Artificial Intelligence is no longer a far-off concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming how local government works.
In this episode, Chris Mann sits down with Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager of Maricopa, Arizona, for a practical, insightful discussion on the role of AI in the public sector. What started as a fun experiment generating dad jokes led Micah to champion AI as a transformational tool in budgeting, policy-making, internal communication, and more.
Together, they explore how city leaders can leverage AI for efficiency while addressing real concerns about job displacement, procurement risks, data governance, and human-centered service delivery. Micah also shares how organizations like AAME are stepping up to equip public administrators for this tech-driven future.
Whether you’re curious about AI’s capabilities, actively using tools like ChatGPT, or figuring out how to train your team—this conversation will leave you with ideas, resources, and a clear understanding of the leadership required to bring AI into local government effectively.
🎯 Key Takeaways
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AI is rapidly becoming essential in local government
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Generative AI can support policy writing, budgeting, and internal communication
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Fear of job loss is common, but often overstated—AI is a tool, not a replacement
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Effective AI implementation requires trust, training, and strong leadership
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Procurement presents significant risks—governance matters
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Existing data and ethics policies may already cover AI use
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Strategic alignment is more important than chasing tech trends
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AAME is helping city managers stay ahead of innovation
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Practical use cases are emerging across departments—from finance to public outreach
🧠 Featured Topics
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Real-world use of generative AI by local governments
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Organizational change management and culture-building around AI
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Balancing automation with the human touch in service delivery
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The role of professional associations in preparing civic leaders
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Why AI literacy is becoming a core leadership skill for the public sector
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to AI in Local Government
05:07 – Micah’s Journey into AI
09:54 – Understanding AI and Generative AI
14:58 – Applications of AI in Local Government
20:04 – The Future of Jobs in Local Government
25:03 – Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption
29:57 – Exploring AI Tools and Their Functions
35:47 – Understanding AI Policies and Risks
42:08 – The Role of AAME in Supporting City Managers
47:58 – Practical Applications of AI in Local Government
53:51 – Navigating Challenges in Local Government Leadership
📚 Resources & Links
🧠 CivicInnovation.ai
📘 Purchase 1001 Prompts for Unlocking Generative AI in Local Government
🎥 Micah’s AI YouTube Series
🎧 Micah on City Manager Unfiltered with Joe Turner
🎧 Micah on the Local Government Insights Podcast
🔗 Connect with Micah on LinkedIn
📢 Stay Connected with Gov360
🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.
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