Using AI to help local governments connect with constituents - blog.google

Using AI to help local governments connect with constituents

A year ago, Jigsaw, a tech incubator within Google, launched Sensemaking AI: a suite of open-source tools designed to help public leaders deliver on policies and programs that reflect the needs of their communities.

Today, as part of Google.org’s commitment to help governments use AI to improve public services, we’re supporting the new Jigsaw Partner Program with a collaborative fund to help more policymakers benefit from AI-powered civic conversations — and calling on local government leaders around the world to join us.

Through the new Jigsaw Partner Program, localities can use AI to run fast, large-scale civic conversations at no operational cost, surfacing insights about community needs that can help shape essential services. Cities are already seeing results: in Bowling Green, Kentucky, input from 8,000 residents informed a 25-year growth plan, with similar initiatives underway in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Riverside, California, Kitchener, Ontario, and more. Civic leaders have shared that Sensemaking AI helps them hear from everyone to make more informed policy decisions.

Google.org is joining forces with leading philanthropic institutions, including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, who will support efforts to further expand the potential of these tools in municipal contexts.

Civic leaders can’t govern effectively in the dark, and constituents shouldn't have to shout to have their voices heard. We invite governors, mayors, and local officials globally to express interest in using Sensemaking AI through the Jigsaw Partners Program. Together, we are building a future where hearing from every voice isn't just an aspiration, but the baseline for effective leadership.