Breakthroughs in AI are creating powerful opportunities for cities to enhance economic competitiveness, improve social outcomes, and modernize citizen services. But realizing this potential requires urban leaders to overcome critical challenges related to governance, data, skills, and public trust. To help cities succeed in the AI era, ThoughtLab is launching Building an People-First, AI Powered City—a comprehensive, evidence-based research program designed to equip city decision makers with a clear and actionable roadmap for creating a human-centered, AI-powered city.

Developed in partnership with a global coalition of public-sector leaders—including Dell Technologies, FedEx, FTI Consulting, General Motors, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Wireside Communications—the research draws on AI benchmarking data from 200 cities and a curated repository of hundreds of municipal AI plans and policy documents. Supported by an advisory board of city officials, academics, and AI experts, the initiative will provide city leaders with a free AI playbook and decision-support platform that will give them practical insights into using AI responsibly to transform how their cities operate, grow, and deliver value to citizens.