improve the daily interactions residents have with their governments. However, the promise of these tools depends on deliberate planning, strong data governance, clear policies, and an emphasis on community trust. Responsible AI adoption is not about racing toward the newest technology but about building intentional frameworks that enable innovation while protecting residents. With careful leadership, collaboration, and investment in readiness, local governments can harness AI as a practical tool that improves service delivery, supports staff, and strengthens communities.
