Artificial intelligence continues to solidify its presence across various sectors in 2024, making significant inroads into education, therapy, and local governance. In Maricopa, a city in Arizona, the integration of AI technologies is being championed by Micah Gaudet, the deputy city manager, who has called for the utilisation of AI tools to improve the efficiency of municipal operations.
In a recent article published in the Government Finance Review, a magazine produced by the Government Finance Officers Association in Chicago, Gaudet outlined his vision for AI in local government. He highlighted that the aim is not to create an autonomous system reminiscent of science fiction, but rather to leverage existing AI technologies like ChatGPT and Midjourney to streamline administrative tasks that are often labour-intensive.
For example, Gaudet illustrated the effectiveness of AI in drafting an incident and traffic management plan for Maricopa’s 20th anniversary festival. Traditionally, this comprehensive plan would require several months of collaboration among police, fire, and medical officials. In contrast, Gaudet recounted how ChatGPT generated a similar plan in mere minutes, demonstrating the technology’s potential to significantly reduce the time taken to complete such projects. “The response that ChatGPT gave was almost the exact same one that our police and fire management team put together. I think it took ChatGPT all of two minutes,” he stated in his interview.
Despite the speed and efficiency that AI offers, Gaudet stressed the importance of human oversight in the process. He emphasised that reliance on AI should not equate to a lack of critical review. "Don’t just take what ChatGPT writes, copy it, paste it and call it good," he warned, suggesting that users approach AI outputs with the same scrutiny they would apply to any other work. He likened the AI's role to that of an intern, meant to enhance the efforts of human workers.
In addition to advocating for AI's integration into governance, Gaudet is actively involved in educating others about these technologies. He hosts courses and coaching sessions aimed at local governments, equipping them with the knowledge to implement AI effectively. Furthermore, he runs a YouTube channel dedicated to AI tutorials and reviews, thereby expanding the reach of his message beyond Maricopa.
As businesses and local governments alike begin to explore the capabilities of AI, Gaudet’s initiatives reflect a growing trend towards automation in various fields. This evolution indicates a significant shift in how organisations might operate moving forward, potentially reshaping business practices across industries. With these advancements, the conversation around AI's role in enhancing productivity and efficiency is expected to continue gaining momentum.
Source: Noah Wire Services