Intro: Understanding AI

Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The utilization of Artificial Intelligence has seen an uptick in interest for both professional and personal use. Although far from being a novel concept, the emergence of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini has ushered in a new wave of discussions surrounding the potential of AI as far as its relevant applications in the workplace, and especially with respect to its potential to increase productivity. AI is being profusely discussed in terms of its ability to eventually transform significant aspects of society, such as governance, transportation, healthcare, and others.

The economic impact of AI will be noteworthy. As more organizations, regardless of sector, recognize the cost savings and efficiency of automating certain tasks, this may benefit workers by allowing repetitive or monotonous duties to be handled by AI, while they focus their attention on more creative projects. In the context of local government, is it crucial that municipal personnel keep an open mind towards exploring the applications of AI, particularly in terms of its potential for modernizing municipal services. Municipal staff should consider how AI can help with expanding the scope of their services, improve the implementation of said services, and looking for ways to increase their efficiency, which may translate to a savings in property tax funds.