New York, NY launches MyCity portal to unify access to services and benefits for residents
New York City launched MyCity (mycity.nyc.gov), a centralized digital portal that lets residents search, apply for, and track city services and benefits across multiple agencies. The initial phase focuses on childcare subsidies, enabling users to check eligibility, apply, and track services in 10 languages. Future phases will add job-seeking and small business support. The platform aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve information-sharing across agencies.
New York, NY
United States
Chattanooga, TN develops AI chatbot to help residents navigate city codes
Chattanooga is developing an AI chatbot to help residents understand and navigate city codes by answering questions and locating relevant sections. The city formed an internal working group to pilot and test AI applications before any public release, prioritizing responsible deployment. The chatbot is currently in an experimental internal phase, with plans to make it available to residents once fully validated.
Chattanooga, TN
United States
Raleigh, NC builds citywide AI strategy through cross-department pilots and employee training
Raleigh is taking a 'crawl, walk, run' approach to AI, running low-risk internal pilots before broader deployment. The city launched an internal AI chatbot in October 2025 to help staff navigate HR and IT systems, piloted an agentic help desk, and began testing AI for traffic analysis and waste optimization. Employees are trained in prompt engineering, data privacy, and AI limitations.
Raleigh, NC
United States
New York, NY embeds tech teams in city agencies to accelerate digital services
New York City has launched the Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crew programme, embedding teams of product managers, designers, engineers, and user researchers directly into city agencies to build digital public services faster. Five crews will compress project timelines from years to months, starting with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's Click to Cancel subscription enforcement portal. One crew is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation through the Mayor's Fund.
New York, NY
United States
San Jose, CA upskills over 1,000 city staff to build their own AI tools
San Jose developed a 10-week AI training programme in partnership with San Jose State University that has equipped over 1,000 municipal employees with skills to create their own AI-powered tools. Employees across IT, Transportation, and Fire departments have built practical AI assistants that streamline workflows, reduce processing time, and improve service delivery. The programme represents a deliberate shift toward building internal AI capacity rather than relying solely on external vendors.
San Jose, CA
United States
New York, NY maps resident language diversity to improve service delivery
New York City has unveiled NYC Language Explorer, an interactive mapping tool developed by the Department of City Planning to help agencies understand language diversity across neighbourhoods. The tool uses US Census data revealing that approximately 1.8 million New Yorkers have limited English proficiency, with Spanish the most common language in most boroughs. It enables evidence-based planning for service delivery and community outreach.
New York, NY
United States
Newcastle upon Tyne City Council, GB launches unified public Wi-Fi network
Newcastle City Council recently launched a unified public Wi-Fi network called ConneX, providing seamless connectivity across the city center and council buildings to replace fragmented hotspots. The initiative, delivered in partnership with Purple—which supplied £120,000 in free hardware and licenses—and funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up program, enables secure roaming and single-login access without repeated passwords.
Newcastle upon Tyne City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Kortrijk (Courtrai), VWV implements Virtual Assistant platform to enhance citizen access
The municipal government of Kortrijkhas implemented a multilingual Virtual Assistant platform to enhance citizen access to local services. Integrated with content management systems like WordPress and Drupal, the platform allows seamless interaction in multiple languages, catering to the town's diverse population. This technology streamlines administrative processes by providing instant responses to common queries and guiding users through services.
Kortrijk (Courtrai), VWV
Belgium
Philadelphia, PA creates BenePhilly to streamline benefits application process for residents
Philadelphia's city government launched BenePhilly, a data-driven program that evolved from a phone-based service for low-income seniors to a comprehensive anti-poverty initiative. By leveraging open-source technology and data-sharing agreements with state and city agencies, BenePhilly assesses eligibility for 19 different services and benefits, enabling eligible residents to enroll in as little as 30 minutes.
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Pekin, IL introduces new app to enhance resident communication
The town of Pekin, Illinois, is launching a new mobile app to improve communication between residents and the local government. The app allows residents to report issues, access city services, and receive real-time updates on local events and emergencies. This technology aims to streamline interactions, increase transparency, and make it easier for residents to engage with town officials, addressing common challenges like service requests and information access.
Pekin, IL
United States
Arroyo Grande, CA implementing cloud-based online permitting portal
Arroyo Grande is implementing a new cloud-based online permitting portal in collaboration with OpenGov to streamline its development approval process. The system enables residents and businesses to submit applications, track progress, and communicate with city staff digitally, aiming to reduce approval times by approximately 25%. The portal is scheduled to launch in summer 2025, with training sessions planned to ensure a smooth transition for staff and the community.
Arroyo Grande, CA
United States
Bologna, EMI building digital twin to address complex social challenges
Bologna is developing a local digital twin, aiming to create a sustainable, just, and fair urban environment by addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. The digital twin, a virtual model integrating physical and social data, supports decision-making in areas like mobility, housing, and climate change, with a goal of achieving a comprehensive model by 2026.
Bologna, EMI
Italy