Pennsylvania is putting artificial intelligence to the test in state government, with a pilot program already showing measurable time savings for employees. The initiative highlights both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with adopting emerging technology in the public sector.
In a recent article from Pittsburgh’s Public Source, Pennsylvania is testing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in government operations through a year-long pilot program that could offer lessons for state and local governments across the country. Earlier this year, the Commonwealth launched a generative AI pilot involving 175 employees across 14 agencies, using ChatGPT Enterprise to support tasks such as brainstorming ideas, summarizing documents, drafting text, and conducting research. On average, employees reported saving 95 minutes per day, advocating that this time can be redirected to higher-level work.
The state invested about $108,000 in licenses, training, and support for the program. Officials are now considering ways to expand access while requiring all users to complete AI use training.
From the article:
We want to provide more employees with responsible access to AI-powered tools when those tools can help employees work more effectively and efficiently. He added that training on “safe and responsible AI use” will be a prerequisite for any state employees to use AI tools, said Dan Egan, communications director for the Office of Administration.
Pennsylvania is also taking steps to manage risks. Its AI policy prohibits uploading private data, requires employees to verify all AI outputs, and bars AI from making decisions for staff. Allegheny County recently followed suit, issuing its own guidelines that require employees to disclose when AI is used in generating content. Pennsylvania has also created a Generative AI Governing Board to oversee policy and implementation, alongside a Labor and Management Collaboration Group to gather feedback from employees and labor representatives.
Beyond state agencies, several Pennsylvania local governments and entities are exploring targeted AI applications. For example, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is preparing to launch a pilot using AI to speed up housing recertifications, with the goal of cutting backlogs by as much as 75 percent. In addition, some officials have proposed testing AI to streamline permitting processes, where forms and workflows often follow standard formats.
Pennsylvania’s pilot underscores the growing interest in AI across all levels of government. While the technology presents real opportunities to reduce administrative burdens, it also raises important considerations around accuracy, transparency, and ethics. State and local governments exploring AI adoption will need to weigh both benefits and risks, ensuring policies and safeguards are in place before wide deployment.
