Democratizing AI Through Fractional Sources
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming state and local government, moving from pilot projects to operational deployments that are reshaping how agencies serve their communities. In 2024, a survey by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers found that more than half of state CIOs reported their employees were using generative AI tools in their daily work, underscoring how quickly these technologies are becoming part of government operations. A separate June 2024 survey of 355 state and local government professionals found that 51% were using AI daily, most commonly for tasks like summarizing information and brainstorming, with nearly three-quarters reporting improved efficiency and time savings as a result. Are you embracing AI and empowering your teams to use it today?
AI’s impact is visible across a range of government functions. In Indiana for example, generative AI is streamlining access to state archives by enabling staff to search millions of documents with plain-language queries, improving both transparency and efficiency. The New Jersey Office of Innovation has also deployed generative AI to rewrite customer emails in plain language, resulting in a 35% faster response rate from citizens. Local governments are actively deploying AI-powered chatbots to handle routine citizen requests, freeing up staff for more complex tasks and providing faster, more accessible service. These tools are not only improving administrative efficiency but are also being used for tasks like transcribing emergency responder reports, as in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where generative AI has reduced the time needed to complete such reports.
Despite these successes, many agencies face challenges scaling AI beyond initial pilots. We really need to make it second nature as AI thrives when being utilized for repetitive time-consuming tasks. There has always been a lot of repetitive work in government, and AI can help solve that. The most common barriers to this level of adoption include unclear rules around AI usage, resistance to change among staff, and a shortage of technical expertise. Budget constraints and concerns about data privacy and governance also persist. Only a small fraction of agencies report having fully optimized their AI capabilities, and many promising projects remain stuck in the pilot phase. While these challenges are specific to AI, they are a common theme for all government agencies working to implement transformative technology.
This is where Fractional Source can make a difference. By providing on-demand access to experienced technology professionals and leaders, Fractional Source enables agencies to overcome skill gaps and accelerate your AI journey without the costs, constraints, and delays of traditional hiring. Our experts can help agencies develop robust governance frameworks, ensure responsible and secure AI deployment, and design targeted training programs to build AI literacy across the organization. The fractional model is especially effective for budget-conscious agencies, allowing them to pay only for the expertise they need, when they need it, and to scale up or down as projects evolve. Most importantly, Fractional Source specializes in guiding agencies from initial exploration through full-scale implementation, helping to move beyond “pilot purgatory” and deliver measurable results with AI for communities. The result is a democratization of AI across the agencies we work with, ensuring all levels of government, regardless of size and sophistication, have access to this incredible technology.
As AI adoption continues to accelerate in state and local government, the right expertise and support are critical to turning vision into impact. Fractional Source empowers public sector leaders to harness the power of AI responsibly, efficiently, and at scale, ensuring that agencies can deliver smarter, more responsive services for the future.
