Newsom turns to artificial intelligence to help solve two California problems: housing, homelessness

This effort invites developers to create innovative AI solutions to tackle challenges identified by state agencies.Photo byEvonUnsplash

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new initiative today to explore how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be utilized to address California’s pressing housing and homelessness crisis, while also enhancing fiscal analysis for the state budget. This effort invites developers to create innovative AI solutions to tackle challenges identified by state agencies, marking a significant step in applying technology for public benefit.

“As the birthplace of the tech industry and the fifth-largest economy in the world, California isn’t afraid of progress. We’ll deploy every tool to address some of the most vexing issues of our time, including the housing and homelessness crisis. California has the technology and the innovative spirit — let’s put them to use for the public good,” Governor Newsom said.

California has been at the forefront of developing and adopting GenAI technologies, and Governor Newsom’s administration aims to ensure that this technological revolution benefits the state's residents. GenAI is reshaping industries globally, and California, home to 32 of the world’s top 50 GenAI companies, holds a quarter of the technology’s patents and leading research papers. The state is uniquely positioned to define how AI will be used for the greater good.

Earlier this year, Governor Newsom convened a summit on GenAI with industry leaders across technology, labor, government, and academia to discuss the role AI can play in improving public services. Now, with this new initiative, state agencies are beginning to apply AI to critical issues, particularly those that affect vulnerable populations.