Brooklyn Park is built around the shared mission of creating a thriving community where opportunities exist for all. This goal comes from our shared values of inclusion, partnership, accountability and learning, which call us to value collaboration and innovation in ways that support every resident rather than just a select few.
With this vision in mind and input from our community, a little over six years ago, our city began a journey to improve itself through the Brooklyn Park 2025 plan. The project aimed to create a united and welcoming community, build on our quality infrastructure and beautify public spaces, drive a balanced economic environment that empowers businesses and residents alike, support public health of all ages, and commit to building an effective and engaging city government recognized for its leadership.
While we’ve made significant progress on all these goals, there is more work to be done, and the time has come to evaluate how we can leverage emerging technologies to support our next chapter.
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As we explore the technologies that can help us advance toward our future, one key technology that has emerged in that process is artificial intelligence (AI). AI has already transformed nearly every key sector in Minnesota, from agriculture to health care and manufacturing. Meanwhile, as a recent report from the National Academy of Public Administration shows, local leaders across our state and beyond who have embraced it have already seen similar returns.
One key city function that AI has significantly supported is improving public safety. Its ability to quickly comprehend large quantities of data has given law enforcement officials a new leg-up in combating the dangers of distracted driving and speeding by analyzing real-time traffic flow to inform the precise placement of preventative patrols. However, it’s also helping our public servants support underserved communities by translating important announcements and warnings to ensure crucial public health alerts are immediately accessible in our top five non-English languages.
Taking cues from these successes, Brooklyn Park has already begun integrating AI into our city operations. For instance, we are piloting technology that uses machine learning to analyze satellite imagery, allowing our Public Works team to predict and prioritize road maintenance, like fixing potholes, before they turn into major hazards.
Through a partnership with Zencity, we’ve been able to aggregate community feedback online to learn from resident concerns, particularly from those unable to attend public forums and hearings. With this tool, we’ve been able to tap into the feedback of communities that might otherwise be overlooked, supporting more tailored and personalized city services that support our goal of creating an environment where everyone has an equitable shot at opportunity.
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We still have a long way to go, but that is perhaps what is most exciting about the prospect of AI. As other leaders implement and learn from AI use, we’ll soon see the development of extensive case studies, use cases, and guides that help to inform those looking to embrace it.
As mayor, I’m looking forward to the opportunities presented by AI and other emerging technologies. Building upon the success of Brooklyn Park 2025, I’m confident these technologies will play a pivotal role in Brooklyn Park 10 years from now and beyond.
Hollies Winston serves as the mayor of Brooklyn Park.
The post How Brooklyn Park is using AI to plot a better future appeared first on MinnPost.
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