The Agentic City

In collaboration with Harvard University’s Data-Smart City Solutions, GovEx is contributing to a series of papers exploring how emerging forms of AI may reshape the future of city government. Developed through the lens of practice, governance, and public sector innovation, these briefs examine how “agentic” AI systems could support more responsive, adaptive, and resident-centered public services while strengthening institutional capacity and decision-making within local government.

As a university-based research and implementation center, GovEx is particularly interested in how cities can responsibly harness AI to improve outcomes for residents, support public servants, and build more effective and trustworthy institutions. Explore the introduction to the “Agentic City” concept in this Fast Company article by Stephen Goldsmith, Derek Bok Professor of the Practice of Urban Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and director of Data-Smart City Solutions, and GovEx Executive Director, Oliver Wise. The briefs below further examine the evolving role of mayors, public sector workforce capabilities, and chief data officers in helping cities navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.