New York City has published its first annual progress report on the AI Action Plan launched in October 2023, showcasing significant strides in leveraging artificial intelligence responsibly across municipal operations. The report, released by the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), outlines advancements in transparency, governance, and public engagement as the city works to implement the 37 actions detailed in the original plan.
Out of the 37 actions proposed, 30 have either been initiated or completed. Major accomplishments include:
- Policy Foundations: The publication of two cornerstone documents—“AI Principles & Definitions” and “Generative AI Preliminary Use Guidance”—to create a unified framework for understanding and deploying AI across city agencies.
- Transparency Initiatives: Expansion of public access to data about AI tools in use by the city via platforms like NYC Open Data, designed to build trust and encourage civic engagement.
- Public Dialogue: A series of listening sessions with New Yorkers to address community concerns and gather input for future AI-related initiatives.
- Collaborative Structures: Formation of an AI Steering Committee comprising leaders from 16 city agencies and an Advisory Network of AI experts from academia, civic society, and industry.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration: Engagements with local, state, federal, and international entities to share best practices and challenges in AI governance.
These efforts aim to foster responsible AI use, safeguard public trust, and encourage innovation while maintaining ethical standards.
Despite notable progress, the report acknowledges hurdles, including resource constraints and the complexity of aligning AI adoption with city priorities. A notable adjustment to the plan was revising the timeline for creating a comprehensive directory of procured AI tools. Originally slated for completion within 12 months, the action has been rescheduled to allow for a more thorough assessment of procurement strategies.
The city plans to build on its momentum by:
- Completing all remaining actions in the plan’s timeline.
- Expanding educational and public engagement initiatives, including updates to existing AI guidance documents.
- Enhancing the accessibility and usability of resources through platforms like nyc.gov/ai.
- Developing more robust internal systems to address emerging AI needs.
Additionally, OTI plans to update its Generative AI guidance, reflecting lessons learned over the past year and adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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