Recent advancements in the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated the pace of change in our world and pose a challenge for public works departments: How and why should cities use AI to meet the expectations of citizens? AI offers a valuable solution to enhance efficiency, improve resource allocation, and ensure the resilience of public infrastructure.
For example, the City of Palmdale California Public Works Department adopted an AI-based Response Management System in late 2021, despite initial reservations about integrating new technology during a period of organizational change. This system now efficiently handles incoming citizen requests and sensor data 24/7. Previously, these requests came from various sources, including police dispatch, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and utility locates organizations. Now requests are filtered, categorized, and dispatched by AI in a centralized database. Department managers have a comprehensive view of citizen and sensor data, resulting in cost savings, reduced after-hours dispatch, better weather event management, and decreased call load on the county police department.
In this session, local government leaders will gain insights into the practical application of AI for their city, and explore use cases of AI utilization from Palmdale, California and other cities across the US.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for public works departments.
- Recognize the rationale behind the adoption of AI in cities to meet citizen expectations and address challenges in public infrastructure management.
- Identify the practical benefits of AI solutions, as illustrated by the City of Palmdale California Public Works Department.
Proficiency Level: Introductory
Speakers:
Wyatt Darnell
Account Manager
Daupler
Robert Wagner
Asset Management Specialist
City of Palmdale
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
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APWA Guides provide guidance to public works professionals on a specific a topic.
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Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
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Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
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PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
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APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
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The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
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