A new nationwide study by CentralSquare Technologies found that artificial intelligence (AI) has firmly entered the mainstream across public sector organizations, with 80% of survey respondents reporting they are extremely or very interested in implementing AI technologies . The research report, AI Insights in the Public Sector, also found that agencies that have fully embraced AI are realizing twice the benefits compared to organizations that remain hesitant.
80% of public sector respondents are extremely or very interested in implementing AI technologies .
Nearly half (44%) have incorporated AI capabilities, while another 28% have fully embraced AI .
Operational efficiency and automation (45%) rank as the leading benefit of AI .
35% of respondents cited helping employees focus on higher-value work as a key AI benefit .
Hardware upgrade costs, training requirements, and leadership buy-in emerged as the top barriers .
The survey gathered responses from 501 public sector technology decision-makers across local government and public safety organizations .
A new nationwide study by CentralSquare Technologies, a leading provider of public sector software, found that artificial intelligence (AI) has firmly entered the mainstream across public sector organizations, with 80% of survey respondents reporting they are extremely or very interested in implementing AI technologies. The research report, AI Insights in the Public Sector, also found that agencies that have fully embraced AI are realizing twice the benefits compared to organizations that remain hesitant .
Adoption is widespread across the public sector. Nearly half of the respondents (44%) reported incorporating AI capabilities, while another 28% have fully embraced AI. Only 3% are not exploring AI .
Efficiency is the leading driver for AI adoption. Operational efficiency and automation (45%) rank as the leading benefit of AI, followed by helping employees focus on higher-value work (35%). As agencies face workforce shortages and increasing demands, AI tools are helping officers and staff reduce time spent on administrative tasks .
Hardware upgrade costs, training requirements, and leadership buy-in emerged as the top challenges to broader adoption. Contract timing, procurement rules, and legal clarity rank lower on the list . The public sector faces distinct challenges, including governance complexity, regulatory compliance, and public scrutiny that slow adoption and reduce the pace of AI initiatives .
"The public sector has entered a new phase of AI adoption," said Lane Floyd, Director of Product – AI at CentralSquare, who co-developed the Centerline AI™ platform. "The question is no longer whether agencies should explore AI. The leading organizations are already putting it to work to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making and better serve their communities" .
The findings come from a survey conducted by CentralSquare in partnership with Praxis Research Partners. The study gathered responses from 501 public sector technology decision-makers, influencers and software users across local government and public safety organizations, including IT, finance, permitting, public works, police, fire and emergency dispatch professionals .
CentralSquare's Centerline AI platform, first unveiled in February 2025, is a comprehensive AI suite built for the public sector that integrates across public safety systems. Agencies using Centerline report saving 40+ hours per month per officer or staff member through AI-powered automation, transcription, and case analysis . The platform was built following CentralSquare's acquisition of Blueline AI in January 2025, marking the first step of the company's vision for a unified AI platform .
About CentralSquare
CentralSquare Technologies is the trusted provider of public sector software in North America. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform connects public safety and public administration, helping communities of all sizes run more safely and effectively every day. More than 8,000 agencies rely on CentralSquare to manage critical operations, from dispatch to records, permitting to payroll. We serve with purpose and stand together with our heroes, committed to supporting the public sector with software built for impact .
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