Unlocking the Power of AI in Local Government with Micah Gaudet | Ep.5

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

📚 Resources & Links

🧠 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

🎧

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.