Artificial Intelligence's Impact on Municipal Economies

Background

When the Grand Challenges in Public Administration were announced in November 2019, the Academy identified Make Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ready as a key public administration challenge for the nation. Recent progress in AI transforms entire sectors, advances new industries, and fosters new economic activity; it also, however, raises concerns about bias, security, transparency, and budget and procurement processes. Municipal economies that wish to leverage AI’s potential and proactively avoid falling behind must solve these issues while limiting negative impacts on growth. This study will investigate both the overall impact of AI on municipal economies and the steps cities, counties, and locally focused state programs can take to proactively navigate the AI transition.

Project Description

The Academy Study Team will support Google by conducting a twelve-month, detailed examination of the impact that AI has on municipal economies. This project is designed to comprehensively analyze AI’s benefits and challenges and deliver an actionable and clear framework to local governments. Phase One will include detailed Case Studies. Phase Two will include a Public Policy White Paper and Municipal Economy Readiness Framework. Phase Three will focus on public engagement and report dissemination.

The Academy has appointed a five-member Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to oversee and guide this study. Information on the EAG and Study Team is provided on the next page. A final report with findings and executive briefings on the report will be completed by November 30, 2025.

Study Fellows