Unlocking AI Potential for State and Local Agencies

AI applications can be a great opportunity for agencies to transform their services and better serve their communities.

There are many ways that AI applications can improve government operations, including:

• Increased operational efficiency: AI can help automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry, scheduling and meeting notes. Automating tasks can help save time and allocate more resources to other tasks.
  
  
• Improved citizen services: AI applications can help with chatbots answering questions or provide personalized program recommendations. AI applications can also help citizens with their digital experience by improving the efficiency and reliability of online services.

• Advanced predictive decision-making: AI applications enable advanced analytics that can help agencies predict needs, allocate resources strategically and prepare for future challenges.

• More cost savings: Automating workflows and streamlining operations will lead to significant cost reductions over time, freeing up budget to help fulfill other citizen needs.  

While it may be obvious that AI applications can benefit state and local agencies, it can be difficult to see where and how to them.

Here are some of the ways AI can transform state and local government services:

AI can analyze population growth, traffic patterns and infrastructure needs, enabling smarter urban planning. For example, predictive AI applications can help you identify future demand for utilities such as water or electricity well in advance and recommend future resource allocation.

Through advanced data analytics, AI can optimize the delivery of social services. AI applications can help identify underserved demographics, predict future needs or prioritize programs with the greatest impact.

AI-powered surveillance tools, predictive analytics and real-time monitoring can help agencies take a proactive approach to crime and respond faster to emergencies. It’s important to note here that implementation must be balanced with the rights and protections of citizens.

AI models and analysis can help state and local governments take an active approach to security. AI models can continuously monitor networks to detect and block risks in real time and prevent disruptions to operations

Sophisticated AI chatbots and virtual assistants can help agencies handle citizen questions 24/7, minimizing wait times and making it easier for citizens to interact with government services.

Sophisticated AI chatbots and virtual assistants can help agencies handle citizen questions 24/7, minimizing wait times and making it easier for citizens to interact with government services.

AI implementation is not without its challenges, though — especially as new technology can disrupt traditional structures. Before jumping into AI projects, state and local governments must define a clear vision and purpose for AI applications. Simply “using AI” is not enough — the technology must align with the mission and priorities of state and local government.

State and local governments must ask a few questions before implementing AI:

• What specific inefficiencies can AI solve?

• What benefits will AI applications provide citizens?

• Can AI implementation be scaled and sustained over time?

AI applications can have a very successful implementation if state and local governments have a clear vision that considers the needs of their citizens. A disciplined approach ensures that AI applications will solve problems, not create them.

CDW Government’s Mastering Operational AI Transformation (MOAT) tool helps to fully harness AI’s benefits. MOAT is a proprietary reference architecture that evaluates and strengthens AI readiness by identifying gaps in your infrastructure and providing actionable insights.

MOAT helps state and local agencies build AI readiness across five critical pillars: people, strategy, data, administration and technical solutions.

AI is no longer just a tool for private companies — it’s a useful tool for state and local agencies to deliver modernized services to their citizens. Using AI thoughtfully and ethically allows agencies to build smarter, more efficient and citizen-centric solutions. CDW Government’s MOAT approach is a great way to help state and local governments implement AI applications seamlessly.

Working with CDW experts, state and local agencies can take the following four steps toward AI readiness:

1. Invest in infrastructure: MOAT’s AI infrastructure design ensures that IT systems can support resource-intensive workloads and are future-proofed for emerging technologies.
2. Reskill your workforce: MOAT’s global workforce planning equips employees with the skills needed to manage and work with AI applications efficiently.  
3. Collaborate with experts: MOAT’s center of excellence (CoE) Partnership offers unparalleled access to subject matter experts, advanced labs and industry-leading practices.
4. Launch pilot programs: MOAT’s rapid AI design (RAID) enables agencies to test AI solutions in controlled environments before scaling.

Preparing your state and local government to integrate AI applications can be daunting and requires a lot of planning and development. CDW Government understands the challenges and the needs of state and local agencies, and our experts can help you develop a strategy for a seamless implementation of AI applications.