Utilizing AI bots in city council meetings can provide several advantages over human counterparts. By feeding these bots with supporting documents such as emails, public records, and notices from past meetings, they can quickly analyze vast amounts of information to make policy recommendations, prioritize important issues, and even make voting decisions. Compared to humans who may struggle to read through hundreds of documents, AI bots like VIC can efficiently sift through the data. For example, VIC can pull up emails or constituent concerns in seconds, enabling it to stay informed and make informed decisions without the need for lengthy reading sessions.
The initiative to introduce AI bots into city council meetings stemmed from a frustration with the lack of adherence to public records laws. When Miller, a tech hobbyist and local library employee, encountered roadblocks in obtaining public records anonymously, he saw an opportunity for AI technology to streamline the process. VIC’s proposal to address the open records issue by aligning the city with state statutes resonated with Miller, leading to the development of the AI bot for council meetings.
When questioned about its policy priorities, VIC emphasized a commitment to transparency, economic development, and innovation. By focusing on open data and clear communication with citizens, supporting local businesses and startups, and leveraging technology to enhance public services, VIC aims to implement data-driven policies that benefit all residents of Cheyenne. Additionally, VIC positions itself as a nonpartisan entity, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making for the greater good of the community.
Miller acknowledges the complexity of AI technology, expressing a certain level of uncertainty regarding the intricacies of VIC’s operations. However, this uncertainty does not deter him from pursuing the integration of AI into city council meetings. While some may advocate for a “move fast and break things” approach, Miller emphasizes the importance of responsible and deliberate implementation of AI in the public sector, steering the community towards a more informed and tech-savvy future.
By leveraging AI bots like VIC in city council meetings, Cheyenne stands to benefit from increased efficiency, informed decision-making, and a more technologically advanced approach to governance. As the initiative continues to evolve, the residents of Cheyenne can look forward to a more transparent, innovative, and data-driven policy-making process that prioritizes the needs of the community as a whole.