Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale has received two AI 50 Awards from the Center for Digital Government for its use of artificial intelligence to improve city services.
Scottsdale received an AI 50 Organization Award, recognizing the city’s use of artificial intelligence across government operations.
The city also earned an AI 50 Project Award for its Short-Term Rental AI Monitoring and Map Tool, which uses artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics and public transparency to support compliance efforts, assist enforcement activities and provide residents with information about licensed short-term rental properties, according to a press release.
“Scottsdale is committed to embracing emerging technologies in ways that deliver real benefits for our community,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “From streamlining city operations to strengthening public safety, our teams are using artificial intelligence thoughtfully and responsibly to better serve our residents.”
Scottsdale has developed a citywide approach to artificial intelligence that brings together innovation, governance, cybersecurity, data stewardship and responsible-use practices. Through its AI governance framework, the city evaluates emerging opportunities, establishes safeguards and helps departments move ideas from experimentation into practical applications that support employees and residents.
Across the organization, AI is being applied to enhance service delivery and the resident experience. AI is also supporting nonemergency call operations by helping residents receive faster, more consistent information while allowing staff to focus on requests requiring direct assistance.
Additional initiatives span planning and development, public safety, data and analytics, workforce and financial operations, and tools that help employees more efficiently find, understand and act on information. Scottsdale is also investing in data architecture, governance and workforce training to expand AI use across city operations.
Scottsdale’s Short-Term Rental AI Monitoring and Map Tool has changed how the city monitors thousands of short-term rental properties. By combining AI with geospatial analytics, the tool has contributed to a 40% increase in short-term rental tax and licensing revenue.
The public-facing map also gives residents access to short-term rental license status and emergency contact information, improving transparency and making it easier for neighbors to report concerns when needed.
“Artificial intelligence is most effective when it’s paired with strong governance, thoughtful implementation and a clear focus on solving real problems,” Chief Information Officer Bianca Lochner said. “These awards recognize the incredible work of our employees across the organization who are using AI to improve services, increase efficiency and create better outcomes for the community while maintaining the highest standards for security, ethics and public trust.”
