Using AI to help local governments connect with constituents
Google.org and Jigsaw expand Sensemaking AI tools to help local governments analyze community feedback for policy decisions at no cost, with cities like Bowling Green already using the technology.
Jigsaw’s Sensemaking AI tools, supported by Google.org and philanthropic partners, enable local governments to collect and analyze large volumes of community feedback to inform public policy decisions. The initiative is expanding through the Jigsaw Partner Program, offering these tools at no operational cost to cities worldwide. Local officials are encouraged to express interest in adopting the technology for their communities.
A year ago, Jigsaw launched Sensemaking AI, an open-source suite designed to help public leaders align policies with community needs. Google.org is now backing the Jigsaw Partner Program with a collaborative fund to increase access to AI-powered civic engagement tools for policymakers globally. The program aims to make large-scale civic conversations more efficient and inclusive.
Cities such as Bowling Green, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Riverside, California; and Kitchener, Ontario, have already used Sensemaking AI to gather insights from thousands of residents. In Bowling Green, feedback from 8,000 residents directly shaped a 25-year growth plan, demonstrating the tool’s practical impact on local governance.
Google.org is partnering with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the David & Lucile Packard Foundation to further expand the use of Sensemaking AI in municipal contexts. The initiative invites governors, mayors, and local officials worldwide to join the Jigsaw Partner Program and integrate AI-driven civic engagement into their decision-making processes.