Civic News

AI will transform policymaking in DC

From analytical efficiency to streamlined operations, the impacts of AI will ripple into the halls of legislative power, writes Electo Analytics CEO Naeim Khanjani.

The US Capitol building in DC. (Photo by Flickr user, used via a Creative Commons license)

As the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, it is quickly becoming apparent that this technology will have a profound impact on the world of government affairs in Washington, D.C. AI will augment the way that policymakers and public affairs professionals work and the way government agencies operate. I have explored how AI will change the legislative landscape — and why it’s imperative for professionals to adapt:

More efficient data analysis

AI is revolutionizing data analysis in policymaking by enhancing efficient data analysis. The Evidence-Based Policy Act of 2018 mandates the use of data-driven research for crafting legislation — data research which can now be automated.

Automation can expedite data analysis, saving policymakers time and taxpayer money. In 2018, a 2,232-page omnibus bill was publicly released to the House of Representatives members only 18 hours before the vote, leaving no time for a comprehensive review. AI could have synthesized key takeaways, enabling proactive decision-making and fostering a more informed policymaking process.

Enhanced decision-making

AI enhances decision-making capabilities by policymakers and government affairs professionals in Washington. These crucial decisions impact citizens and businesses, necessitating careful deliberation.  AI can provide professionals insights and recommendations based on large amounts of data, allowing policymakers and government affairs professionals to make more informed decisions.

By leveraging AI, policymakers can analyze trends and patterns to devise effective solutions, addressing constituents’ needs more comprehensively. AI’s ability to discern patterns in raw data that may elude humans ensures a deeper understanding of issues for better policy outcomes.

Streamlining operations in government agencies

AI can improve the way government agencies operate in D.C. and nationwide. By collaborating with existing personnel to automate tasks such as document processing, data entry and customer service, AI can help bolster the efficiency of government agencies.

It’s a misconception that the introduction of AI will lead to job losses in industries like customer service. From the DMV to the DHS, citizens have been frustrated with our agencies’ lack of efficiency due to the mountain of manual work these departments must process. Customer service roles require a human touch, and cannot be run by AI alone. However, AI can also have a role in training new hires, processing paperwork and directing constituents to the correct departments.

The introduction of AI can enhance customer service representatives’ personal development and upskilling. This saves existing employees time to do work that directly impacts the policymaking process. The introduction of AI to government agency processes will allow agencies to focus on more critical tasks and better serve their constituents.

Ultimately, AI has the potential to make a profound impact on policymaking, making it more efficient and inclusive. Policymakers, government affairs professionals and government agencies will need to adapt to this new reality and learn how to use AI effectively to stay ahead of the curve, as well as effectively use taxpayer dollars. The future of government affairs work is here, and AI will play a significant role in shaping it.

This is a guest post by Naeim Khanjani, the CEO of Electo Analytics, a DC-headquartered company providing public affairs software to help government affairs teams effectively map, track and impact policy. A version was first published on Electo Analytics' website and is republished here with permission.
Companies: Electo Analytics

Before you go...

Please consider supporting Technical.ly to keep our independent journalism strong. Unlike most business-focused media outlets, we don’t have a paywall. Instead, we count on your personal and organizational support.

3 ways to support our work:
  • Contribute to the Journalism Fund. Charitable giving ensures our information remains free and accessible for residents to discover workforce programs and entrepreneurship pathways. This includes philanthropic grants and individual tax-deductible donations from readers like you.
  • Use our Preferred Partners. Our directory of vetted providers offers high-quality recommendations for services our readers need, and each referral supports our journalism.
  • Use our services. If you need entrepreneurs and tech leaders to buy your services, are seeking technologists to hire or want more professionals to know about your ecosystem, Technical.ly has the biggest and most engaged audience in the mid-Atlantic. We help companies tell their stories and answer big questions to meet and serve our community.
The journalism fund Preferred partners Our services
Engagement

Join our growing Slack community

Join 5,000 tech professionals and entrepreneurs in our community Slack today!

Trending

The person charged in the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting had a ton of tech connections

From rejection to innovation: How I built a tool to beat AI hiring algorithms at their own game

Where are the country’s most vibrant tech and startup communities?

The looming TikTok ban doesn’t strike financial fear into the hearts of creators — it’s community they’re worried about

Technically Media