Ep. 18 Using AI in Small Towns: Privacy, Uses, and Policy
Topics:
In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in small municipalities. They explore the implications of AI on local governance, particularly focusing on privacy concerns, the concept of shadow AI, and the importance of educating employees about responsible AI usage. The conversation also highlights practical applications of AI in municipal operations, such as crafting communications and analyzing ordinances, emphasizing the need for careful data handling and verification. In this conversation, Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss the integration of AI in municipal operations, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's limitations, enhancing community engagement through improved graphics, and the necessity of implementing clear policies. They also explore the excitement surrounding AI and the need for careful implementation, alongside various grant opportunities available for municipalities to improve infrastructure and community services.
Town of Pelzer Image: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DzR7QafW3/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mighty Municipalities
In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in small municipalities. They explore the implications of AI on local governance, particularly focusing on privacy concerns, the concept of shadow AI, and the importance of educating employees about responsible AI usage. The conversation also highlights practical applications of AI in municipal operations, such as crafting communications and analyzing ordinances, emphasizing the need for careful data handling and verification. In this conversation, Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss the integration of AI in municipal operations, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's limitations, enhancing community engagement through improved graphics, and the necessity of implementing clear policies. They also explore the excitement surrounding AI and the need for careful implementation, alongside various grant opportunities available for municipalities to improve infrastructure and community services.
Town of Pelzer Image: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DzR7QafW3/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mighty Municipalities
38:36 Exploring Grant Opportunities for Municipalities
Grants
- 2026-10-15 - U.S. EPA — Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development (Up to $7.8 million listed award ceiling; no match required; $10.8 million total program funding): EXTENDED DEADLINE (formerly October 5). Public works departments and qualified partners can develop drinking-water/wastewater apprenticeships, internships, school-to-work pathways, and regional operator-training partnerships.
- 2026-10-19 - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Acres for America, 2027 ($250,000–$1 million; at least 1:1 match, with higher leverage competitive): PRE-PROPOSAL deadline. Local governments may propose conservation land acquisitions or perpetual easements protecting important habitats, wildlife connectivity, and public access. Invited full proposals are due December 2.
- 2026-10-20 - AmeriCorps — Seniors RSVP, FY2027 (Amount not specified; match requirements vary by application and must be confirmed): Local governments and eligible organizations may sponsor structured volunteer programs for adults age 55+ addressing community needs such as elder support, disaster response, or family services.
- 2026-10-30 - DOJ/BJA — Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (Up to $2,637,041 listed award ceiling; no match required): FIRST STAGE. Supports rural town, city, and county law-enforcement projects to prevent and reduce violent crime. Grants.gov submission due October 30; JustGrants final submission due November 6.
- 2026-11-05 - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative, 2027 (Most awards $75,000–$200,000; generally minimum 1:1 nonfederal cash/in-kind match): Coastal municipalities and partners may improve shorebird habitat, protect sensitive beach and marsh areas, reduce disturbance, and monitor priority species. A separately described piping-plover priority has different match rules.
Find Us:
Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov). Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/
Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George. He is the CEO of GovPossible.
GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.
Music licensed through Soundstripe.
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