This paper highlights the necessity for a unified data strategy in state and local government to facilitate effective AI implementation. Fragmented data systems create barriers to AI by complicating data access, management, and security. The paper proposes consolidating data in a converged database, which simplifies operations, strengthens security, and prepares organizations for advanced AI applications. By ensuring all data is centrally managed, state and local agencies can leverage AI tools more efficiently, starting small to build confidence and gradually expanding AI solutions for enhanced public service delivery.
