Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed that California is embarking on AI-driven initiatives to tackle traffic congestion and enhance road safety.
The backstory: Back in 2023, Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to leverage AI to accelerate government operations.
The big picture: The governor announced that the state has established three new agreements to deploy AI for reducing highway congestion, enhancing roadway safety, and improving customer service in a state call center.
- Unlike certain federal initiatives that result in layoffs, Newsom emphasized that his plan to integrate AI is not meant to reduce the number of state workers, but rather to equip them with tools to enhance their efficiency.
- Newsom highlighted that the implementation of AI solutions is a collaborative effort with state employees, aiming to make their work more productive and provide more options and input for customers and users.
What we’re watching: The AI-driven projects are expected to streamline operations at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices and address traffic bottlenecks by utilizing generative AI tools to identify issues and develop tailored solutions for traffic congestion points.
- In addition to traffic-related efforts, AI will also be employed to expedite the process of handling complex inquiries within California tax offices, ultimately improving customer service and response times.
