Portland Councilor Uses ChatGPT for Official Communications

In an era where technology is reshaping every industry, politics is no exception. A recent revelation from Portland, Oregon, highlights this trend in a striking way. A newly elected city official is not just using social media to connect with constituents, but also leveraging powerful artificial intelligence to help shape her public statements.

Since January, Portland Councilor Candace Avalos has used ChatGPT to draft social media posts, speeches and even remarks that she’s delivered on the dais during City Council meetings. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

A Modern Tool for a New Councilor

Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos, who is in her first eight months in office, has embraced ChatGPT as a key tool for her work. This admission marks a significant moment in the intersection of AI and local governance. Avalos confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive that she has been using the AI tool extensively since taking office.

From Social Media to City Hall Speeches

The councilor's use of AI isn't limited to a single task. According to the report, she has employed ChatGPT for a wide range of public communications. This includes drafting social media posts, preparing speeches, and even crafting remarks delivered from the dais during official Portland City Council meetings. Furthermore, Avalos recently launched a personal column on the city's website, which is also written with assistance from the AI. The column is intended to provide her unvarnished opinions, now with a touch of artificial intelligence collaboration.

The New Frontier of Political Communication

The use of AI by a public official for official duties raises new questions and opens a discussion about the future of political communication. While such tools can offer efficiency and help officials manage a heavy workload, it also brings authenticity and transparency to the forefront. Councilor Avalos's open confirmation of her methods provides a key case study for how elected leaders may integrate advanced technology into their roles, signaling a potential shift in how public pronouncements are crafted and delivered.