Many local governments are eager to adopt AI technology to enhance the citizen and employee experience and increase operational efficiency. However, a third of respondents to the 2025 MNP Municipal Report state that they have no formal policies or guidelines for AI use.
A strong governance framework is crucial to mitigate cyber security risks and protect sensitive data. This article discusses the top challenges facing local governments regarding AI governance and cyber security and shares a roadmap to help protect your organization.
How can your local government protect sensitive data while implementing AI? Many local governments recognize the potential for this technology to transform both the citizen and employee experience. According to the 2025 MNP Municipal Report, 31 percent are actively evaluating how to use AI within their local government. However, many are realizing they are not quite ready to implement a new system yet.
Our third article in this series examines the growing importance of cyber security and governance as more local governments adopt AI technology. AI adoption is increasing — often before formal policies are in place to prevent unauthorized use and data exposure. Here we examine the cyber security implications of AI adoption for local governments and review several steps to help you navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Local governments recognize the potential for AI to increase citizen and employee satisfaction, enhance operational efficiency, and support informed decision-making. Many are currently using AI to speed up customer service, improve public safety, or support internal functions such as employee recruitment and scheduling.
While many local governments are eager to implement AI within their organization, 32 percent report having no formal policies or guidelines for AI use to mitigate cyber security risks and protect sensitive data. Only a third consider themselves very prepared from a privacy and cyber security standpoint although cyber security ranked as the top priority in the 2025 MNP Municipal Report.
Managing cyber security and privacy concerns related to AI use is crucial, as local governments handle sensitive citizen data. According to the 2025 MNP Municipal Report:
Effective governance frameworks and strong cyber security practices are crucial to prevent unauthorized AI use and data exposure. Establishing clear policies and guidelines can help ensure the responsible use of AI and mitigate cyber security risks effectively.
While AI has the potential to address strategic and operational needs, its implementation and use also introduces new concerns around cyber security, privacy, and data protection. These are three of the challenges facing local governments as AI adoption increases:
Ensuring visibility into all applications and data flows within your organization is crucial. Additionally, establishing approved and unapproved AI tools, implementing application whitelisting/blacklisting, and developing access controls are foundational pillars of AI risk management.
Regular education, awareness campaigns, and phishing simulations can help your local government reinforce responsibilities and risks within your organization. Employee training should be tailored to organizational maturity and include sign-offs, quizzes, and ongoing reinforcement.
Increase collaboration between your local government’s IT staff, records management teams, and clerks teams to ensure proper access controls and data protection. Additionally, review your policies and organizational structure to address any political or structural challenges that may hinder unified policy enforcement.
AI systems can introduce new vulnerabilities, such as data exposure risks. Comprehensive governance frameworks and strong cyber security measures are vital to mitigate these risks and ensure the responsible use of AI systems.
This five-step roadmap can help you get started on enhancing your local government’s cyber security measures and governance framework:
Many local governments lack resources, according to the 2025 MNP Municipal Report. Assessments can help justify funding requests to leadership and council by:
AI offers many exciting new opportunities for local governments to enhance the experiences of both citizens and employees. However, it is important to have a plan in place to ensure strong governance and cyber security measures before you get started.
If you are ready to take the next steps but don’t know where to start, reach out to your local MNP advisor to learn how you can embrace AI and boost efficiency across your local government.
Our team of dedicated professionals can help you determine which options are best for you and how adopting these kinds of solutions could transform the way your organization works. For more information, and for extra support along the way, contact our team.