Can Artificial Intelligence Help Manage a City? Bainbridge Island May Be the First to Find Out

The Bainbridge Island Review recently published an article that introduced an exciting proposal: integrating artificial intelligence into local government operations. I was honored to be featured in the piece, which spotlighted an AI system I’ve proposed to support the City of Bainbridge Island’s administrative functions.

The concept is based on one simple idea. What if AI could help cities run more efficiently, reduce costs, and serve citizens better? That idea has sparked a broader conversation, both locally and beyond.

Read the article here:
Business leader pitches AI assistance for new BI city manager

What Is the “Joel” AI City Manager?

Joel is a concept for an AI-powered Chief Operating System. It is designed to assist city staff with tasks that are often time-consuming and repetitive. Joel would be trained on Bainbridge Island’s public records, zoning laws, planning documents, and permitting data.

He would act as a virtual assistant to both residents and city staff, helping people get answers to routine questions, guiding them through processes like permit applications, and making critical information more accessible.

Some of Joel’s potential features include:

• A 24/7 chatbot for public records and permitting inquiries

• Guided support for citizens who need help understanding local codes and application steps

• Real-time dashboards to help city planners and staff analyze traffic flow, land use, and civic engagement metrics

• Multilingual functionality to support all members of the community

Joel is not meant to replace human decision-makers. He is meant to support them by handling tasks that require speed, accuracy, and consistency.

Why Use AI in Local Government?

Cities today face increasing demand with limited resources. Staff members are often overwhelmed, public expectations are high, and service delays can erode trust. These challenges are common in many municipalities.

Artificial intelligence offers a practical solution. By automating routine functions, cities can:

• Improve response times without needing to increase staff

• Reduce the administrative burden on employees

• Offer better access to information for residents

• Save money by operating more efficiently

These are real, achievable outcomes. The tools already exist. It is simply a matter of applying them in a thoughtful and ethical way.

How This Connects to the Private Sector

The same AI-driven methods we are recommending for cities are already in use at Vast Solutions Group. We specialize in helping small businesses improve their operations through automation, intelligent tax planning, and financial efficiency.

Our clients use AI to:

• Identify tax-saving strategies through automated data analysis

• Streamline bookkeeping and compliance tasks

• Forecast cash flow and retirement readiness

• Eliminate repetitive work that slows down business growth

Whether it is a local government or a small business, the goal is the same. Reduce friction. Save time. Make smarter decisions.

Bainbridge Island’s Opportunity to Lead

Mayor Ashley Mathews offered a thoughtful response in the Review article. While she shared that the city may not be ready for a fully AI-managed model, she also recognized that new technologies could improve the way the city operates.

This type of cautious curiosity is exactly what we hope to inspire. Joel is not a finished product. He is an idea in development. The goal is to invite the community into that process and create something that works for everyone.

Bainbridge Island has an opportunity to lead by exploring how technology can increase transparency, reduce wait times, and improve government services. Many cities will face these questions in the next few years. Bainbridge could be among the first to answer them.

Invitation to Join the Conversation

There will be a public meeting on January 28 where we will discuss this concept further. I will be available to answer questions, share details, and listen to feedback from the community.

This is not about replacing people with machines. It is about using the best tools available to make government work better for everyone.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are a resident, business owner, or public servant who wants to explore how AI can improve your work, VastSolutionsGroup.com is here to help.

Visit www.VastSolutionsGroup.com to learn how we help people automate processes, reduce tax burdens, and build smarter systems for the future.