Seattle announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into issuing residential and small business permits within the city, leveraging new technology to avoid traditional bottlenecks.
According to the report, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has signed an executive order directing all applications to be reviewed and processed using AI. Signature creates an AI pilot program and a license and customer trust (PACT) team to lead the issuance of AI-powered permits.
Seattle is working with Chicago-based CivCheck, an AI-based startup with a streak with regulators across 10 Chicago jurisdictions.
Harrell notes that the initiative is consistent with responsible artificial intelligence policies and leads to changes in the application process for residential and small businesses. PACT reduces housing review cycles by up to 50%, reduces waiting times, and saves costs for individuals and small businesses.
The team also improves the permitting process by finding and clarifying complex regulations for those seeking accommodation. Additionally, the AI-based platform pre-screens the application and helps applicants achieve compliance before formal review.
An AI-based prescreening system allows applicants to submit compliant documents that expand the review process, and to eliminate traditional front and rear with regulators.
“The way that works is that applicants have the ability to join CivCheck, upload plans and essentially work with AI to improve the quality of their permit documents,” said Dheekshita Kumar, co-founder and CEO of CivCheck.
Several US and city governments use AI systems to streamline the permitting process. Honolulu, Austin and Los Angeles have previously adopted AI systems for permits with impressive results, setting the stage for more U.S. cities to pivot into solutions that leverage emerging technologies.
Public Service Skyrocket AI Utility
Governments around the world embrace AI in public sector use cases for efficiency, transparency and productivity. Systems equipped with AI have appeared in public schools and hospitals in the US and North America.
In the Asia-Pacific region, South Korea is expanding its AI investment and consolidating its public services and key sectors of its economy. Despite the enthusiastic push for adoption, the government has adopted a cautious attitude to protect its citizens from the risks of essential AI.
UNESCO launches a new alliance to improve public sector AI utilities
While the private sector led the AI race, UNESCO has launched a new alliance to help government agencies catch up with businesses.
According to a press release, UNESCO has worked with groups of over 50 institutions involved in training civil servants to launch the AI Alliance. Called the School of Administration and Stakeholders for research and knowledge of AI (Spaark-Ai Alliance), the new alliance will improve the status of the public sector adoption of emerging technologies.
Presented during the high-level meeting, Alliance members will take part in a dedicated workshop raft designed to explore ideal strategies for embedding AI into local institutional frameworks.
The Spaark-Ai Alliance has four key areas, with AI training resources at the top of the list. Additionally, Alliance members pursue a dynamic knowledge hub for establishing a competency framework and cross-pollination of ideas.
Finally, the Spaark-AI Alliance supports the creation of a global network while streamlining collaborative research and expert exchanges between members. At the heart of the mission is its consistency with the leading international AI frameworks to ensure the safe deployment of AI in public services.
“The Spark-A Alliance represents an important step in creating a comprehensive governance system that will strengthen democratic institutions by artificial intelligence,” said Guillermelme Canela, director of UNESCO.
The alliance will help the public sector face a variety of challenges that will affect AI integration, according to the statement. This training will help establish appropriate data management practices and reduce the fear of AI alternatives while focusing on local characteristics.
UNESCO is expanding its winning streak establishing an international AI governance framework. The UN agency has previously partnered with the Netherlands to develop ethical AI governance standards, recording a surge in AI governance consultations.
Public sector AI utilities record steady growth
Countries around the world are considering AI. Nigeria and the US partnered to explore public utilities, while Canada announced an AI strategy for public sector adoption.
Japanese authorities are investing in research and development for responsible adoption of AI across key sectors of the economy. Global lawmakers are in a hurry to pass laws to help pivot to AI, but the government is increasing the budget for AI integration to match private sector enthusiasm.
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Watch: Shows the possibility of blockchain integration with AI
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