POLITICO Tech Coming to city near you: AI-powered government
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Oct 2, 2025 James Anderson, a leader at Bloomberg Philanthropies' Government Innovation Programs, dives into the intriguing world of AI in local government. He discusses how AI is bridging resource gaps in under-resourced city halls and highlights innovative applications like optimizing school bus routes. Anderson outlines essential elements for AI readiness, such as quality data and in-house tech skills. He also emphasizes the importance of leadership and upskilling civil servants to ensure successful AI adoption, while advocating for human-centered approaches in smart city developments.
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AI As Resource Multiplier
- AI offers cities a way to stretch limited resources and meet resident expectations.
- Mayors see AI as a practical tool, not a miracle, to improve service delivery.
School Bus Optimization Example
- James described a school-bus optimization use case aimed at cutting congestion and missed pickups.
- He argued optimizing routes with AI can get kids to class faster and help parents reach work on time.
Cities' Data Advantage
- Cities often have improving data governance, which makes them good candidates for reliable AI.
- Better data quality and bias awareness help prevent bad data from producing harmful AI outcomes.