Investing in AI, collaboration and the next generation of leaders

AI is positively transforming government operations and being used to support mission outcomes across a wide range of services, from improving patient care, enhancing learning and education, improving public safety, streamlining citizen services, and so much more. Nearly 400 technology leaders from state and local government, research, and higher education institutions discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and participated in hands-on Gen AI labs during our Google Public Sector Gen AI Live & Labs held on February 27 in New York City. Participants included the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (NYC OTI), Pace University, NYC Transit Authority, NYU, NYC Department of Mental Health & Hygiene, SUNY, and partners Deloitte, Resultant, Quantiphi, and Slalom. Here are three key takeaways from the event:

AI is revolutionizing public service delivery

Our latest AI innovations are truly powering the next wave of transformation and mission impact across the public sector. Attendees at the event learned about how we accelerate innovation and deliver mission outcomes with our unique full-stack approach to AI which includes Google innovation across every layer, from infrastructure, to research and models, to products and platforms. This approach allows us to drive efficiencies throughout the entire technology stack, from training and serving, to developer productivity and secure and scalable products.

A key takeaway from the event was the need to empower public sector workers with safe and secure AI tools. During the event, we demonstrated our recently launched Google Agentspace and showcased how to use the agentic powers of Gemini to bring together advanced reasoning, Google-quality search, and enterprise data, regardless of where it’s hosted. This powerful technology empowers employees with access to information and streamlined workflows, enabling them to make better decisions, improve service delivery, and drive greater impact.

We also announced that Vertex AI Agent Builder ranked in the highest “Commander” category in an analyst report “StarChart™: 2024 AI Chatbots for Administrative Efficiency” published by The Tambellini Group. We believe this is a testament to the impact Google’s innovations are having on education and student outcomes, powered by AI.

The New York State Office of Information Technology Services announced a new enterprise cloud services agreement with Google Public Sector to provide its agencies with AI, data analytics, AI-powered security offerings, and more to fuel the state’s digital transformation. During the fireside chat with Dru Rai, CIO of New York State, he shared how the state is leveraging AI to enhance government services, bridge the digital divide, and foster economic growth while prioritizing transparency and responsible implementation to ensure that this transformative technology benefits all of its residents.

Additionally, The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is using Google AI and Google devices on subway train cars to spot track issues, which could make inspectors’ jobs easier and your ride smoother. In a recent pilot program that we ran with the MTA, we were able to identify 92% of the defect locations found by track inspectors. We are excited to leverage AI to better improve the reliability and efficiency of subway transportation in the city.

Collaboration is key

We are inspired by the tremendous opportunities in this New Era of American Innovation, and in collaboration with our customers and partners, we are proud to help America become stronger, safer, and more competitive than ever before.

According to a newly released study Google commissioned with GovExec, an overwhelming 94% of survey respondents from state and local governments foresee an increase in AI usage in their agency over the next 1-2 years. As we continue to bring Google AI to our customers, we also continue to invest in our partner ecosystem to ensure we bring the expertise needed to support public sector missions. We announced the recipients of our Google Public Sector Partner Expertise Badges, a new program recognizing Google partners who’ve led the way in a number of areas including AI & ML, Security, Customer Engagement, Data Analytics, Maps & Geospatial, and Work Transformation.

As we look to ensure the opportunities of AI are widely accessible, Google has partnered with the National League of Cities (NLC) to launch a new AI Toolkit. With AI explainers, examples of how other cities have leveraged AI, and step-by-step guides to help cities interested in exploring AI strategies, the Toolkit is designed to help city governments across the US harness the power of AI to enhance public services and improve the quality of life for residents.

Investing in the next generation of leaders

As customers accelerate their use of AI, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of leaders. According to our recent study, state and local governments say their number-one challenge when it comes to AI adoption is a lack of skilled staff. Furthermore, 69% of respondents are actively investing in agency staff to address the AI skills gap.

At Google, we are committed to investing in AI skills, and last October we announced a new AI training initiative through Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund – with $15 million for AI skills training for US government workers. And last September, we announced the Google Cloud Launchpad for Veterans, a no-cost training and certification journey designed to equip veterans in all roles and at all levels with the cloud knowledge and skills they need to drive innovation, and contribute to their current or future employer’s digital transformation strategy.

Continue the conversation at Google Cloud Next

The transformative potential of AI and its impact on the public sector is immense. As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial for leaders and practitioners from across the industry to come together to innovate, collaborate, and prioritize responsible implementation to ensure that this technology benefits all members of society.

At Google Public Sector, we’re passionate about supporting your mission. Learn more about how Google’s AI solutions can empower your agency and accelerate mission impact by joining us at Google Cloud Next 2025 in Las Vegas.