Newsom is asking AI companies to help solve homelessness
Gov. Gavin Newsom is reaching out to artificial intelligence companies for assistance in addressing California's housing and homelessness challenges. The state will be considering proposals from AI developers like Google and Open AI to facilitate the connection of homeless individuals with necessary shelter or treatment, as well as expedite the local approval process for affordable housing projects.
In a statement, Newsom expressed California's commitment to leveraging technology to tackle complex societal issues, stating, "We’ll deploy every tool to address some of the most vexing issues of our time, including the housing and homelessness crisis."
California currently has an estimated 181,000 homeless residents, representing a significant portion of the national unhoused population. Despite substantial financial investments amounting to $24 billion in homelessness initiatives since 2019, the state continues to face challenges in providing adequate shelter and support services for all individuals experiencing homelessness.
Challenges and Goals
The state has set a target of constructing 2.5 million new residences catering to individuals of all income levels by 2031. However, construction progress has been hindered in recent years, primarily due to escalating interest rates affecting the housing market.
While the specifics of the proposed AI programs remain unclear, participating companies will be expected to outline their solutions and associated costs in their submissions. California is planning to convene a meeting with AI developers later this month to explore the potential applications of "large language model" technology. Proposal acceptance could commence as early as November.
Expanding AI Applications
Aside from addressing homelessness, the state intends to collaborate with AI firms to analyze the financial and policy implications of the state budget. In September, Newsom issued an executive order mandating state agencies to develop guidelines for implementing AI tools and assess the potential benefits of this technology across various sectors.
Several state agencies are already in the process of procuring AI solutions to enhance operational efficiency. For instance, the state tax department aims to utilize AI programs to aid call center agents in responding to inquiries related to the state tax code.
