CentralSquare Study Shows Public Sector Agencies Are Transitioning from AI Exploration to Rapid Implementation

Nationwide survey shows AI adoption accelerating across local government and public safety, with early adopters realizing double the benefits

Lake Mary, FL – July 28, 2026 – A new nationwide study by CentralSquare Technologies, a leading provider of public sector software, found that artificial intelligence (AI) has firmly entered the mainstream across public sector organizations, with 80% of survey respondents reporting they are extremely or very interested in implementing AI technologies. The research report, AI Insights in the Public Sector, also found that agencies that have fully embraced AI are realizing twice the benefits compared to organizations that remain hesitant.

Other Key Findings:

• Adoption is widespread: Nearly half of the respondents (44%) reported incorporating AI capabilities, while another 28% have fully embraced AI. Only 3% are not exploring AI.
• Efficiency is the leading driver: Operational efficiency and automation (45%) rank as the leading benefit of AI, followed by helping employees focus on higher-value work (35%).
• Key barriers remain: Hardware upgrade costs, training requirements, and leadership buy-in emerged as the top challenges to broader adoption. Contract timing, procurement rules, and legal clarity rank lower on the list.

“The public sector has entered a new phase of AI adoption,” said Lane Floyd, Director of Product – AI at CentralSquare, who co-developed the Centerline AI™ platform. “The question is no longer whether agencies should explore AI. The leading organizations are already putting it to work to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making and better serve their communities.”

The findings come from a survey conducted by CentralSquare in partnership with Praxis Research Partners. The study gathered responses from 501 public sector technology decision-makers, influencers and software users across local government and public safety organizations, including IT, finance, permitting, public works, police, fire and emergency dispatch professionals.

To read the entire report, visit CentralSquare.com.

About CentralSquare

CentralSquare Technologies is the trusted provider of public sector software in North America. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform connects public safety and public administration, helping communities of all sizes run more safely and effectively every day. More than 8,000 agencies rely on CentralSquare to manage critical operations, from dispatch to records, permitting to payroll. We serve with purpose and stand together with our heroes, committed to supporting the public sector with software built for impact. Learn more at www.centralsquare.com.