Since its inception, New York City has been a hub for change and innovation. The city’s brand is associated with progress and global leadership, and its government has consistently aimed to improve society both locally and as a model for others. This spirit of innovation is essential for New York City to take a leading role in the AI revolution.
AI has the potential to transform how New York and similar cities serve their residents, workers, and visitors. With over 6,000 miles of streets, New York City has significant opportunities to harness AI to enhance efficiency, improve data-driven decision-making, and address areas of inequality. AI could also play a crucial role in tackling the city’s affordability crisis. However, it is important for the mayor to be aware of the risks associated with AI and the city’s duty to protect its citizens from potential harm.
Upon taking office, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani should prioritize New York City’s leadership in AI. The city has developed a strong technology infrastructure, led by a chief technology officer, with competent tech leadership at various agencies and skilled public servants. Building on this foundation, the mayor should implement several strategies:
First, the mayor should use the CTO to lead all AI initiatives and equip agency heads with the necessary resources. This team should be tasked with creating citywide AI governance, proposing new AI tools, and exploring how AI can address the affordability agenda. The CTO should also oversee the procurement of AI products and services, ensuring favorable terms related to data privacy and cybersecurity.
Second, AI innovation and risk management should be a key focus in budget discussions with the City Council. The city’s budget reflects its values, and future AI initiatives must be included. The mayor will likely have support from Council Member Julie Menin, the incoming speaker, who will prioritize AI policy.
Third, Mamdani should establish a task force on AI and human rights. As a city known for its commitment to personal liberty and equality, New York has one of the nation’s most comprehensive human rights laws. This task force will examine potential impacts of AI on civil rights and propose necessary actions. If any AI tools promote bias or discrimination, the task force will bring those issues to light.
Finally, the mayor should collaborate with the governor and other state and local leaders to develop coherent policies around AI. The president’s recent executive order on AI has raised concerns regarding federal preemption, and Congress has yet to tackle this issue. It falls to states and cities to fill this gap, addressing how AI could worsen the affordability crisis due to the unchecked growth of data centers.
We have only begun to explore the transformative benefits of AI. The mayor must approach potential challenges with caution and transparency. New Yorkers will rely on the mayor to ensure that the city reaps the benefits of these technological advances while mitigating any associated risks.
Michael Pastor is the dean for technology law programs and director of the Tricarico Institute for the Business of Law and In-House Counsel at New York Law School.
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