U.S. States Advance AI Pilots but Struggle with Evaluation Mechanisms
A recent report from Code for America highlights that nearly all U.S. states have initiated some form of artificial intelligence (AI) pilot projects, yet few have developed mechanisms to evaluate their public value. The 2026 Government AI Landscape Assessment categorizes states into four stages of AI maturity: readiness, piloting, implementation, and impact. While most states recognize AI as a strategic capability, only a small number have integrated AI into enterprise-scale workflows across agencies. The report identifies Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Vermont as leaders in government AI adoption, citing their strong executive leadership and cross-agency governance. However, the lack of quality data and security concerns are hindering broader AI adoption.