Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most talked-about technologies in government. But for many local agencies, the question isn't whether AI matters. It's where it fits into the work already happening every day.

The good news is that local governments already have the ingredients AI needs to deliver value: documents, forms, records, and established business processes. When AI is applied thoughtfully, it can help staff spend less time searching, reading, categorizing, and summarizing information, allowing them to focus on serving their communities.

Here are ten practical ways local governments can put Laserfiche AI to work today.

1. Summarize Public Records Requests

Public records requests often require staff to review large volumes of documents and quickly understand what information is being requested. AI can generate summaries of records and supporting documents, helping staff rapidly assess content and determine next steps.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster response times

• Reduced manual review

• Better understanding of large document sets

2. Automatically Classify Incoming Documents

Every day, local agencies receive contracts, applications, invoices, correspondence, permits, and supporting documents. AI can identify document types and apply appropriate metadata, making information easier to find and manage.

Potential Benefits:

• Reduced indexing effort

• Improved searchability

• More consistent filing practices

3. Extract Key Information from Permits and Applications

Permit applications and forms often contain important details buried within attachments and supporting documents. AI can identify and extract relevant information such as addresses, project descriptions, parcel numbers, and applicant details.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster application processing

• Less manual data entry

• Improved accuracy

4. Help Staff Understand Large Contracts

Contracts can span dozens or even hundreds of pages. AI can generate summaries that highlight key dates, obligations, renewal terms, and important provisions.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster contract review

• Better visibility into obligations

• Reduced risk of overlooking critical information

5. Accelerate Invoice Processing

Finance departments spend significant time reviewing invoices and supporting documentation. AI can summarize invoices, identify important details, and assist with routing and approval workflows.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster invoice approvals

• Reduced manual review

• Increased processing efficiency

6. Simplify Policy and Procedure Research

Employees frequently need information that exists somewhere within policies, procedures, and administrative manuals. AI-powered natural language search allows staff to ask questions in plain language and quickly locate relevant information.

Potential Benefits:

• Reduced time spent searching

• Faster onboarding

• Greater self-service for employees

7. Improve Records Management Operations

Managing retention schedules and records classifications can be complex. AI can help identify document types and provide context that supports more consistent categorization of records.

Potential Benefits:

• Improved classification consistency

• Better information governance

• Reduced records management workload

8. Assist Human Resources During Recruitment

Hiring processes often involve reviewing large volumes of applications, résumés, and supporting documents. AI can summarize applicant materials and provide recruiters with concise overviews of candidate information.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster applicant review

• Reduced administrative effort

• Better visibility into candidate qualifications

9. Create Executive Briefings for Leadership

Executives and department directors frequently need quick insight into projects, reports, and supporting documentation. AI-generated summaries can provide concise briefings that help leadership make informed decisions more quickly.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster decision-making

• Better situational awareness

• Less time reviewing lengthy reports

10. Enhance Citizen Service Delivery

Whether responding to questions, processing applications, or researching historical information, staff often spend considerable time locating information across multiple systems and documents. AI can help staff quickly surface relevant information and summarize complex records.

Potential Benefits:

• Faster constituent responses

• Improved service delivery

• More time focused on citizen engagement

Start with the Work, Not the Technology

The most successful AI initiatives don't begin with the question, "How do we use AI?" They begin by asking, "Where are our employees spending time reading, searching, classifying, and summarizing information?"

Those activities occur throughout local government.

AI isn't replacing institutional knowledge or employee expertise. It's helping employees spend less time managing information and more time applying their knowledge where it matters most: serving their communities.

For local governments already managing documents and processes in Laserfiche, the opportunity isn't creating entirely new ways of working. It's making the work they're already doing faster, easier, and more informed.