In the past year, cities across the world have accelerated their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in government services. A year ago, we were talking about the emergence of digital twins in urban management and how tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Edge’s Copilot could enable automated tasks and provide greater insights into city operations. Today, especially in Arizona, AI is transforming myriad government functions and improving lives for citizens, operations for businesses and, ultimately, the better good of the planet.
While the AI hype has slowed for the broader industry and enthusiasm for generative AI is waning among the C-suite, cities are ramping up AI initiatives to become smarter, faster and more efficient. There’s much to be learned from the private sector in how to apply AI more effectively in public realms.
Here’s a look back at some of the most notable AI developments in Arizona cities and globally over the past year and future developments to look forward to.
Real-World AI Use Cases in Cities
Currently, there’s a major buzz among government leaders about the potential of AI to continually improve municipal services and quality of life for citizens.
Consider:
In May 2024, S&P Global predicted over the next 5 years, AI usage will increase its impact on cities through interactive digital twins, smart transportation and integration into digital government services.
In July 2024, the World Economic Forum reported 96% of mayors in cities globally want to engage with generative AI.
A 2023 survey found 50% of government respondents cite public safety as their main driver for smart city initiatives, followed by improving quality of life (44%) and improving city services (42%).
Already, smart cities with AI capabilities include:
Buenos Aires, Argentina, uses a chatbot to communicate with citizens who want to access services like bike sharing.
Singapore launched the world’s first nation digital twin and has more than 100 generative AI solutions.
Dallas and Houston, TX, have launched autonomous vehicles trained on generative AI.
Global citizens are also asking for AI developments from local leaders, with interest in features like:
Free public Wi-Fi networks
Smart street lighting
Smart public transportation improvements and optimization, including multimodal transit network improvements
Video surveillance and gunshot detection for public safety
Intelligent intersections
Enhanced monitoring of critical city systems
Digital government services and open data portals to improve citizens’ interactions with government
In 2024, AI has been instrumental in optimizing traffic management systems, enhancing public safety and improving municipal services. The integration of AI in these areas has not only streamlined operations, but has also provided data-driven insights for better decision-making.
Local Leadership in AI
Arizona has emerged as one of the country’s top states for AI innovation in local government. In Arizona, the following are some examples of how AI has impacted particular cities.
City of Phoenix, AZ: The City of Phoenix has already deployed AI-powered traffic signals that adjust to surrounding conditions, as well as AI in municipal services to improve waste management and water usage efficiency. In July 2024, the APM Research Lab reported full city adoption of AI technology will be on the ballot in November 2024, when Prop 479’s new regional transportation plan goes up for a vote. If passed, the plan will budget $12.5 million each year for emerging technologies.
City of Mesa, AZ: The City of Mesa implemented AI-driven traffic monitoring systems that have significantly reduced congestion and improved traffic flow. The city also offers a chatbot for the Business Services – Customer Service and Development Services – Customer Service staff, as well as has a smart data portal with more than 1,300 free digital datasets on categories like energy and, permits and licenses, and financials.
City of Tempe, AZ: In response to the rapid deployment of AI tools like ChatGPT, the City of Tempe implemented early governance measures to address ethical and privacy concerns. In 2023, the Tempe city council adopted the city’s ethical AI policy, which has helped to establish guidelines for responsible AI use and ensure transparency in AI-driven decisions.
Town of Gilbert, AZ: The Town of Gilbert has utilized AI tools to enhance public safety measures, leading to a more efficient allocation of police resources. Gilbert also tested the AI tool Copilot for governance, demonstrating the potential of AI to streamline administrative processes and to improve delivery of government services.
The success of these local initiatives underscores the importance of focusing on regional achievements rather than relying solely on national benchmarks. By showcasing local successes, cities within the region can inspire each other to innovate and adopt AI solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Barriers That Still Exist: Governance, Security & Privacy
Some of the challenges these cities, like other local governments that have implemented AI, have faced include challenges such as data privacy concerns and the need for robust infrastructure to support AI technologies. However, Arizona leaders have overcome these hurdles through strategic partnerships with cybersecurity experts and by adopting transparent data governance policies. The City of Tempe’s governance policy and the Town of Gilbert’s focus on cybersecurity are just two examples.
Despite these early efforts, the effectiveness of AI governance results remain varied. Some cities, like Boston, have successfully prioritized AI governance, creating comprehensive frameworks that address ethical considerations and data privacy.
However, others are still lagging, struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI technologies. This disparity highlights the need for continued focus on governance to ensure AI is used responsibly and equitably across all municipalities.
As cities become more connected and rely more on AI to function, key considerations for data protection and cybersecurity emerge. For example, S&P Global presents the following challenges for op AI functions.
Digitizing infrastructure through sensors and connectivity: connected critical infrastructure becomes vulnerable to cyber attacks
Improving data collection through digital information transformation: personal data collection leads to concerns regarding the use of citizen data and privacy
Digitizing government services: governments need to be aware of the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities and instead focus on fostering equity
Any city that implements the use of AI or other smart technology should have governance in place to mitigate cybersecurity risks, protect private data and ensure critical infrastructure stays protected. As S&P Global states: “As we navigate the transition to smarter cities, it is imperative for policymakers, industry stakeholders and communities to work collaboratively in addressing these challenges and ensuring that technological innovations are deployed ethically and inclusively…AI governance, data quality and employee data literacy are chief considerations to make before procuring and deploying AI applications and a full-scale AI strategy within a city.”
Upcoming AI Workshops
Last December, The Connective hosted an AI for local government workshop at Grand Canyon University that brought together city officials, technologists and policymakers to discuss the implications of AI in municipal governance. Key takeaways included the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors and the need for ongoing education and training in AI technologies. When considering AI, city leaders should prioritize operations and efficiency, innovation and policy in order to be successful.
We're now scheduling follow-up workshops to help cities move their ideas, strategies, and applications of AI into collaborative initiatives that integrate across departments and even across city borders. One upcoming conference, built in partnership with private sector partners, is expected to help shape the future of AI in Arizona cities by providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders. The Connective looks forward to creating forward momentum through these groundbreaking discussions.
Looking Forward to the Future of AI in AZ Government
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that AI has made significant strides in transforming municipal governance. Arizona cities have embraced AI to enhance public services, improve efficiency and drive innovation.
However, challenges remain, particularly in areas of governance, privacy and the ethical use of AI. Moving forward, it’s crucial for cities to continue learning from each other and to leverage regional successes to inspire broader adoption and integration of AI technologies. By doing so, they can ensure that AI serves as a powerful tool for positive change in urban governance.
Want to learn more about the development of smart cities powered by AI in Arizona? Visit GreaterPHXConnective.com.