The National League of Cities (NLC) has launched an AI and Emerging Technology Forum aimed at enhancing local governments’ understanding, evaluation, and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. This initiative, which addresses a key priority for local government leaders, seeks to balance the myriad opportunities offered by AI with the risks it presents. Effective AI governance and data readiness are critical components of this effort, alongside collaborative learning from other municipal experiences.
The first gathering of the NLC’s AI and Emerging Technology Forum took place virtually in March. An in-person meeting is scheduled for November 2026 during the NLC City Summit, where mayors, chief information officers, and local government technology practitioners will convene to discuss how AI can enhance service delivery, governance, and internal capacity.
Among the inaugural members of the forum are notable figures such as Ginger Armbruster, Chief Privacy Officer of Seattle, Elena Bolbolian, Chief Innovation Officer for Glendale, California, and Martha Castex-Tatum, Mayor Pro Tem of Houston. The forum is sponsored by Tyler Technologies, a firm specializing in software and technology solutions for the public sector.
Julia Merlo, a program specialist for marketing and communications at NLC, indicated that as the initiative expands, more participants will be added to the forum. “As the initiative continues to grow, we anticipate additional participants and will update the page accordingly,” she stated in an email.
The aim of the forum is to equip participants with practical resources, tools, and guidance to navigate the complexities of AI deployment in local governance. Discussions will focus on real-world applications of AI, fostering peer learning, and piloting new technological tools. This initiative builds upon the momentum created by NLC’s 2024 AI Advisory Committee, which included local elected officials and municipal staff who contributed to the development of an AI toolkit for cities.
As local governments increasingly explore the integration of AI into various facets of their operations, the establishment of this forum reflects a growing recognition of the technology’s potential to transform public services. However, leaders must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and data management challenges posed by AI systems. The collective effort of participating municipalities will not only enhance their individual experiences but also contribute to a broader understanding of how AI can be effectively governed at the local level.
The collaboration among cities through the NLC forum could serve as a model for other jurisdictions considering similar initiatives. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the knowledge and insights shared in this forum could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local governance. The outcomes of these discussions and collaborations may set a precedent for how AI technologies are adopted and regulated in the public sector, influencing policies that could benefit citizens nationwide.
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