U.S. State & Local Leader AI Governance Starter Brief

Starter Brief: The Local Frontier

A Quick Guide to Governing AI from the Ground Up

From Future in Common

Part of the series: “The United States of AI: An Ethical Policy Platform for American Workers”

What This Brief Covers:

This concise Starter Brief gives state and local leaders a plainspoken overview of how AI is already shaping public life—and what we can do about it. Designed for quick reading and practical use, it introduces core risks, values, and recommendations to support just and democratic AI governance at the local level.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI is showing up in schools, housing, health care, and public services
• Why community-centered leadership is critical in this moment
• What values should guide local AI policy (fairness, voice, accountability)
• Key starter actions to inform, engage, and protect your community

Who It’s For:

• Local elected officials and agency staff
• State policymakers and advisors
• Community organizers and educators
• Anyone leading the conversation about tech and justice where they live

Why It Matters:

AI isn’t coming—it’s here. But most communities never got a say in how it’s being used. This brief helps local leaders reclaim that voice and start building a public future grounded in care, equity, and democratic trust.

Every zip code deserves a say in the AI transition. This brief helps you lead the way.

Download includes:

PDF of the full civic brief formatted for easy sharing.

License & Use

This brief is copyrighted © 2025 by Deion Lemelle / Future in Common.

The ideas are meant to be shared, adapted, and built upon.

Please do not republish the full document without permission.

You’re welcome to cite, quote, or use the concepts with attribution.