Artificial Intelligence (AI) is typically used to describe machine-learning-powered technologies that can complete tasks historically associated with human intelligence, such as pattern recognition, data analysis, problem solving, and content generation. ICMA surveyed local government practitioners in April and May 2024 to gauge their perspectives on AI and its use in local government service delivery and operations. The survey received 635 responses, the vast majority of which were provided by the CAO/ACAO of their respective local governments. Forty percent of respondents represented communities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 residents, with just under 10% of respondents representing communities with less than 2,500 residents.

Key Findings

• Almost half of respondents (48%) say that AI utilization is a low priority for their local government, while less than 6% of respondents have placed a high priority on utilizing AI in local government service delivery. 
• A small number of communities indicated that they have delegated personnel to oversee their organization’s AI efforts (10%) or they have established an organization-wide policy to govern AI usage (9%). 
• The top area identified for AI potential is resident engagement (55%), including streamlined service interfaces and AI chatbots for FAQs. Local policy applications, such as budget modeling and policy analysis, are seen as having significant potential by 38% of respondents.
• The most significant barrier is a lack of AI awareness and understanding, cited by 77% of respondents. 
• The top concern is the use of AI-generated disinformation/misinformation to illegitimately impact public policy, cited by 70% of respondents. Similarly, over half of respondents (56%) indicated concerns about public perception and trust associated with use of AI.