Emerging Practices in Participatory AI Design in Public Sector Innovation

TL;DR

This paper explores emerging participatory AI design practices in the public sector, emphasizing community engagement to ensure democratic values and trust in smart city initiatives involving AI systems.

Contribution

It identifies new challenges and develops resources for participatory AI design methods tailored to the public sector's unique requirements.

Findings

Participatory AI design faces higher standards in public sector implementation.

New methods are needed for effective community engagement in AI projects.

Challenges include formulating robust participatory approaches for public sector AI.

Abstract

Local and federal agencies are rapidly adopting AI systems to augment or automate critical decisions, efficiently use resources, and improve public service delivery. AI systems are being used to support tasks associated with urban planning, security, surveillance, energy and critical infrastructure, and support decisions that directly affect citizens and their ability to access essential services. Local governments act as the governance tier closest to citizens and must play a critical role in upholding democratic values and building community trust especially as it relates to smart city initiatives that seek to transform public services through the adoption of AI. Community-centered and participatory approaches have been central for ensuring the appropriate adoption of technology; however, AI innovation introduces new challenges in this context because participatory AI design methods require more robust formulation and face higher standards for implementation in the public sector compared to the private sector. This requires us to reassess traditional methods used in this space as well as develop new resources and methods. This workshop will explore emerging practices in participatory algorithm design - or the use of public participation and community engagement - in the scoping, design, adoption, and implementation of public sector algorithms.