AI is a key priority for local government leaders, but they must balance opportunities and risk. AI governance and data readiness can help, as can learning from other cities in collaborative arenas.
NLC’s new forum is designed to convene mayors, CIOs and local gov tech practitioners and innovators to explore how AI can improve service delivery, governance and internal capacity. Their first gathering was virtual, in March; an in-person meeting is planned for the 2026 NLC City Summit in November.
The 2026 AI Forum members are listed online and include Seattle, Wash.’s Chief Privacy Officer Ginger Armbruster; Elena Bolbolian, chief innovation officer for Glendale, Calif.; and Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum. Tyler Technologies is listed as the AI Forum Sponsor.
“As the initiative continues to grow, we anticipate additional participants and will update the page accordingly,” Julia Merlo, NLC program specialist for marketing and communications, said in an email.
The forum is designed to provide participants with practical resources, tools and guidance, and discussions focused on real-world applications, as well as to support peer learning and the piloting of new tools.
It is intended to build on the momentum of NLC’s 2024 AI Advisory Committee, which comprised local elected officials and municipal staff. That group provided input for the creation of an AI toolkit for cities the same year.
