Atlanta's new AI commission hopes to improve city services through use of AI
City of Atlanta AI commission holds first meeting
The City of Atlanta is taking a bold step into the future by exploring how artificial intelligence can improve government operations, enhance public safety, and boost city services without displacing workers.
ATLANTA - The City of Atlanta is taking formal steps to explore how artificial intelligence can improve the way local government operates, following the launch of its new Artificial Intelligence Commission.
What we know:
The commission, chaired by District 2 Councilmember Amir Farokhi, held its first meeting this week at City Hall. The group will study the benefits and challenges of using AI to streamline city services, reduce costs, and improve communication with residents.
City officials say AI has already begun making an impact. After last summer’s widespread water main breaks, the Watershed Department installed sensors that are now detecting leaks before they cause major damage. Leaders believe similar technology could help the city identify road hazards like potholes and improve maintenance efficiency.
AI applications under consideration range from crime pattern monitoring and emergency response improvements to multilingual customer service support and more efficient permitting systems. Officials say the goal is to enhance service delivery while reducing bureaucratic delays.
Experts from Emory University’s AI Learning Center have praised the city for being proactive in forming the commission and beginning early adoption of the technology. They say AI should be viewed as a tool to boost productivity and quality of work, not as a threat to employment.
Still, concerns remain. Labor leaders, including the president of Atlanta’s PACE (Professional Association for City Employees), have expressed a desire for job protections to be put in writing to ensure that city workers are not displaced by automation.
The commission plans to continue evaluating AI-driven solutions that could improve government responsiveness and better serve the needs of Atlanta residents.
The backstory:
The commission was established by legislation introduced in December 2024 by District 2 Council member Amir Farokhi and approved by the Atlanta City Council. The initiative aims to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance city operations, improve service delivery, and increase government efficiency.
The 13-member commission includes a mix of city leaders, academics, and technology experts. Current members include:
- Jason Sankey, Chief Information Officer, City of Atlanta
- Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital and AI Officer, State of Georgia
- Larry Williams, Technology Association of Georgia
- Donald Beamer Jr., appointee of Mayor Andre Dickens
- John Yates, technology policy and research representative
- Dr. Charlotte Alexander, Georgia Institute of Technology
- Dr. Joy Harris, Georgia State University
- Council member Amir Farokhi, appointee of Council President Doug Shipman
- Matthew Garver, representing Council Districts 1-4 and Post 1 At-Large
Four commission seats remain vacant, including representatives for Emory University, Atlanta University Center, and two additional district groupings.
Big picture view:
Atlanta is just one of many cities that is currently exploring how to use AI within its government.
According to Cities Today, New York has implemented the AI Action Plan, which focuses on responsible AI governance across city agencies.
Boston has also created guidelines for responsible AI use, like ensuring transparency and accuracy in applications such as automated translation and chatbot services. The city also encourages safe spaces for experimentation.
The state of New Jersey has implemented a new AI translation service for applicants seeking unemployment assistance and other public services. It also has an active AI task force that is looking into other ways to use AI throughout the state.
State and local governments in Arizona have implemented a variety of policies related to AI. It also created an AI steering committee to help inform future AI deployment and identify potential applications for its use, according to GovTech.com.
San Jose in California was instrumental in launching the GovAI Coalition, which includes about 550 from across the United States. Its mission is to promote responsible and purposeful AI in the public sector.