This episode unpacks Micah Gaudet’s argument that AI is not just another efficiency tool for city halls—it’s more like a new species introduced into an ecosystem. Drawing from his book Fragile Systems: An Ecological Approach to AI in Government and supporting articles, Gaudet warns that the greatest danger isn’t AI failure, but misalignment: when the technology’s outputs don’t fit the true goals of governance.

Key themes include the “efficiency illusion,” the risk of overlooking systemic impacts, and why efficiency alone doesn’t build public trust. Gaudet calls for a reframing of AI adoption—away from speed and cost-savings, toward questions of legitimacy, stewardship, and relationships. Practical guidance includes using demos not just to test functionality but to sense organizational impact, creating space for deeper human engagement, and redefining AI’s purpose to support staff, residents, and elected officials alike.

For leaders navigating AI adoption, this episode offers a crucial perspective: governments aren’t machines to tune, but living systems of trust and discretion. Integrating AI responsibly means tending that ecosystem, not hollowing it out.

Fragile Systems: An Ecological Approach to AI in Government
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