Rockefeller Foundation and Center for Civic Futures launch national AI Readiness Project to help governments adopt AI responsibly

The program — unveiled ahead of the inaugural Big Bets for America convening in Oklahoma City — seeks to help governments make informed decisions about integrating AI into essential services such as benefits administration, data management, and resident engagement.

“AI is moving faster than any previous wave of innovation, and governments are being asked to make consequential decisions that will affect people’s lives for generations,” said Cass Madison, Executive Director of CCF. “Our goal isn’t just to keep up with AI. It’s to make sure it helps government work better for people.”

Expanding national collaboration and shared learning

Building on CCF’s State Chief AI Officer Community of Practice, the AI Readiness Project will expand its reach from 30 states to all 50 U.S. states, territories, and Tribal Nations by 2026. The initiative will support governments through working groups, pilot programs, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the creation of the Government AI Knowledge Hub, a first-of-its-kind public repository launching in 2026. The hub will host frameworks, policy templates, case studies, and practical tools to guide governments at various stages of AI adoption.

The project will also introduce state-level pilot programs that provide a structured, low-risk environment for testing AI applications, evaluating outcomes, and sharing insights across jurisdictions. These pilots will focus on use cases such as legacy system modernization and AI system monitoring.

Building public trust and responsible innovation

“AI has the potential to make government faster, fairer, and more responsive — but only if it’s built and deployed with public trust at the center,” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “By building shared infrastructure and supporting real-world experimentation, we can ensure innovation strengthens — rather than undermines — confidence in public systems.”

The project’s three national working groups will tackle immediate priorities identified by state and Tribal leaders:

• Agentic AI: Establishing safety and governance frameworks for emerging AI systems.

• AI and Workforce Policy: Assessing AI’s impact on public-sector jobs and developing adaptive workforce strategies.

• AI Evaluation and Monitoring: Creating shared tools to assess performance, mitigate bias, and promote accountability.

Workshops, pilots, and cross-state cooperation

The AI Readiness Project will host monthly working groups, national workshops, and signature convenings that encourage collaboration across political and geographic boundaries. CCF is partnering with the National Governors Association to share best practices and strengthen the technical capacity of state leaders.

The initiative builds on The Rockefeller Foundation’s legacy of supporting responsible technological innovation — from helping map lead pipes with BlueConduit in Michigan to enabling Atlas AI, Dengue.AI, and Digital Green to tackle development and health challenges globally.

About the partners

Center for Civic Futures (CCF) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit project of the Digital Harbor Foundation that equips public leaders with tools to govern emerging technologies responsibly.

The Rockefeller Foundation, one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations, invests in science, technology, and innovation to improve human well-being in sectors including food, health, energy, and finance.