To really combat the complex drivers that create and sustain poverty, it’s crucial to learn directly from the real experts—those experiencing it first-hand. With this in mind, we partnered with six local grassroots organizations that are deeply committed to supporting Memphians and promoting community engagement. We also connected with an extensive informal network of non-profits, academics, and advocacy groups that share our goal of building effective data-driven solutions to create a brighter future for our communities. We recognized that traditional survey methods wouldn’t be enough if we wanted to capture the depth and nuance of people’s experiences. That is why we developed an open-ended survey that encouraged people to express their genuine thoughts and feelings in their own words, and to fully elaborate on their experiences and perspectives. By using this flexible format, we were able to gain a more nuanced understanding of people’s viewpoints and uncover insights that might have been missed with a more structured approach. Additionally, by spreading the word via our networks and partners, we were able to gather a remarkable range of insights from 418 individuals of various backgrounds who live in 52 different zip codes within Shelby County, Tennessee.

In summary, our study showed that using natural language processing was an effective way to efficiently analyze large amounts of text-based data. From that analysis, we could extract valuable insights into the concerns and sentiments of community members that can inform more equitable and effective solutions. Ultimately, these are what will make a real difference in people’s lives.

In this context, the power of large language models such as the recently launched GPT-4 can revolutionize the way local governments gather and analyze opinions from their residents. This approach can be a game changer for allocating resources, creating new programs, and investigating other areas for social impact. As these AI tools become more accessible and prevalent, local governments can become more responsive to their citizens’ needs and preferences, promoting programs and policies that enhance resident autonomy and dignity.

It’s crucial, however, to use these models responsibly and be mindful of the potential harms they can cause if misused. By using these tools cautiously, local governments can take significant steps toward improving the lives of their citizens and implementing equitable policies that make a positive impact on their lives.

Read the full article about AI for local governance by Ariadna Vargas and Jeremy Barofsky at ideas42.