In brief: Oakland invites AI experts' ideas to improve public services

"The city of Oakland has published a request for information inviting artificial intelligence companies and researchers to submit ideas to help improve public services with AI. This initiative is designed to experiment with AI tools and technologies on specific city-identified challenges across the entire organization. We've identified real opportunities where AI can help make it easier for Oaklanders to access city services, said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. This request for information invites innovative partners to pilot these solutions with us."

"The city's AI Working Group (AIWG), established in 2024, has been the driving force behind the city's responsible AI journey. Over the past year, this cross-departmental team has developed a comprehensive AI Equity Statement to guide all AI initiatives. Separately, the AIWG has started using Microsoft Copilot 365 as a personal assistant for staff and studying its impacts through a graduate research project funded by Northeastern University Oakland (Mills College)."

"This request for information marks a major milestone for the AIWG, expanding its efforts from foundational policy and data protection work to a citywide call for innovative AI solutions. Alongside these efforts, the AIWG is testing a robust data governance program and data classification policy that automatically blocks sensitive data from being accessed by AI tools and systems. This approach to AI deployment means that every pilot project note just based on security and privacy but rooted in equity."

The city of Oakland published a request for information inviting artificial intelligence companies and researchers to submit ideas to improve public services. The initiative aims to experiment with AI tools and technologies on specific city-identified challenges across departments. Oakland leadership identified opportunities for AI to make it easier for residents to access city services and invited innovative partners to pilot solutions. A deliberate deployment approach emphasizes appropriate guardrails, equitable service, and strengthened capacity to serve residents. The AI Working Group, established in 2024, developed an AI Equity Statement, piloted Microsoft Copilot 365 for staff with graduate research evaluation, and is testing data governance and classification to block sensitive data.

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