The administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled its plan to embrace and regulate artificial intelligence (AI) across the city's government. The initiative, issued on October 16, outlines a framework for city agencies to carefully assess AI tools, considering their associated risks. The plan also aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of government employees in AI technologies while seeking to improve residents' quality of life.
The plan encompasses 37 "key actions," with 29 of them slated to begin or be completed in the next year. Among its objectives, the plan seeks to establish an AI governance framework, create an AI advisory network, provide city officials with AI expertise, and produce an annual AI progress report.
Mayor Adams emphasized the potential of AI technology to enhance government service delivery but also underscored the importance of a clear understanding of its risks. In addition to the AI framework announcement, the city updated its MyCity Business platform, introducing the first pilot of a citywide AI chatbot. This chatbot will address questions related to opening and running businesses in New York City.
Maria Torres-Springer, the city's deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, hailed the AI chatbot as a milestone in improving government accessibility, particularly for small businesses. The AI chatbot can access information from over 2,000 business-related web pages, offering insights on code compliance, available business incentives, and tips to prevent violations and fines.
This initiative reflects the growing adoption of AI in various sectors, including government, to streamline operations, offer user-friendly services, and improve resource accessibility.
