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

AI is rapidly becoming essential in local government

Generative AI can support policy writing, budgeting, and internal communication

Fear of job loss is common, but often overstated—AI is a tool, not a replacement

Effective AI implementation requires trust, training, and strong leadership

Procurement presents significant risks—governance matters

Existing data and ethics policies may already cover AI use

Strategic alignment is more important than chasing tech trends

AAME is helping city managers stay ahead of innovation

Practical use cases are emerging across departments—from finance to public outreach

🧠 Featured Topics

Real-world use of generative AI by local governments

Organizational change management and culture-building around AI

Balancing automation with the human touch in service delivery

The role of professional associations in preparing civic leaders

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

🧠 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

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

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