With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), cities now have the technological ability to collect, analyze and manage data in ways that optimize public wellbeing and enhance efficiency. For example, cities are increasingly using Internet of Things (IoT), such as devices with sensors, software and processing ability that connect and exchange data with systems over the internet, to gather insights and build data-driven infrastructures that improve city governance, function, responsiveness, resource management and innovation. For example, our neighbors to the north in Memphis are actively pursuing initiatives to establish a smart city and are already using AI to help identify and predict potholes. By embracing AI and the benefits it has to offer, in North Carrollton and all of Mississippi we too can lead the way in smart city tech.
As the mayor of North Carrollton, Mississippi, it is important to me that AI is adopted into everyday life to improve our community’s governance, public wellbeing and technological innovation. North Carrollton is a “town on the move,” and while we boast a rich history, we must also invest in the town’s future, industries and opportunities for technological advancements. We cannot let AI developments land solely in big cities or the coasts, much less overseas in countries like China.
Mississippi is already leading the tech sector due to our supportive legislature, tax incentives and research consortium established among our four research universities. AI-driven initiatives have already brought an economic boost to Mississippi and created opportunities for tech startups and companies to develop their businesses, attract employees, and invest in communities across our state. Like Memphis and other municipalities nationwide, Mississippi should not shy away from experimenting with AI and discovering new, tech-driven ways to integrate AI with existing private and public resources to combat age-old challenges.
From traffic management to public safety, smart cities use AI technologies to foster communication between residents and local governments to increase quality of life and upgrade services efficiently and effectively. For instance, Memphis is investing in smart city technology to analyze data collected through IoT to improve traffic, emergency response and safety while helping city employees’ complete tasks efficiently. Memphis has applied AI algorithms to detect potholes using cameras mounted on the fronts of city buses. The cameras use AI to process images of the road, which are uploaded daily to a database and reviewed for service requests. This significantly decreases the time and work necessary to repair streets, streamlining the process, creating safer roads and efficiently allocating resources and crew members.
Memphis has also converted streetlights to smart LED lights. LED streetlights are equipped with sensors that alert the county when lightbulbs need to be replaced. While seemingly a minor development, by using LED streetlights Memphis is better able to allocate resources, more quickly respond to outages, and improve public safety. It’s a highly effective development and one that cities and towns across Mississippi could utilize.
By embracing AI, Mississippi will help set the bar of what is possible in the 21st century. It is my hope for North Carrollton and every municipality in Mississippi will begin looking for ways to integrate AI into their work and services to benefit all their residents.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors, and is a member of the MML education committee.
