Generative AI Strategies
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), ranging from large language models to image generation, possesses a wide range of civic applications that can expand the capacity of planners and their organizations. Many local governments are exploring applications of generative AI in governance including applications such as ChatBots, plan evaluation, memo drafting, automation administrative tasks, synthesizing public feedback, and enhancing data analysis methods. These applications create new tools for practitioners to use to improve quality of work and speed of delivery for governments of all shapes and sizes. This session, hosted by the APA's Technology Division and Land of Sky Regional Council's COGWorks Program, focuses on how municipal planning departments can utilize language models and similar technologies to enhance staff capacity. This session will discuss the risks and benefits of this technology, emerging applications, and provide a brief tutorial on how to apply the technology in a planning context. While this technology cannot replace staff members, it is a tool that may enable practitioners, particularly in small rural municipalities, to better serve their communities.
