California governor challenges AI developers to find answers for homelessness
As states explore ways to incorporate generative artificial intelligence tools into government operations, California state officials have turned their attention to the homelessness crisis and how generative artificial intelligence might aid connectivity to treatment centers and real-time housing development data, while improving the efficacy of spending.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom this announced the state will invite AI developers to present products to help address California’s homelessness crisis and housing shortage this month.
Thirty-two of the world’s top 50 generative AI companies are in California, and a quarter of the emerging technology’s patents and conference papers come from California, according to the state’s press materials.
According to the a 2023 report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which requires a count of nation’s homeless population every other year and compiles the data into an annual report, California had 181,399 homeless people, about 28% of the nation’s homeless population.
“As the birthplace of the tech industry and the fifth largest economy in the world, California isn’t afraid of progress. We’ll deploy every tool to address some of the most vexing issues of our time, including the housing and homelessness crisis,” Newsom said in a press release. “California has the technology and the innovative spirit — let’s put them to use for the public good.”
According to the announcement, state officials aim to provide local jurisdictions with a generative AI tool that can provide real-time availability of treatment facilities and shelter beds and aid budget analysts to produce with faster and more efficient policy analyses across California’s social programs.
State officials plan to select developers to present their tools’ capabilities in 15 minute presentations, followed by a 10-minute question and answer sessions, in Sacramento on Sept. 26.
