AI in Local Government - General Code

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a futuristic idea anymore. It’s a practical tool that’s already helping local governments across the country work smarter, faster and more efficiently. From answering routine questions to improving plan review and permitting, AI is quietly transforming everyday operations in city halls and municipal offices.

For local governments, AI offers a powerful opportunity to enhance public service, not replace it. With staff often stretched thin and community expectations rising, AI can help automate time-consuming tasks, improve data accuracy and free up valuable time for the human work that matters most: serving residents.

What AI Means for Local Government

In simple terms, AI refers to technology that can learn from data, recognize patterns and assist with decision-making. For municipalities, that can mean:

Automated assistants that guide residents to the right forms or permit requirements
Systems that analyze infrastructure data to predict maintenance needs
Tools that summarize long reports or ordinances in seconds
Smart platforms that check plans for potential compliance issues

The goal isn’t to hand over control — it’s to empower municipal professionals with better information, faster insights and consistent results.

How AI Is Already Making a Difference

Enhancing Resident Service. AI-powered chatbots are helping communities respond more quickly to questions about permits, waste collection, meetings or local laws. In Midland, Texas, for example, the city’s digital 311 tool and AI chat feature handle non-emergency service requests and resident inquiries with ease. These solutions operate around the clock, giving residents convenient access to information anytime, while freeing staff to focus on more complex, high-value work that benefits the entire community.

Streamlining Processes and Saving Time. Departments like planning and code enforcement manage vast amounts of data every day. AI can process that information in seconds, flagging missing documentation, highlighting potential issues, or directing staff to relevant code sections.

Some municipalities are even using vision-based AI to enhance field operations. In Stockton, California, for example, AI tools scan for signs of urban blight, allowing the city to identify violations proactively rather than relying solely on resident complaints. This approach expands enforcement coverage and responsiveness without increasing staffing.

By automating time-consuming tasks, AI helps municipalities complete in minutes what once took hours, boosting productivity while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

Supporting Smarter Decision-Making. AI can reveal patterns across service requests, inspections, or zoning changes, giving leaders better insight into trends and community needs. This data-driven perspective helps municipalities move from reactive to proactive, improving outcomes for residents and businesses alike.

Leading the Way with Practical Uses

The International Code Council (ICC) is advancing responsible, practical uses of AI to help local governments modernize essential services while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

AI Navigator in Digital Codes Premium

ICC’s AI Navigator, available through Digital Codes Premium, uses AI to help users quickly locate and understand relevant code sections. Instead of manually searching, users can type questions in plain language and receive accurate, context-based answers.

For municipal staff, that means less time hunting for the right section and more time applying their professional expertise. AI Navigator doesn’t replace human judgment; it strengthens it by providing faster, clearer access to trusted information.

AI Collaboration

Through its partnership with Archistar, ICC aims to modernize building permit processes through the use of AI with eCheck™, an AI-powered solution that reviews building plans for code compliance before submission. The system helps identify issues early, reducing resubmittals and speeding up the permit review process.

“By advancing digital permitting solutions, we’re both streamlining processes and helping communities meet the urgent demand for safe, accessible and affordable housing,” says International Code Council CEO John Belcik.

For local governments under pressure to deliver faster, more predictable permitting, tools like eCheck offer real value — improving efficiency while maintaining confidence in compliance and safety.

The Path Forward: Responsible and Transparent AI

AI’s potential in local government is enormous, but success depends on responsible implementation. That means careful vetting, transparency and maintaining human oversight at every step.

Municipalities can build trust and ensure effectiveness by:

Following frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework
Requiring vendor transparency about how tools work and what data they use
Keeping humans in the loop for all major decisions
Monitoring performance and accuracy over time

When used thoughtfully, AI can make local government more responsive, equitable and efficient — without losing the personal, human touch that defines great public service.

Looking Ahead: A Smarter, More Connected Future

AI is already helping local governments streamline operations, enhance transparency and deliver better service to residents. Tools such as chatbots, data analyzers and back-office task automation provide opportunities to expand engagement, increase efficiency and enhance decision-making through analyzed data.

With thoughtful adoption and strong safeguards, AI will continue to evolve as one of the most effective tools municipalities have, helping communities to grow, adapt and thrive in the years ahead.

Because when technology works hand in hand with human expertise, everyone benefits.