7.17 Future of the Profession

The future of local government careers is being shaped by several emerging trends and technologies that are transforming how public services are delivered.

Smart Cities  

Smart cities are urban areas that use advanced technologies, such as sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and data analytics, to improve the efficiency of city operations and enhance the quality of life for residents. These cities integrate technology into infrastructure and services to address challenges such as traffic congestion, pot holes, snow removal, energy consumption, and public safety.  

For example, smart traffic systems use technology to monitor and manage traffic in real time. This means sensors and cameras are placed at intersections and along roads to track how many cars are on the road, how fast they’re moving, and where congestion is building up. Using this information, traffic lights can adjust automatically to improve the flow of vehicles, reducing wait times and easing traffic jams. It’s like having a system that constantly watches the roads and makes on-the-spot decisions to keep cars moving as smoothly as possible. 

Smart cities use advanced technologies to address common infrastructure challenges like potholes and snow removal more effectively. For potholes, sensors embedded in roads or data collected from vehicles can detect damage as it forms, while apps allow residents to report potholes directly with GPS coordinates and photos. This real-time data helps cities prioritize repairs efficiently. AI-powered systems can also analyze road conditions and predict where potholes are likely to form based on factors like traffic volume and weather, which enable proactive maintenance to prevent them altogether. Some cities are even exploring automated repair technologies, such as robots, to fill potholes quickly and at lower costs.  

For snow removal, GPS-enabled snowplows allow city managers and residents to monitor in real time which streets have been cleared, ensuring resources are deployed efficiently. IoT weather sensors installed on roads can detect snowfall and ice accumulation, allowing for proactive deployment of plows and salt trucks. AI-based route optimization ensures that snowplows cover streets faster and more efficiently, while smart salt spreading systems use data to apply the right amount of de-icing material, reducing waste and environmental impact. By leveraging these technologies, smart cities can maintain safer, more reliable roadways during winter storms and throughout the year, improving services for residents while saving time and money.  

Both Cleveland and Akron are taking steps to use smart city technology to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. In Cleveland, the city monitors energy use through EnergyCAP, a centralized system that tracks municipal energy consumption and costs to identify areas for improvement. Cleveland is also part of the Cleveland 2030 District, a collaborative effort to reduce energy use, water consumption, and carbon emissions by 50% in key areas like downtown by 2030. Additionally, the city offers a renewable energy aggregation program, providing residents with 100% clean energy options. Akron, meanwhile, is participating in a regional clean energy initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to renewable energy projects across 25 Northeast Ohio cities. However, a recent report highlights Akron’s significant room for growth in sustainability efforts. These efforts showcase how both cities are integrating technology to manage energy use and promote environmental sustainability. 

Cleveland’s gunshot detection system is another example. The gunshot detection system, a network of acoustic sensors strategically placed throughout the city, detects and locates gunfire in real time, allowing law enforcement to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents. This technology not only enhances public safety but also provides valuable data on gun violence trends, helping local leaders address broader public safety challenges. These innovations aim to make cities more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to residents’ needs.  

For local government managers, the rise of smart cities means they must develop a strong understanding of how advanced technologies like sensors and data analytics can be applied to improve city operations. Managers will need to oversee the integration and maintenance of these systems, interpret data to inform decision-making, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. They must also address challenges such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and equitable access to technology to make sure that smart city initiatives benefit all residents. Additionally, managers will need to collaborate with technology vendors, train staff to work with new systems, and effectively communicate the value of these innovations to residents and elected officials. In this evolving landscape, adaptability, technical fluency, and a commitment to transparency will be essential for success.  

The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in Local Government  

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting digital systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. It is a critical aspect of the future of local government. Public agencies increasingly rely on digital technologies to deliver services, manage data, and engage with residents, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Local governments collect and store sensitive information, such as personal identification, financial data, and public records, which must be safeguarded from threats like ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing schemes. Such incidents can disrupt essential operations, compromise public trust, and result in significant financial losses.  

To address these risks, local governments must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced encryption, secure networks, regular vulnerability assessments, and staff training on best practices. Additionally, implementing incident response plans and collaborating with state and federal agencies can help municipalities prepare for and recover from cyber threats. As digital tools continue to shape the delivery of public services, cybersecurity will remain a cornerstone of protecting both residents and the integrity of local government operations. 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Local Government  

The use of artificial intelligence (AI)—a branch of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making—is revolutionizing how local government managers respond to the needs of their residents. AI tools can streamline processes, improve service delivery, and provide faster solutions to community concerns. For example, chatbots can assist residents with common inquiries, such as permitting or scheduling, while freeing up staff to handle more complex issues. AI-powered data analytics can also predict who might need services and when by identifying trends, such as seasonal spikes in housing assistance or healthcare needs, enabling governments to allocate resources more effectively. This predictive capability allows local governments to proactively address issues before they become emergencies, enhancing both efficiency and resident satisfaction.  

As AI becomes more integrated into public administration, it offers an opportunity to create more equitable and transparent systems. By analyzing large datasets, AI can highlight underserved populations and identify disparities, helping local governments target interventions where they are most needed. However, these advancements require public managers to understand AI’s limitations and ethical implications, ensuring that its implementation is fair, secure, and aligned with public values. The ability to harness AI responsibly will be a critical skill for local government professionals in the years ahead. Leaders will need to be fluent enough in AI technologies to make informed judgment calls and mitigate potential downsides.  

While AI offers significant potential for improving local government management, it also comes with challenges. One major concern is bias in algorithms, which can lead to inequitable outcomes if the data used to train AI systems reflects existing societal inequalities. For example, predictive tools for allocating resources could unintentionally overlook certain populations if the underlying data is incomplete or biased.  

Another challenge is privacy and data security. As AI systems rely on large datasets, local governments must handle sensitive information responsibly. A breach in cybersecurity or improper use of personal data can erode public trust and create legal and ethical issues.  

Cost and resource barriers also pose significant challenges, particularly for smaller municipalities with limited budgets. Implementing AI systems often requires substantial upfront investments, ongoing maintenance, and skilled personnel to manage the technology. This can create a digital divide where wealthier governments benefit from advanced technology while smaller or rural communities struggle to keep up.  

Finally, overreliance on technology may diminish the human element in public service. AI cannot replicate the empathy, judgment, and nuanced understanding that human decision-makers bring to complex situations. There is a risk that public managers might rely too heavily on AI, sidelining community input and reducing transparency in decision-making processes.  

To mitigate these risks, local governments must adopt AI thoughtfully, with a focus on fairness, inclusivity, and accountability. By doing so, they can ensure that this powerful technology serves all residents equitably and enhances public trust in government institutions.  

Shifting Values, Conflict, and Changing Expectations for Service  

Demographic shifts and evolving societal expectations are transforming the landscape of local government careers, often bringing both new demands and heightened tensions. As communities become more diverse, public services increasingly need to reflect the differing needs and values of a wide range of populations. However, efforts to address these shifts, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, have become highly politicized in many areas. In communities where opposition to DEI is strong, such efforts can become flashpoints for conflict, with residents and elected officials divided over what role local governments should play in addressing inequities. This polarization illustrates how issues that were not as politically charged a decade ago are now central to contentious debates about the role of government.  

At the same time, public trust in government institutions has eroded, making it more challenging for local officials to navigate these debates effectively. Misinformation, political polarization, and skepticism about the intentions of government programs contribute to an environment where even routine public services can become controversial. For example, discussions about public health measures, school curriculums, or resource allocation—once seen as administrative or technical matters—are now often framed through partisan lenses, intensifying divisions within communities.  

Generational differences also add complexity. Younger residents often prioritize issues like sustainability, equity, and transparency, expecting their governments to take active roles in addressing climate change, economic inequality, and social justice. In contrast, some older or more traditional residents may view these priorities as misplaced or ideologically driven, further fueling tensions. The result is a landscape where local government professionals must balance competing expectations while navigating heightened scrutiny and conflict over decisions that were previously seen as less controversial.  

This politicization of public service delivery reflects broader national trends but plays out in deeply personal ways at the local level, where governments interact most directly with residents. For professionals in the field, understanding and managing these dynamics is becoming an increasingly critical part of the job.  

Looking ahead, the roles within local government are likely to evolve to meet these new demands. We might see the emergence of specialized positions focused on sustainability, digital infrastructure, and community engagement. There may also be a growing need for professionals who can navigate the intersection of technology and public policy, ensuring that innovations benefit all members of the community. As the profession continues to evolve, those who are adaptable, forward-thinking, and committed to public service will find themselves at the forefront of these exciting developments.