Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping local government, raising important questions about how technology-driven efficiency can coexist with the deeply human nature of council work. This session brings together expert speakers to explore practical strategies for using AI to support resilience and financial sustainability, while safeguarding the empathy, judgement and community connection that sit at the heart of effective local government.
This event takes place at 08:30 – 10:00 BST / 17:30 – 19:00 AEST / 19.30 – 21.00 NZST via Zoom
Key areas for discussion will include
- How councils can use AI to streamline operations and reduce costs without eroding relationships, trust and community care
- The transparency risks when AI informs decisions that have real community effect
- Whether AI will deliver long term financial savings or a short term fix which could undermine financial sustainability
- How AI could change the council role and skill sets required by staff and how that could transition within the organisation
- How councils can ensure strong governance frameworks and public trust when using AI
Speakers
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Jamie Cudden Executive Manager for Corporate Services |
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Jamie Cudden leads a number of core corporate and city-wide functions, including digital services, smart cities, data, customer experience, communications and corporate services. His work focuses on strengthening organisational capability, improving service delivery and supporting evidence-based decision-making across the organisation. Over recent years, Jamie has played a key role in shaping Dublin’s approach to digital transformation and urban innovation, including through the development of the city’s smart city and innovation initiatives. This work has driven large-scale change across the city council, supported by close collaboration with industry, academia and other public-sector partners. A recognised voice in urban innovation, Jamie works closely with international cities and organisations and regularly contributes to policy, media and speaking forums focused on the future of cities, digital transformation and public services. |
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Dr Susan Priest Chief Executive, |
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Sean Morrison Victorian Information Commissioner |
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Sean Morrison was appointed Victorian Information Commissioner in February 2024. Mr Morrison has significant experience leading the legal responses to key Victorian Government reforms, including Royal Commissions and information-sharing regimes. Mr Morrison has obtained university qualifications in Computer Science and Law, and has a Master’s of Public Administration. Prior to his appointment with OVIC he was appointed as the Special Investigator at the Office of the Special Investigator and has served as the General Counsel at multiple Victorian Government departments. |
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Mike Manson CEO, Association of |
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Mike has a long career working in local government with many roles: Digital Leadership, Customer Experience Manager, Business Development, to name a few. From inventing the world’s first bar-coded election system to spearheading the development of a Local Government Humanoid ethics policy, Mike likes to look for opportunities to improve the sector. Over many years, he earned his Council $53m from some of the revenue-generating ventures he undertook, and Mike started from scratch the most successful shared service in local government in NZ, which now has 43 Councils participating. He was a founding member of LOLA (Linked organisations of local authorities) and was recently elected the President of LOLA, comprising eight countries of local authorities. Mike is currently working on an AI collaboration hub across these countries so all can share their learnings. |
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About our partners
The VLGA is an independent (non-partisan) governance organisation supporting councils and councillors in achieving the highest standards of governance on behalf of their communities. They provide opportunities for councillor networking, professional development and information exchange and actively engage with key policymakers and broader stakeholders to inform, influence and lead the conversations that determine the priorities for the local government sector in Victoria. vlga.org.au | [email protected]
About Future Local Lab
LGIU’s Future Local Lab is a holistic programme of resources to help local government prepare for and respond to the emerging challenges facing the sector internationally. From embracing the opportunities of new technology to tackling the threats of climate change, join us for ideas and inspiration.
