Seo-gu, Gwangju-Jeonnam, Uses AI to Summarize Resident Opinions and Identify Local Issues

AI Facilitation Introduced Starting with Chiepyeong-dong
From Agenda Discovery to Policy Implementation in One Step

Seo-gu in the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Metropolitan City is introducing a new resident self-governance model by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its resident assembly. The plan is to enhance the efficiency of public forums and expand resident participation by allowing AI to analyze and visualize residents' opinions in real time.

On July 11, Seo-gu announced that it would hold the "AI Facilitation-linked Resident Assembly," starting with Chiepyeong-dong in Gamdan Village.

The core of the initiative is to utilize AI technology in the process where residents directly identify local issues and set priorities.

Site of the "AI Facilitation-Linked Community Assembly" in Seogu District. Provided by Seogu District Office

While traditional resident assemblies have focused on business presentations and votes for or against proposals, this assembly prioritizes systematically reflecting the diverse opinions of residents during the discussion process.

Opinions proposed by residents on site are classified and summarized in real time by AI and then visualized on a large screen. Participants can identify major issues based on this output and continue their discussions accordingly.

This initiative also draws attention as a public-private-academic cooperation model that combines Seo-gu's digital direct democracy policy with the capabilities of local universities.

Three universities—Gwangju Health University, Chosun College of Science & Technology, and Songwon University—are participating, linking the program with the local community contribution projects of the Regional Innovation System for Education (RISE) initiative. Village agendas selected through AI analysis and resident voting will be reflected in next year's resident participatory budgeting and village self-governance plans, and will be implemented as living lab projects in collaboration with the universities.

Seo-gu plans to use this as an opportunity to establish a model for discovering resident agendas and operating public forums using AI, thereby enhancing the participatory aspect and effectiveness of resident self-governance.

Lee Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu, stated, "This is a new experiment in resident self-governance that combines resident participation, university expertise, and AI technology. We will continue to expand the foundation of resident sovereignty so that residents' voices are reflected in actual policy and residents themselves can drive change in the community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.