This special issue examines how artificial intelligence becomes embedded and institutionalized within local governments and the consequent transformations in governance. While AI scholarship typically focuses on national initiatives or public administration broadly, local governments have distinctive conditions that warrant focused attention. The issue seeks to understand not just adoption and implementation of AI systems, but how AI reshapes everyday administrative practice, institutional capabilities, organizational structures, and democratic engagement.
The special issue addresses three interconnected dimensions. First, institutional capacity examines how local governments build lasting infrastructure, expertise, and governance structures to support AI sustainably. Second, organizational arrangements explore how AI influences administrative routines, professional roles, and authority distribution. Third, democratic practices investigate how citizens participate in and influence AI integration decisions. The issue welcomes diverse methodological approaches and comparative research across different municipalities and policy sectors.