Kawachinagano declares "脱コンサル" with generative AI

Kawachinagano has been building toward this for a few years. The city set generative AI usage guidelines in fiscal 2025 and began applying the technology to its work. In fiscal 2026 it set up a project team led mainly by younger staff to push use further, and it is now testing how far generative AI can go in administrative tasks with help from Polimill.

Nishino framed the move as a break from the status quo, saying the city had mostly outsourced this work. He noted that consulting firms themselves return deliverables made with generative AI, and said the city could avoid paying fees of several million to tens of millions of yen if its staff master the tools. He argued that plans drawn up by staff who are close to residents can be more precise.

The practical scope covers basic research, data sorting, and the drafting of plan outlines and first proposals. The outcome likely hinges on how much of that work staff can absorb, and the city still plans to bring in outside experts where advanced advice or objective verification is needed.