How Small Local Governments Can Use AI to Think Bigger
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a basic tool for getting things done, and small local governments that start using it now will be better prepared to serve their communities tomorrow. You don’t need to be a tech expert or overhaul your operations to benefit. A few simple AI tools can help your team save time, get more organized, and communicate more clearly with the public.
You don’t need to hire a data scientist or buy expensive software to start thinking bigger with AI. Here are some real, easy-to-use AI tools your local government can start using today.
Why AI Isn’t Just for Big Cities Anymore
Smaller governments often wear more hats with fewer hands. Whether it’s posting agendas, replying to resident emails, or digging through ordinance archives, every hour matters.
AI tools can help:
Draft emails or web content
Translate info for non-English speakers
Automate repetitive tasks
Answer common public questions
Make your team more efficient (without adding staff)
Best of all, many AI tools are free, simple, and ready to use today.
5 Free and Easy AI Tools You Can Start Using Now
1. ChatGPT (chat.openai.com)
Use it to:
Draft council meeting documents
Write social media posts or emails
Summarize long documents
Reword legal language into plain English
Example prompt: “Write a Facebook post inviting residents to the next planning and zoning meeting on August 12.”
2. Google Docs + AI Writing Suggestions (google.com/smart-compose)
If you use Gmail or Google Drive, you’re already using AI. Google's Smart Compose helps complete sentences, fix grammar, and keep your tone professional when writing reports or notices.
Example prompt: “Using a professional and conversational tone, write an email to the City of Northanger residents explaining the new recycling rules.”
3. Canva’s AI Tools (canva.com)
Canva’s Magic Write tool can help generate newsletter blurbs, headlines, or short announcements. Their AI image tools can also suggest visual designs for flyers or event posts.
Example prompt: “Create a flyer for our upcoming community 5k event.”
4. DeepL Translator (deepl.com)
Need to communicate with residents in Spanish or other languages? DeepL uses AI to create more natural translations than Google Translate, helping you reach more people.
5. Otter.ai (otter.ai)
Otter can transcribe recorded meetings and conversations into searchable text. Use it to create draft minutes or summaries of committee discussions.
Meet Munibit’s AI Document Search
Beyond helpful free tools, there’s an AI tool designed specifically for small local governments thats included with every Munibit website, AI-Powered Document Search. This AI tool allows residents and staff to ask questions and instantly search through thousands of PDFs for the answer, like:
Council minutes
Meeting agendas
Local ordinances
Public records
Permits and policies
Instead of opening every file or guessing which document has the answer, users can simply ask a question and get a direct result without contacting staff. This means:
Faster responses for residents
Fewer emails and calls for staff
Searchable access to years of archives
Built-in compliance and transparency
Learn more about how Munibit helps small local governments serve smarter →
A Real Example
Let’s say a resident wants to know when the last speed limit ordinance was passed.
In a traditional system, they’d call or email town staff. Someone would search folders, read minutes, or forward the request.
With Munibit’s AI document search, the resident can simple type: “When was the last speed limit ordinance adopted?”And the system finds and displays the answer instantly, saving time for everyone.
TL;DR: How Small Local Governments Can Use AI to Think Bigger
You don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI. Free tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Otter can help with content, communication, and transcription right away.
And with Munibit’s built-in AI document search, small governments can make it easier than ever for staff and residents to find the information they need, fast!
Start thinking bigger, even if your team is small.
Let Munibit help you get there →