As seen as a feature article in the May Issue of APWA Reporter Magazine
Whether you are interested in technology or not, you’re probably aware of artificial intelligence (AI). I call AI the Taylor Swift of technologies, as not a day goes by that I do not run across some mention of Taylor Swift or AI. Having been in the technology industry for over 30 years, I can say that AI will be one of the most impactful technologies in my lifetime, up there with the internet.
In response to the surge of interest in AI, in late 2024, APWA decided to deliver an event dedicated to AI for the public works community. The new APWA Technology Committee was responsible for the content. As a member of the Technology Committee, and someone who is aware of the value of AI to public works, I was excited to be a part of this new event. To schedule the AI Summit as quickly as possible, it was decided that it would be virtual. The summit goals were to:
- Demystify AI for public works professionals and explore the current state and future of AI in the public works space.
- Prepare public works professionals for conversations around policy, staffing, and ethical considerations regarding AI.
- Provide an opportunity for public works professionals to share experiences and knowledge about the current use of AI and thoughts on future innovation in the fields.
The APWA AI Summit took place on January 29 and 30, and consisted of four sessions, plus a series of breakout rooms to provide question and answer time dedicated to each session’s topics. Below is a summary of the event.
Defining AI and its Categories
Before successfully addressing AI-related challenges, it is crucial to define it clearly. At the AI Summit’s opening, the discussion centered on distinguishing between generative and non-generative AI. Notably, public works has leveraged non-generative machine learning technologies for over 15 years. Special attention was given to the integration of GIS with AI, known as GeoAI, as it has been in use for many years in public works to detect objects and patterns, and develop predictions. The overwhelming participant engagement underscored the relevance of AI in public works, reinforcing the need for relatable resources and continued education.
Ethical and Legal Considerations in AI Implementation
A major component of the summit explored ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI in public works. Key risks include data breaches, algorithmic bias, environmental impacts, and overreliance on AI for decision-making. The discussion emphasized the necessity of transparency, human oversight, and accountability to mitigate these risks while balancing AI’s benefits with public safety and trust. Ownership dilemmas, cybersecurity concerns, and the importance of ongoing education were also addressed to ensure responsible AI use in public infrastructure.
Educational Needs for AI in Public Works
A critical discussion topic was the essential educational requirements for ethical AI implementation in public works. A multi-tiered training approach was recommended, targeting IT executives, public works professionals, and key stakeholders. The need for comprehensive education was underscored by the statistic that 38 percent of executives feel unprepared to implement AI safely. Foundational ethics training and role-specific workshops were identified as crucial components of effective AI adoption.
Applications of AI in Public Works
The summit showcased how AI is already making a significant impact in public works agencies, particularly in smaller communities managing vast infrastructure with limited resources. Specific applications included asset management, pavement condition assessment, and fleet management. AI tools are addressing resource constraints and talent retention challenges, making them invaluable for long-term sustainability.
City of Phoenix, Arizona AI Policy and Implementation
The City of Phoenix Public Works Department’s AI usage was highlighted, focusing on its AI policy and addressing concerns about bias in AI applications. The presentation provided insights into the city’s structured approach to AI governance, ensuring responsible and ethical AI use.
AI Transforming Pavement Condition Assessment
AI has revolutionized pavement condition assessments by improving inspection efficiency, accuracy, and data consistency. The session shared firsthand experiences of AI implementation, demonstrating its ability to detect pavement distress reliably, reduce manual effort, and enhance asset management decisions. Recommendations included selecting appropriate models, ensuring high-quality data, and overcoming implementation challenges.
Real-world AI Applications in Public Works
A presentation featured AI implementations in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. The Ground Cast Pavement Sensor Pilot Project saved $160,000 in winter maintenance costs by providing a localized 72-hour pavement temperature forecast. Other AI applications included an incident management predictive model for interstate crashes and roadway inventory analysis for annual paving programs. Sharing lessons learned and best practices allowed attendees to explore new AI opportunities for their communities.
AI in Waste Management
One pressing challenge in waste management is overflowing bins, which result in excess landfill fees and operational inefficiencies. AI-driven computer vision technology can detect overflowing bins using truck cameras, identify customer details, and notify them with picture evidence, facilitating policy enforcement and operational efficiency. Implementing such AI solutions can significantly reduce excess landfill fees and streamline waste collection operations.
Summit Takeaways and Future Directions
The AI Summit successfully provided public works professionals with a foundational understanding of AI, highlighting its current impact on the sector. Discussions on ethical challenges, training biases, and cybersecurity concerns equipped participants with practical mitigation strategies. The high level of engagement and enthusiasm from attendees demonstrated the industry’s readiness to embrace AI solutions while seeking guidance on implementation. The virtual platform allowed for broader participation, though in-person engagement was preferred by some. Future summits will build on this foundation, incorporating more advanced discussions and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
The event confirmed that public works professionals recognize both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI adoption. As AI continues to evolve, ongoing education, policy development, and collaborative discussions will be key to ensuring its ethical and effective implementation in public works. APWA would like to thank all those who were involved in the AI Summit and who contributed to its success, including APWA staff, moderator, speakers, panelists, and attendees. Be on the lookout for more APWA AI resources.
