Four cities to bring in new AI and cyber talent

Four US cities will bring in specialist support in AI, cybersecurity and process innovation through the 2025 NobleReach Scholars programme, which places emerging technology professionals directly into municipal teams.

The second annual cohort includes placements in Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA) and Seattle. Assignments will include developing AI policies, improving data governance, advising on automation and strengthening cyber capabilities.

“Our programme aims to connect organisations with candidates who fit their needs–both from a technical skill and a culture perspective–and candidates with opportunities to use their skills to make an impact during their placement,” Rebeca Lamadrid (pictured), Senior Vice President, Talent Programmes at NobleReach, told Cities Today.

Tailored municipal projects

Some scholars will fill technical positions such as AI research or cybersecurity analysis, while others will focus on bridging the gap between policy and technology.

“One of the most important qualities we look for in our applicants is the ability to talk about complex emerging technologies like AI with people who might not have experience or expertise in those areas,” Lamadrid said. “We want them to be able to meet people where they are, to help our partners make the most of new tools across their organisations.”

In Oklahoma City, the scholar will work under Chief Innovation Officer Kelly Williams, with a remit that includes reviewing processes across 18 departments and more than 5,000 staff, identifying opportunities for AI and automation, strengthening data governance, and helping shape an AI policy framework.

Structured support and evaluation

Each host organisation will track its own outcomes, but NobleReach embeds a common structure to help participants succeed. Before starting their placements in September, the scholars complete a two-week orientation bootcamp designed to familiarise them with the public service environment, introduce core project management approaches, and provide grounding in the four focus areas of AI, cybersecurity, business process innovation and materials manufacturing.

Throughout the year, the group reconvenes for quarterly weekend workshops where they exchange experiences and receive additional training. They also take part in regular virtual speaker sessions featuring leaders from across the public and private sectors.

Every scholar is paired with a dedicated mentor for the duration of their assignment, providing one-to-one guidance, feedback and career development support. This framework aims to ensure that regardless of the size, budget or maturity of the host city’s technology infrastructure, each participant has the resources and network needed to deliver value.

“While their experiences will certainly be shaped by their unique environments, our goal is to provide a foundation of community and support to help them build the skills and networks they need to thrive in public service and beyond,” Lamadrid said.

Building on inaugural success

The 2024 inaugural cohort of 19 scholars worked on projects from generative AI deployment at the Food and Drug Administration to advanced materials development for extreme conditions.

“Our aim is to inspire our scholars, past and present, to use their exposure to industry and government to better solve challenges facing communities across the nation,” Lamadrid said.

Image: NobleReach