Cities turn to AI to speed housing permitting

Visor Urbano took the Mexican state of Jalisco's commercial permitting process online, allowing applicants to review local zoning requirements and upload their required documents rather than visiting government offices in person. The program was first launched in Guadalajara and is now used in municipalities throughout the state, with roughly 35,000 permits processed via Visor Urbano so far.

City websites have embraced technology, allowing residents to pay bills, request permits, and attend council or commission meetings online. The shift, which was accelerated by the pandemic, also made the websites crucial information hubs, informing residents about everything from tax increases to street closings. The shift increased efficiency, for example decreasing in-person visits to City Hall, reporting problems like potholes any time, and officials are fielding fewer calls because information is readily accessible. Conducting business online also led to greater transparency into city business.

Many entities are working with social media companies to flag election-related disinformation. The California Secretary of State emails voters about how to report false information so the state can flag it and the Arizona Secretary of State verifies official accounts with social media companies. In the private sector, the startup VineSite uses artificial intelligence to identify and flag false information and the nonprofit Mitre has an app used by 160 election officials to report social media disinformation. Officials have a good relationship with social media companies, but there is room for improvement.

Kyrgyzstan is using technology to tackle corruption and reduce costs. The country is centralizing and digitizing government services with help from Estonia. It is also using biometrics in elections to reduce the chances of rigged ballots and build public trust.

Governments around the world are exploring whether blockchain technologies can improve public administration. In theory, blockchain could improve accountability and trust in government. In practice, pilot projects are hitting roadblocks and may take more time to implement and scale than some might hope.

Reduce corruption by making public data accessible and transparent. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, information about public works projects is available online, so excess spending is hard to hide. Meanwhile in Brazil, an observatory analyzes government expenditures and investigates suspicious transactions. Credit card expenditure fell by 25 percent after the data was published.

Wrongly assessing risks for children in potentially abusive or dangerous homes has dire consequences, but a new predictive analytics system is assisting screeners to help those who need it most.

ReadyReturn is the only program in the United States that provides taxpayers with completed tax returns. It’s simple, easy, and has a 99% user satisfaction rate. Who’s not happy? Intuit, H&R Block, and other tax preparers who have fought the California program every step of the way.

Kaua'i County Housing Agency uses a community engagement model for its master-planned affordable housing developments, involving community advisory committees, multiple public meetings, surveys, and online tools that allow residents to shape key housing and community decisions. The agency has applied this model for over a decade, with great results, including Lima Ola, a 550-unit workforce housing community.

The Aloha i ke Kai Ocean Stewardship User Fee ($1 per ocean activity per person) was passed by legislators in 2021 to create dedicated resources for marine–focused projects with support from the state’s Division of Aquatic Resources. While still in its early stages, the program raised $2 million, with 55% to 60% compliance in its first year.