AI in Local Government

With the unprecedented growth of AI (artificial intelligence) and LLM (large language model) industries, unlocked by advances in hardware, we are increasingly seeing these tools incorporated into different aspects of our lives. The buzz around the potential of AI and the amount of information out there can be overwhelming – particularly when new services suggest it can be essentially ‘thrown’ at tasks to instantly transform and improve existing processes. However, as with all previous transformative technologies, it takes time, due diligence and a fundamental understanding of the technology to see beyond the haze of extreme narratives.

Here at DG Cities, we have built a track record in supporting our local authority clients to understand how new technologies or approaches can ensure they deliver better, more efficient services to their residents. Today Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are incorporated into most new solutions offered to councils, so we see it as our task to provide independent, third-party advice that can help to:

• demystify new offerings that claim to use AI

• identify and trial use cases where these tools can have immediate benefits

• ensure ethical and behavioural considerations have been made

• evaluate and monitor implementation

• keep a watching brief of the developing landscape to assess when new use cases become ‘ready’.

To the AI industry, we offer a consultancy service that can help to tailor and adapt their products to be fully aligned to the real needs of local authorities. Being owned by and having worked with a large number of councils over the years means that we have a unique and intimate understanding of the ways councils work, think and prioritise problems. Working with us can ensure that new products are filling an immediate gap, leading to faster commercialisation and better user experience.