How Governments Build Public Trust With Data and AI

December 16, 2025 by Elliot Flautt

Data is an invaluable resource that governments can use to transform how they make decisions and serve their communities. It’s no longer just for tracking progress — it’s a key component to building transparency and trust. When residents can see that decisions are grounded in real evidence, it strengthens confidence in government.

Data as a Foundation for Trust

My first government job was with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in King County, Washington. Everything we did centered around the question: how can we use data to make better decisions and rely less on instinct? The same principle still holds true today. Governments that use data make smarter decisions and are better equipped to explain those decisions to residents.

The resident engagement aspect is critical to bolster trust and make informed decisions. Residents expect their governments to back up their choices with data and be transparent with what data they’re using. They want to know why investments are made and how limited taxpayer-funded resources are being used effectively. When agencies can consistently show the data that supports their actions, they build trust that leads to stronger engagement. Whether it’s a State agency demonstrating how it delivers Medicaid services or a local water district explaining the projected outcomes of a capital project, sharing data shows accountability in action.

The Importance of Data Governance

Transparency and data privacy must exist as two sides of the same coin. Governments have a responsibility to protect the sensitive, personally identifiable information of their constituents. Strong data governance is essential here as it defines what can be shared, what must remain private, and how information should be classified.

Data governance is the foundation that keeps data useful, safe, and trusted. For some additional thoughts on data governance, particularly how it relates to integrating data with new artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, check out my colleague Franklin Williams’ recent blog.

AI offers new ways for governments to use data to better serve their communities. Many agencies are beginning with practical, low-risk use cases, like improving access to public information.

Elliot Flautt

Director of State & Federal Data Solutions

Doing More With Limited Resources

Budgets are always tight in government, but data can help leaders focus on what matters most. By analyzing outcomes and tracking impact, agencies can appropriately allocate resources to the programs that deliver the most value. Evidence-based decision-making reduces risk and builds confidence in how funds are used.

For those starting out on their data journey, I recommend starting small. Choose a project that has the potential to grow and show value early. Once you demonstrate success, it will build the trust and momentum needed to develop a larger program that grows over time.

The Future Is Now: AI and Data

AI offers new ways for governments to use data to better serve their communities. Many agencies are beginning with practical, low-risk use cases, like improving access to public information. AI-enhanced systems help residents get answers to their questions anytime, without needing to call or visit an office during business hours. That’s invaluable for folks who work nontraditional hours or anyone else who has limited availability during the day.

AI can also help residents discover services they might not know exist. By referencing how someone has interacted with government agencies before, AI-powered systems can suggest additional services or information that might be relevant. It’s a great example of the kind of enhanced service delivery that’s possible with effective data governance and protection.

Cloud Infrastructure Unlocks Data

A modern technology infrastructure is required to effectively pursue any of these advancements. Cloud-based systems allow governments to securely manage, share, and analyze data while maintaining the flexibility to scale. The cloud also supports new technologies like AI.

From strengthening transparency to balancing privacy with the responsibility to serve residents more effectively, data is playing a central role in how governments operate. With the right infrastructure in place, agencies can start small, build momentum through early wins, and ultimately use data not just to improve operations but to strengthen trust with their communities.

About the Author