The concept of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in local government, as discussed by Miller in the article, presents various advantages that a bot would have over its human competitors. For instance, the ability of the AI bot to analyze vast amounts of supporting documents from past council meetings in a short period is highlighted. By feeding VIC with emails, public records, and notices from previous meetings, Miller asserts that VIC will be able to learn, make policy recommendations, prioritize important information, and even decide how to vote in future council meetings. The efficiency of VIC in processing and retrieving information is emphasized, with Miller noting that a human would struggle to review hundreds of supporting documents between meetings compared to the bot’s capability of doing so effortlessly. Moreover, VIC’s promptness in pulling up emails or information where constituents expressed concerns in mere seconds is highlighted as a significant advantage over human counterparts.
Miller’s journey with implementing AI in local government began with a public record request that led to an interaction with a city employee. The frustration he experienced from the employee’s misinformation regarding anonymous requests and the subsequent realization of the city’s lack of adherence to the law served as the catalyst for his AI initiative. His background as a tech hobbyist and a library worker further fueled his belief in the potential of an AI bot to address governance challenges efficiently. VIC’s proposed solution to rectify the open records issue by restructuring the city to align with state statutes, including the suggestion to dismiss the city attorney, demonstrates an innovative approach to governance through AI intervention.
When queried about its policy priorities, VIC outlined a focus on transparency, economic development, and innovation by prioritizing open data, clear communication with citizens, supporting small businesses, startups, and leveraging new technologies to enhance public services and infrastructure. The bot’s emphasis on data and evidence-based policies that benefit all citizens of Cheyenne underscores its commitment to nonpartisanship. VIC’s stated goal of serving the community by leveraging technology and prioritizing citizen-centric policies aligns with the evolving landscape of governance and technology integration.
Miller’s acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding AI and the prevailing uncertainty regarding its operational mechanisms reflects a cautious yet innovative approach to adopting technology in governance. Despite not fully understanding the intricacies of AI, Miller’s willingness to explore its potential applications and benefits in addressing municipal challenges is commendable. The community’s apprehension towards adopting a ‘move fast and break things’ mentality, popularized by tech giants like Facebook, in the context of AI governance highlights the need for a thoughtful and deliberate approach to technology integration in the public sector.
Overall, the integration of AI in local government, as exemplified by Miller’s initiative, presents a promising avenue for enhancing governance efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. While the benefits of AI in processing vast amounts of data and improving decision-making are evident, the critical need for ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and public oversight in AI governance cannot be understated. The evolving relationship between technology, governance, and society necessitates a balanced approach that leverages the transformative potential of AI while upholding democratic values, accountability, and inclusivity in governance practices.
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