In our survey of 250 cities worldwide, we found a surge in AI adoption, with leading cities pioneering smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban environments.

The highest rate of adoption was in large cities/megacities, where 43% are already deploying traditional AI to assist in automation and decision-making. And while only 12% of small cities use AI today, this number is expected to jump to 41% within three years.

Generative AI (GenAI), a more advanced form of AI capable of analyzing complex data and enhancing decision-making, is gaining traction even faster. Nearly 90% of cities are actively planning, piloting, or already using GenAI, with widespread adoption expected to triple in the next three years—from 18% to 59%.

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We also found that city leaders are implementing AI in surprisingly innovative ways to address critical challenges. In Tokyo, AI-powered disaster preparedness systems combine sensors with predictive modeling and high-altitude cameras to detect early signs of natural disasters. Raleigh, North Carolina, uses a digital twin of the city complete with AI-powered modeling of microclimates to improve livability and manage heat levels. Amsterdam has pioneered transparency in AI governance with a registry that provides detailed information about the AI applications and algorithms the city uses.