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Code for America Unveils the Government AI Landscape Assessment

In a groundbreaking release, Code for America has provided a comprehensive study on how U.S. states are embracing and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in government services. This assessment marks a significant step in understanding the readiness and capability of various states to utilize AI technology effectively in order to enhance public service delivery.

Overview of the Landscape Assessment

The Government AI Landscape Assessment reveals the states’ progress in exploring, adopting, and regulating AI technologies. By categorizing states into four levels—early, developing, established, and advanced—the report offers a detailed insight into the varied stages of AI adoption across the nation. Notably, an interactive data visualization accompanies the report, allowing stakeholders to view AI implementation and policies across all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia.

Categories of Evaluation

The assessment focuses on three critical areas that dictate a state's AI readiness:

1. Leadership and Governance: This segment evaluates how well-organized and committed states are to implementing AI initiatives. It examines the presence of leadership roles, such as a Chief AI Officer, and the establishment of cross-agency advisory groups dedicated to AI.

2. AI Capacity Building: Here, states are scrutinized for their investment in developing AI proficiency within their workforce. This includes the availability of formal training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and structured pathways for upskilling employees.

3. Technical Infrastructure and Capabilities: This critical area assesses whether states possess the necessary technical foundation for advanced AI applications. Factors examined include data infrastructure, computing resources, and collaborations with technical vendors.

Key Findings and National Leaders

From the findings, it became evident that while most states are still progressing in their AI development, a few have emerged as leaders in this tech-led transformation. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Utah are notably leading the charge in AI adoption.

• - Pennsylvania has established strong partnerships with organizations like Carnegie Mellon and InnovateUS to enhance workforce capacity.
• - New Jersey took a significant step by appointing a Chief AI Strategist and launching the NJ AI Assistant, a generative AI platform tailored for state employees.
• - Utah stands out for having created the first state-run AI policy office in the U.S. and appointing a Chief Data Officer (CDO) responsible for AI strategies.

The assessment was thorough and involved a review of publicly available documentation, covering a wide spectrum including workload studies, state agency reports, and media coverage. This extensive research ensured that Code for America's conclusions are well-founded and indicative of each state’s approach to AI technologies.

The Bigger Picture

AI has the potential to revolutionize government services, making them more efficient, accessible, and responsive to citizen needs. Jenn Thom, Senior Director of Data Science at Code for America, emphasized this potential, stating, "When done right, AI can help government better serve people—making services faster and more accessible."

With initiatives like its AI Studio, Code for America is dedicated to ensuring that states not merely adopt AI, but do so with the intention of creating sustainable and effective solutions for their constituents. By focusing on a human-centered approach, Code for America strives to dismantle barriers within public service pathways created by traditional systems.

This report serves not only as a vital resource for understanding current AI developments within U.S. bureaucracy but also underscores the vital role that civic tech organizations like Code for America play in shaping the future of governance in the digital age. By advocating for responsible AI utilization, Code for America aims to foster a resilient government that works for everyone.

For more information on partnerships with Code for America, visit codeforamerica.org/partner-with-us.