In a bold move to modernize municipal operations, San Jose is leveraging artificial intelligence to transform how city services operate. The city’s ambitious AI training program is set to equip up to 1,000 employees with cutting-edge technological skills by the end of 2026.

Currently, about 80 city staffers have already completed one of two innovative 10-week training courses designed to enhance workplace efficiency. These programs, developed by the city’s Technology Department, focus on teaching employees how to use and customize Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs).

Mayor Matt Mahan is leading the charge, highlighting early successes that demonstrate the program’s potential. One notable achievement involves a Technology Department staffer who used a custom GPT to dramatically streamline the categorization of text in the city’s 311 reporting system, saving an impressive 500 hours of staff time.

The training is divided into two distinct tracks: the AI Upskilling Program for general staff and the Data Upskilling Program for employees who regularly work with data. This targeted approach ensures that each participant receives training most relevant to their specific role.

Early results are promising, with the program already contributing to significant wins like securing a grant for electric vehicle chargers. The initiative represents more than just technological advancement – it’s a strategic approach to making city government more responsive, efficient, and adaptable in an increasingly digital world.

As an additional 30 employees are scheduled for training this fall, San Jose is positioning itself as a forward-thinking municipality that embraces technological innovation. By investing in its workforce’s digital skills, the city is not just improving operational efficiency but also creating a model for how local governments can evolve in the age of artificial intelligence.

With approximately 15% of the city’s workforce set to be AI-trained, San Jose is proving that smart technology and smart governance go hand in hand.