San José introduces new AI skills training for residents

“We are thrilled to kick-off the second phase of AI For All - San Jose with in-person programming and can’t think of a better space to host it in than The [Dr Martin Luther King] MLK Library’s AI Centre for Civic and Social Good,” said Kelly Cure, vice president of public policy, Bay Area Council.

“OpenAI’s programming reaches into our communities most impacted by AI, and those less AI-literate today, which is at the heart of this programme’s mission. We are tremendously grateful for mayor Mahan’s leadership and his team’s ability to move quickly in a time when speed is needed to bring everyone along to a more digitally and AI literate future. Let’s continue to work together in making the Bay Area the most AI literate region in the world, starting with our AI capital, San Jose.”

“By offering free, hands-on classes that teach real-world skills we’re ensuring everyone, from seniors to young people entering the workforce, has the tools, training, and confidence to succeed in the AI era”

San José also introduced the AI Upskilling programme to help City staff use AI responsibly and effectively, deployed AI-powered object detection to improve road safety, and is using AI to streamline housing permitting – reducing delays for housing projects and small businesses.

The City is the founding member of the GovAI Coalition, a national network of more than 900 public agencies representing more than 150 million residents nationwide, dedicated to sharing practical, open-source AI tools to improve government services. Together, these initiatives reflect San José’s focus on making city services faster, safer, and more responsive to residents’ daily needs.