AI Readiness Assessment
We evaluate four dimensions to understand where your municipality stands and tailor your AI governance policy accordingly.
Why Readiness Matters
A one-size-fits-all policy does not work. A city with 5,000 residents exploring its first AI tool needs a fundamentally different governance framework than a metro area with 200,000+ residents scaling AI across 15 departments. Our assessment captures these differences so your policy is practical, not aspirational.
Current AI Usage
We assess the extent to which your municipality is already using AI — formally or informally — across departments.
What We Evaluate
- Number and type of AI tools currently deployed
- Departments actively using AI-powered software
- Informal or "shadow" AI usage by staff (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot)
- Existing vendor contracts that include AI components
- Previous AI-related projects, pilots, or evaluations
Why it matters: Municipalities that already use AI need governance that accounts for existing systems. Those just starting need a framework that enables responsible experimentation without overregulation.
Maturity Levels
Exploring
No formal AI usage yet, but interest exists
Piloting
One or two departments are testing AI tools
Adopting
Multiple departments actively use AI
Scaling
AI is embedded in core operations
Technical Capacity
We evaluate your IT infrastructure, staffing, and ability to support AI systems securely and effectively.
What We Evaluate
- IT department size and technical expertise
- Cloud infrastructure and data management practices
- Cybersecurity posture and compliance history
- Data quality and availability for AI applications
- Integration capability with existing municipal systems
Why it matters: Technical capacity determines what AI systems you can realistically support. A policy that recommends tools your IT team cannot maintain is not useful.
Maturity Levels
Basic
Limited IT staff, primarily outsourced
Developing
Small internal IT team, some cloud adoption
Capable
Established IT, modern infrastructure, data-literate
Advanced
Dedicated innovation team, robust cloud and security
Budget Availability
We understand your fiscal constraints and help right-size recommendations to what you can actually fund.
What We Evaluate
- Current technology budget allocation
- Availability of discretionary or innovation funds
- Grant eligibility for AI and technology initiatives
- Cost tolerance for new software subscriptions and services
- Budget cycle timing and procurement constraints
Why it matters: An ambitious AI policy without budget backing will sit on a shelf. We tailor recommendations to your fiscal reality, including free and low-cost options where appropriate.
Maturity Levels
Constrained
Minimal discretionary budget for technology
Moderate
Some funds available for approved initiatives
Allocated
Budget line item for technology innovation
Funded
Dedicated AI or innovation budget with multi-year commitment
Leadership Support
We gauge the level of executive and political support for AI governance, which directly impacts adoption speed and sustainability.
What We Evaluate
- City manager or executive interest in AI governance
- Council or board awareness and sentiment toward AI
- Presence of a technology champion among leadership
- History of technology-forward policy decisions
- Community or media pressure around AI topics
Why it matters: Policies without leadership backing stall. Knowing where your leadership stands helps us frame recommendations in a way that gets approved — not tabled.
Maturity Levels
Unaware
Leadership has not discussed AI governance
Interested
Some leaders are curious, no formal direction
Supportive
Leadership has directed staff to explore AI policy
Championing
Active executive or elected champion driving AI governance
Take the Assessment
Our questionnaire takes about 10 minutes and covers all four dimensions. Your answers directly shape the policy we generate for you.
Start QuestionnaireFree for municipalities. No credit card required.