Local US officials' views on the impacts and governance of AI: Evidence from 2022 and 2023 survey waves.

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a survey of local US policymakers' views on the future impact and regulation of AI. Our survey provides insight into US policymakers' expectations regarding the effects of AI on local communities and the nation, as well as their attitudes towards specific regulatory policies. Conducted in two waves (2022 and 2023), the survey captures attitudinal changes within the six months following the public release of ChatGPT and the subsequent surge in public awareness of AI. Local policymakers express a mix of concern, optimism, and uncertainty about AI's impacts, anticipating significant societal risks such as increased surveillance, misinformation, and political polarization, alongside potential benefits in innovation and infrastructure. Many also report feeling underprepared

SUBMITTER: Hatz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12500108 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature