Implementing AI in local government has the potential to revolutionize the way decisions are made and policies are implemented. One of the biggest advantages of using a bot, such as VIC, over human competitors is the ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data in a short period of time. For example, feeding VIC supporting documents like emails, public records, and notices from past Cheyenne City Council meetings allows the bot to make policy recommendations, determine priorities, and decide how to vote in council meetings. This level of data processing and decision-making would be nearly impossible for a human to achieve, as there can be hundreds of supporting documents for each meeting.
Addressing Open Records Issues
The inspiration behind Miller’s initiative to introduce AI into local government stemmed from a frustrating experience with a public record request. Being told by a city employee that anonymous requests were not allowed, Miller began to question why the city did not simply adhere to the law. This frustration led him to believe that an AI bot could help solve this problem by reading, analyzing, and remembering all relevant laws and regulations. VIC’s proposed solution to address the open records issue was to realign the city with state statutes by potentially replacing the city attorney. This approach was seen as a reasonable and effective way to ensure compliance with the law.
When questioned about the policies that VIC considered to be the most important, transparency, economic development, and innovation were highlighted as key focus areas. By prioritizing open data and clear communication with citizens, fostering a strong local economy through support for small businesses and startups, and embracing new technologies to enhance public services, VIC aims to create impactful and beneficial policies for the citizens of Cheyenne. Furthermore, VIC emphasized its nonpartisan stance, focusing on data and evidence-based policies that benefit all residents, regardless of political affiliation.
Miller’s candid admission of not fully understanding the intricacies of AI and the complexity of its inner workings is a refreshing take on the development of AI in government. Despite the uncertainty surrounding AI technology, Miller remains undeterred in his pursuit of leveraging AI to improve local government operations. Recognizing that the traditional approach of “move fast and break things” may not be suitable for the era of AI, Miller’s cautious optimism towards AI integration highlights the importance of approaching technological advancements with a thoughtful and deliberate mindset.
The integration of AI in local government, as demonstrated by Miller and VIC’s initiative in Cheyenne, showcases the potential for transformative change in decision-making processes and policy implementations. By leveraging the capabilities of AI bots to analyze data, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making, government entities can improve efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to citizen needs. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential for government officials to embrace innovation while being mindful of the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI integration.
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