California is expanding its use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to tackle highway congestion, improve roadway safety and enhance customer service, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.
Speaking at Accenture headquarters in Los Angeles, Newsom highlighted three new state contracts using GenAI, building on his 2023 executive order directing agencies to adopt AI to improve services.
The projects demonstrate California’s continued leadership in using technology to make government more efficient and responsive, according to Newsom.
Caltrans will deploy GenAI tools to analyze traffic patterns, predict bottlenecks, and identify crash-prone areas to enhance safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists.
California is also piloting Microsoft’s Copilot Chat across eight state departments and testing new AI tools through the Department of Technology to boost staff productivity.
“We’re showing the world how AI can improve government service while supporting jobs and innovation,” Newsom said.
The projects are being advanced using the state’s Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2) procurement process, allowing safe testing of new technologies. A second round of GenAI projects is underway, with more expected by summer 2025.
Source: Office of the Governor of California, ABC10.com
