Google.org, USDR to aid state, local governments on generative AI

With support from Google.org, the civic tech nonprofit U.S. Digital Response announced Thursday it will kick off this spring a new initiative to assist state and local governments develop their uses of generative artificial intelligence.

Google.org, the tech giant’s charitable arm, will provide the group $1 million in funding and pro bono technical support via the Google.org Fellowship Program, according to the announcement. The U.S. Digital Response said it plans to hire a generative AI technologist-in-residence who will set the overall direction of the program and define how USDR will help governments make the best use of the technology.

Google.org will send the USDR a group of fellows this spring for a term of six months, the announcement said, and the fellows will be matched with government partners to provide support for generative AI projects tailored to the needs of their communities.

The development a generative AI-powered unemployment insurance tool prototype will serve as another part of the civic tech group’s new focus on AI, the announcement said. The tool provides plain-language translation support for workers with limited English proficiency. Spanish speakers and government agencies provided input for the tool’s initial development, the announcement continued.

“Like any technology, AI is just a tool – it won’t magically solve complex problems. But when used thoughtfully and transparently, AI can unlock new ways to improve service delivery, especially for communities at the margins. We’re creating a safe space for governments to test out their hypotheses and get started on their journey,” Hillary Hartley, USDR’s chief executive, said in the announcement.

“Through our support of  U.S. Digital Response we can help them offer the guidance and capacity for governments nationwide to leverage this opportunity. We cannot wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Jen Carter, the global head of technology at Google.org, added in the announcement.

Corrected Feb. 26, 2024: This story was updated to show that Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm, is involved in the program.