Should SpeakerBOT run for Senate? How our political system may evolve.
This animated cartoon by freelance cartoonist Pujan Roka pokes fun at how our political system may evolve if we don’t keep technologies in check.
Guest cartoonist
Sloan Spalding is the mayor of the city of New Albany.
In New Albany, we believe the cities that thrive in the future will be those that embrace innovation, adapt quickly and deliver exceptional service to residents and businesses alike.
We’ve already taken meaningful steps in that direction — investing in technology infrastructure and data centers to ensure our long-term competitiveness. But staying ahead requires more than just physical assets; it demands a shift in how we think about government operations and the adoption of emerging tools like artificial intelligence to enhance our work.
That’s why I was proud to participate in a recent community event, “AI and Workforce Development: What Small Businesses & Municipalities Need to Know,” focused on the future of AI in city services.
Hosted by the Community Innovation Partnership and Innovate New Albany, the event brought together more than 60 local leaders, small business owners and entrepreneurs for a forward-looking discussion on how AI can improve life and work in our community.
Local governments and small businesses can harness AI
At the event, I joined Melanie McGee, co-founder of SkillSpout — a Cleveland-based IT consulting firm — for a timely conversation about how AI can drive smarter governance and economic growth. As emerging technologies continue to reshape nearly every industry, we explored how both local governments and small businesses can harness AI to strengthen workforces, improve operations and ensure long-term success.
For instance, AI-driven training tools can help employees build new skills, boost productivity, and adapt to evolving job demands. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can help cities like New Albany streamline service delivery, optimize data use and enhance how we engage with residents. These technologies can also generate economic opportunities — making our community even more attractive to businesses and talent.
Of course, responsible implementation is key.
AI should work alongside people, not replace them. That means developing smart internal policies, investing in education and leveraging state-level support to ensure our workforce and community reap the full benefits of these advancements.
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Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore real-world applications — such as AI-powered permitting processes that proactively identify and resolve bottlenecks or tools that allow residents to report issues like potholes with a simple photo, automatically triggering a work order.
These aren’t distant possibilities; they’re practical, achievable solutions that align with New Albany’s forward-thinking approach.
It was energizing to connect with innovators across our community and hear their insights. With strong partners and the exceptional talent we have throughout Ohio, I am confident that New Albany will continue to lead — not just in infrastructure but in the ideas, collaboration and commitment that define a truly smart city.
Sloan Spalding is the mayor of the city of New Albany.
