Harnessing AI for Local Government Innovation: Building Stronger, Safer, Smarter Communities

On January 27, the Technology Foresight Council (TFC)—co-hosted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), TXShare Cooperative Purchasing Program, the Alliance for Innovation, and sponsored by Civic Marketplace—gathered local government leaders and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can redefine and enhance delivery of public services. The event spotlighted both the promise and responsibility that comes with leveraging AI to build stronger, safer, and more efficient communities.

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AI Can Save Lives by Training Volunteers to Be More Empathetic

Dorothy Chou, Director of Policy & Public Engagement at Google DeepMind, shared an AI application with life-saving potential: ReflexAI, a chatbot that trains volunteers to handle sensitive mental health conversations with veterans. This AI-powered tool offers real-time feedback, teaching volunteers effective listening, empathy, and communication techniques. By better-preparing volunteers, AI is not just supporting mental health initiatives but actively saving lives. This technology has the potential to help local governments train people in settings where sensitive mental health discussions are required.

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AI Can Have a Huge Impact on Frontline Services by Predicting and Containing Wildfires

Chou also highlighted Muon Space’s FireSat, an AI-driven satellite platform that detects wildfires, predicts spread patterns, and guides resource deployment. By analyzing satellite imagery in near real-time, FireSat helps first responders contain fires before they escalate, preventing catastrophic losses. This application underscores AI's massive potential in frontline services dealing with urgent threats.

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AI Improves Traffic Flow and Infrastructure Management

Beyond emergency response, AI is reshaping urban planning. AI-powered sensors analyze congestion, dynamically adjust traffic signals, and predict road maintenance needs. These innovations lead to smoother commutes, lower emissions, and proactive repairs. As a result, AI is not just optimizing city infrastructure but freeing up human workers for more strategic tasks.

NCTCOG Executive Director Mike Eastland noted the impact of the case studies, saying “Seeing these practical AI use cases is encouraging. They can serve as great examples for our member governments as they explore how to implement AI applications to better serve their communities."

Monty Mercer, Deputy Executive Director, continued, “We need to follow up and ensure that we continue to have workable actions and practical applications coming out of these forward-focused council events.”

Both emphasized the promise and responsibility that come with leveraging AI for stronger, safer, and more efficient communities.

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Addressing AI Adoption Challenges

During the discussion, Ron Holifield, President of Civic Marketplace, urged participants to consider the barriers to AI adoption. The group identified two key challenges:

1. Regulatory Gaps – AI advances faster than legislation. To navigate this, experts suggested AI sandboxes—controlled pilot projects that allow local governments to test AI solutions before full-scale deployment.
2. Cultural Resistance – While AI enhances efficiency and effectiveness, some employees fear job displacement. Leaders emphasized the need for ongoing training, clear communication, and structured change management to ensure AI serves as a tool for augmentation, not replacement.

The conversation also pinpointed transportation and human resources as prime areas for AI-driven transformation. In mobility, AI-powered platforms could integrate real-time transit data, enabling residents to plan multimodal trips. In HR, AI could realize improvements in the hiring process by screening applicants with an increased focus on qualifications, capabilities and best fit rather than subjective factors, leading to a more well-rounded workforce.

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Where We Go From Here

Holifield concluded by advocating for a people-first AI strategy, emphasizing:

• Small-Scale Pilots – Testing AI applications on a manageable scale to measure impact before widespread adoption.
• Strategic Partnerships – Collaborating with startups and industry leaders to stay ahead of technological advancements to support organizational objectives.
• A Culture of Continuous Learning – Encouraging and equipping AI literacy among public sector employees to ensure sustainable adoption.

Ultimately, the TFC discussions reinforced a critical message: AI, when implemented ethically and strategically, can revolutionize governance, enhancing efficiency, safety, and overall effectiveness.AFI Executive Director Troy Riggs expressed great enthusiasm for the future of AFI and the development of AI strategies for municipal governments, saying, “AFI is developing and providing practical applications for local government that can benefit citizens now, but also talking about the future. We’re committed to developing training programs and making connections with our members that result in harnessing the full benefit of AI.”

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Fast-Track AI Implementation with TXShare & Civic Marketplace

Municipalities looking to act now can leverage pre-negotiated contracts through TXShare and Civic Marketplace, with two additional agreements currently in the awarding process. These contracts eliminate procurement hurdles, allowing local governments to deploy AI-driven solutions in key areas such as:

• Traffic Management – AI-powered congestion analytics and dynamic signal control.
• 24/7 Chatbot Customer Service – AI-driven virtual assistants that enhance citizen engagement.
• Road & Highway Asset Management – AI-powered software for:
  
  • Pavement condition assessment
  • Infrastructure asset tracking
  • Predictive analytics for lifecycle forecasting

These cutting-edge solutions help municipalities improve and enhance services, optimize costs, and improve overall community well-being.

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The Future Is Now

‍AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s redefining how governments operate. The real question isn’t if local agencies should adopt AI but how quickly they can do so in a responsible, impactful manner. By embracing small-scale pilots, forming strategic partnerships, and fostering AI literacy, local leaders can position their communities at the forefront of a smarter, safer, and more efficient and effective future.

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ABOUT NCTCOG

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, established to assist in regional planning. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions.

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ABOUT TXShare

The TXShare Cooperative Purchasing Program is the direct outcome of municipal governments partnering together to identify common needs for public entities across and beyond the State of Texas. Local governments and non-profit entities across all 50 states are eligible to participate in the TXShare program at no cost. Simply fill out our Interlocal Agreement, and any organization may take advantage of the TXShare contracts, as well as any future contracts to come. TXShare Participating Organizations can confidently utilize our offerings knowing that each contract was procured under strict Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and Texas Local Government Code procurement policies and procedures. Each contract was competitively sourced in a sealed-proposal method independently evaluated by subject matter experts.

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ABOUT AFI

AFI is a non-profit association of local governments dedicated to fostering innovation, foresight, and collaboration across the public sector. Originally founded in 1979 as the Innovation Groups, AFI has a 40-year history of helping local governments enhance their ability to anticipate, plan, and adapt. Through actionable insights and a steadfast commitment to preparation, AFI equips government leaders with the tools they need to confront challenges and seize opportunities on behalf of their communities. With a nationwide network, AFI’s mission is to build more resilient, proactive, and efficient communities. AFI’s collaborative culture - rooted in curiosity, generosity, and rigorous exploration - encourages members to delve into uncharted possibilities and shape the future of public service. Learn more about AFI at transformgov.org.

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‍Special thanks to Tim Rosener for submitting this article. Tim is a seasoned gov-tech leader and mayor of Sherwood, Oregon, who advocates for broadband access and innovation in local government. He serves on the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, and the National League of Cities’ AI Advisory Committee, shaping policy for next-generation services. At Civic Marketplace, he guides strategic initiatives that modernize procurement, bridging public-sector innovation with real-world solutions that benefit communities nationwide.