Dive Brief:
- Swiftbuild.ai, an artificial intelligence developer, announced it has helped to cut zoning review times for single-family homes in Hernando County, Florida, by as much as 93% — from 30 days to two.
- The company’s government-tailored AI platform, SwiftGov, automatically analyzes single-family residential permit applications and subdivision review applications against the county’s codes and regulations, flagging discrepancies or incomplete information. It’s estimated the tool has saved the county $1 million so far.
- “We believe these modernization and efficiency efforts will set a national example for the practical and responsible use of AI in local government,” Ron Russo, operations lead for Hernando County, said in a statement.
Dive Insight:
More AI developers are tailoring the new technology for local government. OpenAI, Microsoft and Salesforce are just a few of the companies that have begun courting the public sector with AI products in the past year. It’s starting to pay off, as major cities such as San Francisco and Dallas are embracing AI to streamline processes for staff.
Hernando’s Board of County Commissioners approved a $320,000 contract with Quantum Partners — doing business as Swiftbuild.ai. — in May.
In 2024, Hurricane Milton unleashed record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding in Hernando County that damaged homes and critical infrastructure. Swiftbuild.ai says it has so far helped to expedite approvals for more than 6,000 single-family homes as the county rebuilds.
While SwiftGov “streamlines routine checks and accelerates the review process,” full decision-making authority remains with county staff, who have final say on the enforcement of requirements, according to the county’s innovation agreement with the company.
Swiftbuild.ai also launched a pilot program in Jacksonville, Florida, in September to streamline government permitting and compliance processes.