which surveyed 635 local government leaders in April and May of 2024. “The use of AI as a core practice of local government in the U.S. is clearly in its infancy,” ICMA states in a report on the survey results. “There are some communities that have exuberantly embraced AI. Others are approaching this emerging technology with the utmost caution.” The top area local government leaders considered for AI potential was “resident engagement,” with 55% of respondents seeing promise in streamlined service interfaces and AI chatbots, the report states. A survey of local government IT executives in late 2024 found that 38% felt their local government was “not prepared at all” to safely incorporate AI technology, with 46% saying it was “somewhat prepared” and 9% saying their local government was “fully prepared.” Related:Carahsoft, Dynamo AI partner to offer generative AI solutions to public sector Despite local governments being in the early stages of AI adoption, major companies see its potential in the public sector. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT and one of the largest AI service providers, launched a version of its product specifically tailored for U.S. government agencies earlier this year. The government procurement space has seen an abundance of new AI tools from companies like OpenGov, Appian, Icertis, Cloverleaf AI and more, Procurated Director of Marketing Steve Isaac recently wrote in a column for American City & County. “Today, we are witnessing a second wave of AI applications for government procurement — not just speeding up how our industry works but fundamentally changing it,” Isaac said. Authorium was founded in 2014 under the name City Innovate, rebranding to Authorium in 2024. Sixty percent of its employees are former government employees, the company website states. Financial backers for the company include SJF Ventures and Govtech Fund. Related:OpenAI unveils AI service designed for U.S. government agencies AI IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ‘IN ITS INFANCY’ A survey of local government officials last year found that 48% viewed AI utilization as a “low priority” for their local government. Under 6% of respondents considered AI “high priority,” according to the International City/County Management Association, 16 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 04
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