June 12, 2025
Virtual Event: Modernizing municipal code with technology. How the city of San Francisco used AI to cut red tape
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Stanford RegLab joined the Niskanen Center for a virtual discussion exploring how technology and institutional design can make government more effective.
A recent collaboration with the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office used AI to analyze San Francisco’s 16-million-word municipal code and regulations and identify outdated or duplicative reporting requirements—resulting in a legislative proposal to eliminate or consolidate 36% of reports. The initiative offers a powerful example of how technology, paired with smart institutional design, can modernize government, reduce burdens, and free up capacity for what matters most.
Featured speakers:
- Daniel Ho, Faculty Director, Stanford Regulation, Evaluation, and Governance Lab (RegLab)
- David Chiu, City Attorney, City of San Francisco
- Jen Pahlka, Senior Fellow, Niskanen State Capacity (Moderator)
