Picture this: a city where streetlights and bridges self-report the need for maintenance, securing a construction permit isn’t painful, and budget books are built in minutes, not months. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s not even the future. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already here, and its adoption is accelerating throughout local government today.
OpenGov, the leading provider of AI-based solutions for local governments, runs on the belief that public service is personal. From every City Council vote to green-lighting new developments, the choices leaders make not only impact individual lives, but they help to build stronger, more vibrant communities.
For a closer look at how AI enables public servants to be more strategic, OpenGov partnered with Oliver Giesecke, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, in a recent webinar, The Surprising Truth About AI Adoption in Local Government. According to Giesecke’s research, 1 in 4 public servants have adopted AI in their day-to-day work, while 1 in 6 use AI at least once a week—demonstrating how AI is transforming local governments with no signs of slowing down.
He was joined by OpenGov CEO and Co-Founder, Zac Bookman, and OpenGov Chief Strategy Officer, Ammiel Kamon, who shared how the company’s AI-powered solution, OG Assist, is leading the charge in providing secure, intelligent tools. Powering workflows in asset management, permitting and licensing, procurement, and budgeting, OG Assist is helping leaders work smarter, not harder.
1. Operate with Efficiency
AI is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerhouse for tackling public service’s greatest challenges.
Take procurement. Often viewed as cumbersome and never-ending, the procurement process is getting a complete overhaul with the help of AI. Antonio Watson, who manages procurement for 18 departments in Pasadena, CA, shed light on this transformation.
“The tool was intuitive enough to understand our requirements and group them logically,” Watson explained.
Remember the old way of drafting scopes of work (SOWs)? Tedious, time-intensive, and usually came with missed details or redundancies–just ask any procurement officer! It wasn’t uncommon for procurement staff to spend hours doing research just to get a draft going. With the OG Assist Scope Builder in OpenGov Procurement, folks can get over writer’s block and complete a compliant draft in under 15 seconds. Now, Watson’s team has cut the time spent on key procurement tasks from hours to minutes–increasing bandwidth on other strategic priorities.
2. Build Trust Through Better Communication
Efficiency is critical, but trust is the foundation of public service.
Residents expect clear and timely updates from their leaders. With the OG Assist Communication Center in OpenGov Permitting & Licensing, local officials can use AI to auto-generate consistent, on-brand messages for expiring permits, project updates, and emergency alerts.
Now, governments can reach tens of thousands of residents within hours of launching campaigns, improving response rates by up to 25%.
“High-performing governments see communications as an opportunity to build trust,” said Ammiel Kamon, OpenGov’s Chief Strategy Officer.
Providing consistent, clear communication is just one example of how AI can strengthen trust between residents and their local governments.
3. Plan Proactively & Intelligently
While AI is already transforming government workflows, its true potential lies in what’s next.
OpenGov is at the forefront of innovation in developing tools that address tomorrow’s challenges today. Its AI-powered solutions automate budget planning and are designed to provide instant, data-backed cost estimates with accuracy.
Imagine a police chief needing to budget for three new vehicles. Instead of combing through historical data and vendor quotes, he simply asks the tool for an estimate. Within seconds, he has a detailed breakdown—complete with justifications based on past expenditures and projected needs. Bringing this scenario to life is an active mission for OpenGov.
Inclusivity is another key focus. OpenGov’s tools can also generate budget narratives in over 144 languages, ensuring all residents can participate in their government. This level of accessibility transforms how diverse communities engage with their leaders, making transparency and equity foundational rather than aspirational.
4. Safely Innovate Without Losing Control
Great power demands great responsibility.
OpenGov’s approach to AI is rooted in accountability, transparency, and rigorous standards. “Our nation’s public servants will run the AI, not the other way around,” said OpenGov CEO Zac Bookman. This commitment ensures that every AI-powered decision is traceable, with audit trails documenting every step.
Kamon also underscored the importance of thoughtful development.
“Some tools in development have undergone two years of rigorous testing. We won’t release anything until it meets our high standards.”
5. Public Service is Personal
AI isn’t just about working smarter—it’s about leading boldly.
OpenGov’s collaborative approach with nearly 2,000 communities is helping public servants solve real-world challenges with practical tools. The results are transformative: communication tools that cut response times by 50%, procurement tools that save hundreds of hours, and budgeting solutions that enhance decision-making.
“Trust is the coin of the realm,” Bookman said. “With it, governments can achieve incredible things.”
OPENGOV | ON-DEMAND WEBINAR:
The Surprising Truth About AI Adoption In Local Government
